EVERY Friday morning, at Elm Tree Court, students from a local school arrive to help residents enjoy a game of bingo.

The youngsters, from a pupil referral unit at Ellar Carr School, make and serve tea and coffee, and toast, and chat to residents at the Thackley care home.

The school has had a close relationship with Elm Tree Court, which has about 70 residents, since the home opened three years ago. And ever since, youngsters at the school have been visiting on a weekly basis, helping out with coffee mornings, Bingo sessions and other social get-togethers.

“The students get a lot out of it,” said Ellar Carr School’s parent practitioner Dave Lodge. “We have a different rota of students each week, from Year 7 to Year 10, and bring in three at a time.

“They learn about responsibility, taking orders for teas, coffees and biscuits, and serving people. And they enjoy the social aspect of chatting to the residents. These students are working for their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award and this programme of community engagement will go towards that.”

Former teacher Margaret Rice, who is a resident at Elm Tree Court, enjoys working with the youngsters.

“It’s fantastic that we have this involvement from the school,” says Margaret. “The pupils come in and help with coffee mornings and games. Some of the residents are visually challenged so they help to write their bingo cards.”

Margaret opened Bradford’s first unit for pupils with behavioural problems, at Green Lane School in 1967. “I started out as a cookery teacher then went into special needs education. The students I work with here are very much akin to those I used to teach, it’s incredibly rewarding to spend time with them, and to still have that involvement with younger people.

“I sometimes go into the school too; I helped to make Christmas lunch for the students.”

Now Margaret is keen to set up computer classes for residents, with students teaching the older people and passing on their own internet technology skills.

The youngsters gather with residents in a spacious dining and lounge area, where regular social activities are held throughout the week.

“We have a weekly quiz, and occasionally we go out for trips to places like Whitby and Manchester’s Christmas market,” says resident Michael Parry. “It’s wonderful when the pupils come in on Fridays, it does us a lot of good to spend time with younger people, and they find it very rewarding. We can learn from each other.

“The school has been engaged with the care home right from the beginning, and was even involved with choosing its name.”

Youngsters from the school also visit Regency Court care home in Keighley, which specialises in dementia care.

Mark Rounding, chief executive of Age UK Bradford District , said: "Age UK Bradford District's vision is to value everyone’s future, create age friendly communities and put people first.

"Intergenerational work is crucial to this and we welcome initiatives like the fantastic one at Elm Tree Court and also our own work with Bradford Grammar School.

"Everyone benefits when older and younger people get together, breaking down barriers, sharing knowledge and experience and building trust and friendship. This is a great example and we hope that others will feel able to set up similar schemes appropriate to their communities."

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported on a project at a Buttershaw care home, Cooper House, which held a “virtual cruise” for residents. The home was transformed into a “ship” calling at various countries - and youngsters from Whetley Academy got involved by making colourful artwork and props and putting on entertainment for residents.

The aim of the project was to prompt memories of holidays and countries the residents have visited or lived in.

Another T&A report, earlier this year, focused on a reminiscence session at Heaton Grange care home, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK Bradford’s Military Memories team. Footage from the Yorkshire Film Archive was screened to stir memories and prompt discussions among people who served in and lived during the Second World War and other conflicts.

The Alzheimer’s Society appealed for schools and other organisations to get involved with care homes in their communities.