AN innovative project that uses hens to build bonds between different generations has been rewarded for its ‘eggs-cellent’ achievements.

The HenPower initiative is based at Forest View Primary School, in Lochwinnoch, which is run by child and youth care charity Kibble.

Before the Covid pandemic, this involved youngsters meeting with care home residents for weekly face-to-face activities, including art and music sessions, as well as looking after ex-battery hens at the school campus.

When this was no longer possible, pupils switched to using tablets and mobile phones to keep in touch with their older friends and treat them to virtual visits with the hens.
Clay moulding and rock painting have also been taking place digitally.

Now the project has scooped the Digital Innovation Award from the Generations Working Together charity, which supports the development of intergenerational work across Scotland.

Rhona Dorrington, project lead and outdoor activity co-ordinator at Kibble, said the relationships built between young people at the ‘therapeutic primary’ and residents at Spiers Care Home, in Beith, are “astounding.”

She told The Gazette: “It is about establishing a bond with each other based on love and care, about being seen and knowing that they are not forgotten.

“Connections to family members and daily routines were severely reduced for both groups this year due to lockdown, so it was crucial that we created some consistency for our young people and for the Spiers residents.

“HenPower is something they both look forward to so much.

“It’s a bit of fun while giving them experiences and connections they otherwise might not have had.”

As well as the mental wellbeing benefits for all, there has been a noticeable increase in the physical and mental health of the care home residents.

One non-verbal resident even spoke for the first time in years to express her fondness for one of the young people.

Alison Ravandi, manager at the care home, said: “Interacting with the young people from Kibble has been a form of therapy for our residents, particularly while lockdown restrictions meant we could not welcome visitors or take residents out on their usual trips.

“The youngsters have worked hard and been very welcoming.

“Our ladies and gents have loved getting to know the kids, learning about their project and always look forward to the next activity.

“The project certainly deserves the recognition it is receiving. Well done to all involved.”
ENDS*

A Renfrewshire charity has won national recognition for an intergenerational project involving children at its therapeutic primary in Lochwinnoch.

Kibble, which supports young people who have faced trauma and adversity, picked up the Digital Innovation Award by Generations Working Together for its “HenPower” initiative.

In addition to checking in with the hens during their very own ‘flock-down’, aptly named by the children, the animal visiting also included seeing the ducks, turkeys and ponies who are all a big part of normal day-to-day life and education at Forest View.