Brockenhurst students and care home residents hold lantern-making party for Chinese New Year

Residents in the New Forest got into the spirit of the Chinese New Year by inviting local college students to a lantern-making party as part of the home’s new year celebrations.

Colten Care’s Woodpeckers residents and Brockenhurst College’s Child, Health and Social Care students spent time making lanterns together to decorate the home in the run up to the Chinese New Year on 28 January.

The Brockenhurst students visit the home once a week to take part in different sessions, including quizzes, clay modelling, and baking.

Laura Wheeler, Brockenhurst College learning support assistant, finds it “just lovely” visiting Woodpeckers and witnessing the interaction between the two generations.

“Apart from grandparents, some of our students don’t tend to spend much time with older people so they really get a lot out of visiting here,” she explained.

“The residents have such fascinating stories to tell about their lives.”

The red lanterns made by the residents and students will be hung around the home’s lounge to bring good luck and scare off the mythical monster, Nian.

Residents at the home took part in various celebrations for the Chinese New Year, which is heralding the Year of the Rooster, including a Chinese-themed lunch.

Jane Bunker, activities organiser at Woodpeckers, said: “We love having the students along. Our residents really enjoy meeting and talking with them and taking part in shared arts and crafts work.

“The Chinese theme added an extra focus this time round.”

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