Kind-hearted pupils from a Glasgow high school treated local care home residents to a home-cooked festive feast, to help prevent loneliness among the elderly this Christmas.

ST ANDREW’S Roman Catholic Secondary School invited 10 residents from Bupa’s Eastbank Care Home to socialise with other elderly members of the community over a spread of hearty, traditional dishes, specially prepared by its fifth and sixth year students.

Santa was also in attendance to bring Christmas cheer to the event – held once a year by the pupils as part of their personal development class – and residents were entertained by melodic performances from the school’s music department, as well as games of bingo and a raffle.

Miss Dempsey, English Teacher at St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Secondary School, said: “Having the pupils welcome residents from local care homes to dine together is extremely beneficial as it enables them to take on leadership roles.

“It also teaches them important life skills such as collaboration, communication and team work and encourages them to socialise and bond with members of the community that they may not necessarily spend much time with otherwise.”

Jim Meechan, Activity Co-ordinator at Bupa’s Eastbank Care Home, joined the residents at the school lunch.

He said: “As Christmas can be a lonely time of year for many people, we always have lots going on for the residents in December and encourage activities that will help spread a little joy during the holiday season.

“So it was lovely for the residents to be invited to the school, to meet and mingle with those from other local homes and with the kids within the community. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves – and the turkey and mince pies – and really got in the festive spirit.

“A couple of our residents’ partners also attended the lunch, and many of them also have special connections with the school as their children or grandchildren went there, so it was a lovely occasion for everyone involved.”

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