Residents delighted with carol visit from school children

Northfield nursing home in Sheffield was the venue for a Christmas carol concert this week as students from Walkley Primary School visited to provide some festive cheer for the residents.

21 children attended after spending weeks practising the carols on their school lunch breaks and sang for the residents in the garden of the home.

The children, aged 9-10, also made individual Christmas cards addressed to each of the residents which were delivered in person as a surprise for the delighted audience.

Nicola Merriman, Housekeeper at Northfield nursing home, said:

The residents were thrilled to have a visit from local school children and their own carol concert in the home’s garden and they were absolutely over the moon with the Christmas cards. Some said they couldn't wait for their families to visit so they could show them. It’s been another challenging year for our elderly and it was wonderful to see them all enjoy the visit from the children.

Jean Horton a resident Northfield added:

Wasn't that a beautiful carol concert from those little children, I can't get over how good they were.

Sally Travis, Teacher at Walkley Primary School said:

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in some festive singing at the nursing home and delighted to be able to connect with our local community and spread some festive cheer to all the residents and staff. The Year 5 pupils have shown fantastic dedication by attending a choir practice during their lunch breaks. They've all been very excited to take part in the event!

Children from Walkley Primary School added:

"I loved doing the singing because it's a very generous things to do" - BW

"I know how hard it is in care homes as I've been to visit people in care homes before and I did this to wish them a Merry Christmas" - TL

"People say I'm good at singing and when I sing I'm happy and I wanted to put a smile on other peoples faces" - LM

"It was a very nice thing to do and I wanted to make them laugh and smile when they can't be with their own families" - KP

Northfield is run by Palms Row Health Care (PRHC), which manages two homes in the city, and provides nursing and intermediate care for up to 63 elderly residents. The manager of PRHC, Nicola Richards, has recently launched an organisation, Support Social Care Heroes, to support social care workers across the country by recognising their dedication and protecting their wellbeing.