Meet the founder of innovative intergenerational playgroup offered at care homes across Northants
Meet the founder of this innovative intergenerational playgroup offered at care homes across Northamptonshire, who launched this venture during maternity leave after being made redundant.
Little & Wise Playgroup is the brainchild of Jodie Linnell and is described as a playgroup with a difference operating across this county, Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire.
Jodie is the mother to a three-month-old daughter and she launched this offering in November last year, having been made redundant from her role as a nursery manager while pregnant. Luckily, this new journey has taken off.
“This intergenerational playgroup brings the community together,” Jodie told the Chronicle & Echo. “Intergenerational play reduces loneliness in adults and is developmental for children.
“It builds on empathy, brings everyone together and is completely child-led. I set out all the toys, colouring and sometimes we do music and singing, and interactions are built between generations.”
Jodie currently partners with 12 care homes and these hour-long sessions are held on a monthly basis. It is limited to 10 families, with a booking fee of £6 for an adult with a child and £3 for additional children. Hot drinks and snacks are included.
“I’ve always worked in Northamptonshire nurseries and there isn’t anything similar to this in the area,” said Jodie. “Pre-schools and nurseries do visits to care homes, but this allows families to come along and is an activity for the residents too.”
Jodie has received “really positive” feedback from the care homes, as the playgroup cheers the residents up and they look forward to it. Some have even described it as “the best day ever”.
Looking to the future of Little & Wise Playgroup, Jodie would love to continue the collaborations she has established – as well as introducing breakfast and play sessions in community halls and centres across the three areas.