Pupils from a primary school in Farnworth visited care homes in the area to spread the love on St Valentine’s Day.
Around 15 young people from St Gregory’s RC Primary School paid a visit to resident of Hollands Nursing and Residential Home and Farnworth Care Home on Tuesday, February 14, to sing songs, deliver readings, and hand out gifts to the service users.
It was the first time the school has been able to go inside a site since Covid, though they have been able to make outside appearances on occasion, such as for carol singing.
Teacher at the school Lorraine Hallows says the children were very excited before hand and were asking all morning when they were setting off.
READ MORE: Ladybridge Primary School's 'Aspirations Week'
She said: “Because of the pandemic we’ve not really been able to do any work in the community for a while.
“Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect day to show some love to our community.
“Coming into the care homes creates a good understanding of what the community is like.
“I think they’ve done a really good job and we’re really proud of them.”
The visit was part of the school’s "Urban Outreach" scheme, which aims to give back to the community and give its pupils enriching opportunities outside of the school setting.
Mrs Hallows added: “It’s not just about the work we do in the classroom. We’re giving the children real life experiences.
READ MORE: Bolton hosts community events to support health and wellbeing
“It helps them to become young adults and well-rounded members of the community.”
Hollands cares for people from a range of backgrounds dealing with complex issues.
Manager at the nursing home Kathryn Hewitt was thrilled to welcome pupils from St Gregory’s back for a second time.
She said: “They’re a very nice little school and it’s so nice of them to come in and spend time with the people here.
“They really like it.”
The children received Easter eggs as a thank you for their efforts.
The school’s Urban Outreach programme has more in the pipeline.
There are plans to do a litter pick in the community as well as doing a sleep out in solidarity with the rough sleepers.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here