Willowbrook View, a new luxury care home in the Connaught Care Collection, has teamed up with Kingfisher Primary School to create Willowbrook Gardens, an intergenerational community garden designed to bring together care home residents and local schoolchildren.
Set to open in February 2025, Willowbrook View is already making strides in fostering community connections.
The idea for the garden came when Chris Guest, Customer Relationship Manager at Willowbrook View, noticed an underused patch of land near the care home during a walk around the school grounds. Inspired by its potential, he approached Kingfisher Primary School’s headteacher, Mrs. Bishop, with a vision for a shared space where young and old could learn, grow, and bond.
Last week, staff from Willowbrook View joined Kingfisher’s teachers and pupils to plant tulips, pansies, violas, lettuces, and radishes, with hopes that the vibrant display will flourish in time for the care home’s opening.
Mrs. Bishop expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “This is such a wonderful gesture from Willowbrook View Care Home. Our children are thrilled to have Willowbrook Gardens as a space to explore nature and build connections with their soon-to-be neighbours. We look forward to future projects with the care home, which will benefit both our pupils and staff.”
Willowbrook has also committed to funding the garden’s development, providing tools and resources to ensure its success. Natasha Stone, Deputy Manager at Willowbrook, highlighted the broader benefits: “Gardening offers therapeutic value for our residents, helping with cognitive function and mental wellbeing. At the same time, it provides children with a hands-on educational experience. We’re excited to see how this partnership blossoms over time.”
Chris Guest added: “We’re thrilled to have launched Willowbrook Gardens with Kingfisher Primary School. This marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership, and we have many more intergenerational projects in the works. The garden will give our residents and the children a fantastic way to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and learn from each other.”
Located in the heart of Wichelstowe, Willowbrook View will set new standards in adult care, combining state-of-the-art facilities with a strong emphasis on community involvement.
Willowbrook View opens in February 2025. To find out more, contact christopher.guest@willowbrookview.co.uk or call 01793 387950.
