Community Stories

Finding her voice

When Katy (age 4) first joined our Tuesday sessions, she barely spoke.

Katy had delayed speech and was receiving support from a speech therapist. Nursery staff had noticed that she often struggled to communicate with others and lacked confidence in group situations. During his first two Brighter Together sessions, she stayed very quiet and rarely interacted with either the older adults or the other children.

But over the following weeks, something began to change.

The nursery staff noticed that Katy seemed far more relaxed in the calm and welcoming environment of the sessions. The older adults gave her time and space to communicate at her own pace, listening patiently and responding warmly whenever she joined in. Through singing songs and sharing activities with the older adults each week, Katy began joining conversations more and more. Soon, she was chatting about her holidays, favourite toys and proudly sharing stories from home.

Staff saw a clear difference not only during the sessions themselves, but back at nursery too. Katy became more willing to speak in group activities, more confident interacting with other children and more comfortable expressing herself with adults. For everyone involved, it was wonderful to watch her find her voice.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

 

Moments that matter

Living with dementia means that June initially experienced high levels of anxiety and disorientation when she first joined the Brighter Together sessions. But the moment the children arrive, June’s face glows with happiness. She greets them with smiles and praise, instantly showing that her ability to connect and share joy remains beautifully intact.

One of the most powerful moments comes during singing with the children. Although June needs support with many everyday tasks, she sings every word perfectly and joins in the actions. In these moments, music seems to gently bypass cognitive barriers, unlocking memories that light up her life.

Perhaps the most moving evidence of the sessions’ impact came from June’s son.

Mum’s face lit up when I mentioned the get together… 3 hours later. She genuinely recalled something of it and felt something very positive. Normally Mum doesn’t recall what she did earlier that day… on Monday, it was different.

For June and her family, these moments matter. Brighter Together helps create meaningful emotional connections and joy that stay with participants long after the sessions end.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

From withdrawl to connection

When Doreen (aged 83) first moved into the home, she was withdrawn and spent most of her time alone in her room, showing signs of depression. After she joined the Brighter Together sessions, the change was immediate. Doreen began anticipating the children’s visits, often asking when the next visit would be. She now gets up early so she can be ready on the mornings the children come.

The impact of the programme for Doreen extends beyond these sessions. Brighter Together encouraged her to take a more active part in the life of the care home, and she now joins in other activities and is more sociable.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

Strengthening the community

One of our most heartwarming projects takes place at George Potter House in Wandsworth, where over half of the residents live with dementia. Through the weekly sessions with local nursery children, the project has blossomed into a meaningful and lasting connection between two often separated age groups. These new bonds have become so valued that the children are invited to a special shared lunch with the residents every term – a gesture that marks a deepening partnership between the nursery and the care home.

During these lunches, the dining room is filled with warmth as children and residents, now familiar companions, gather around one long table. Their shared laughter and conversation creates an atmosphere that lifts the spirits of everyone in the room. This project has begun the cultivation of a caring, inclusive community.

 

Learning to embrace difference

Before joining Brighter Together, Daniel (age 4) was hesitant around differences. Although his aunt uses a wheelchair, he struggled to connect with her and often avoided unfamiliar situations. When his Mum suggested joining the sessions, Daniel was reluctant and unsure what to expect.

After just a few sessions, Daniel’s confidence grew noticeably. His Mum observed a clear change in how Daniel interacted with his aunt — he became more curious, open and accepting. As Daniel settled into the sessions, he began talking enthusiastically at home about the residents and the activities they shared.

When one of the residents was unwell, Daniel spent time with her and made her smile and laugh. Daniel spoke about how good it felt to laugh together and to know that he had helped. Through Brighter Together, Daniel has developed confidence, empathy and a strong sense of purpose.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

Unlocking joyful moments

George lives with dementia, but during the Brighter Together sessions, he can come alive.

He watches the children with intense focus, their energy and joy pulling him into their world. When it’s time to sing, especially when songs include actions, George will always try to join in, his movements deliberate and engaged. Yet, there are moments of struggle – when offered an object, uncertainty flickers across his face, and he needs gentle help to know what to do.

During one session, we introduced a simple balloon game to encourage movement and connection between the children and residents. Something magical happened: George caught the balloon, and in an instant, he lit up. His confusion melted away, replaced by a burst of laughter and understanding.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

Finding purpose

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 Age UK staff thought the sessions with the children would suit Mrs J well, so invited her to participate.

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 tells staff, “it makes my day when the children come”.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.

Growing confidence through connection

Clara 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 Clara 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.

Names and images have been changed to respect people’s privacy.