Our Impact – Brighter Together

Key Statistics

Sessions delivered

Children have participated

Older people have participated

Read our latest impact report

Key outcomes

100% of our partners would recommend our programme to another care setting or nursery school.

Key outcomes for children

100% of children made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their social wellbeing.

90% of children made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their social wellbeing.

91% of children made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their development (against the characteristics of effective learning).

Key outcomes for older adults

97% of adults made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their social wellbeing.

92% of adults made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their social wellbeing.

89% of adults made ‘significant’ or ‘very significant’ improvement to their physical health.

Case studies

L is 3 years old. When she attended the first session, she entered the room tentatively, clinging to the nursery worker accompanying her and climbing onto their lap for reassurance. Over the course of the programme, she bonded with one of the older adults from the setting. Eventually, she would run into the room to sit with her older friend, no longer requiring support from the nursery staff. The older adult supported the child emotionally and practically, helping her build confidence and engage more fully in the sessions. Before long, both of them would join in the games and dance with enthusiasm, reflecting significant personal growth and the joyfulness of the relationship they had formed.

“We said it lots last half term but just wanted to thank you both again for everything you do! From the incredible planning and resourcing to the room set up/tidy and how quickly you have developed relationships with the children. We are so beyond lucky to be on this amazing project’s journey with you and our wonderful older friends.”

Emma Tittle, Reception Teacher, Lowther Primary School

Mrs J was selected for the project because she lives on her own and does not have any family living in the UK. Her first job was as a nursery worker in Portugal and she misses interacting with children and younger members of her family very much. She has previously displayed signs of depression and we thought the sessions with the children would suit Mrs J well. After she joined the Brighter Together session, the change was immediate. Mrs J gets up early on the mornings that the children come so that she is ready on time. She has developed a particularly strong bond with one little girl who she describes as “adorable and well-mannered”. She tells us, “it makes my day when the children come”.

Testimonials

“I always had high hopes of a project like this, but this has exceeded those expectations. This is wonderful work that every child and senior citizen should be able to experience.”

Claudia Neves, Headteacher

“It is the sunshine in my week.”

Jon, care home resident

“During the sessions everyone smiles. The residents are calmer, more communicative, and happier after each session. Our residents have created beautiful connections with the children and during the week they always talk about their friends from nursery.”

Antonela, Care Home Activity Coordinator