A Hitchin care home and a local college have joined forces to encourage intergenerational collaboration.

MHA Elmside and North Hertfordshire College have been working together with students coming to the home and spending time with the residents

Students from the college have been visiting residents at the home on a weekly basis, helping students build confidence whilst creating meaningful connections with residents through hand care and nail painting sessions.

The partnership reflects both organisations commitment to community engagement, wellbeing and creating opportunities for people of different generations to connect and learn from each other.

Throughout the partnership, students have developed valuable communication skills, increased their confidence and built genuine relationships with residents.

Residents at MHA Elmside have equally embraced the visits, enjoying the regular social interaction and meaningful engagement with young people from the local community.

MHA Elmside provides residential and dementia care for up to 69 residents.

Monica King, activities coordinator said: "This has been such a positive experience!

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Our residents have so looked forward to the girls' weekly visit and have been seen showing off their fresh manicures to friends and family.

It has been genuinely heartwarming to see residents building friendships with the students and I hope the partnership continues long into the future."

Carmel Pryce, support coordinator at the college added: " It has been truly wonderful seeing the students grow in confidence during their time at MHA Elmside.

"The time spent with the residents has been invaluable for them.

"I have watched students who were too shy to say hello to people on day one, get up and perform a song on the last day.

"I feel this partnership has been a huge success and hopefully we will continue with the next cohort of students."

Plans are already underway to continue and develop this initiative following the positive feedback from students, residents and colleagues alike.