A project instigated by occupational therapists and physiotherapists at Monmouthshire’s integrated health and social care team based in Monmouth’s Monnow Vale has benefitted to the tune of £12,000 thanks to the generosity of two organisations.

The Owls & Acorns intergenerational initiative, which tackles loneliness and isolation among older people, has received a cheque from the National Lottery as well as Monmouthshire Housing Association.

Owls & Acorns started as a pilot scheme two years ago in Raglan Primary to bring together older people and children from foundation phase classes to enjoy arts, crafts and exercises for one and a half hours.  This shared activity benefits both parties and the scheme has since expanded to include Usk Primary as well as Kymin View Primary and Osbaston Primary in Monmouth.  Last year, the scheme was nominated for an Aneurin Bevan University Health Board staff recognition award and has been recognised in local and national media.

The award from Monmouthshire Housing Association was granted via its Pitch for your Project funding scheme which offers the opportunity for local groups and charities with brilliant ideas for their community to bid for a cash donation.  This, together with the National Lottery cash, means security for the current Owls & Acorns activities.

When coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed the Owls & Acorns team will return to work in Raglan, Usk and Monmouth, and in addition the cash boost will allow them to establish new projects in Monmouthshire where intergenerational opportunities are limited, either in line with existing schemes or in a manner that best fits new locations.

Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Housing Association, John Keegan said:

“We are delighted to support this fantastic project to allow it to continue and expand to other parts of the county.  These initiatives don’t happen by accident; they need people dedicated to their community and willing to put in the hours to make those communities strong, active and vibrant.  We have funded several intergenerational projects over the years and love seeing people coming together and finding they have so much in common and are so willing to share their stories and time.  We wish Owls & Acorns continued success and would like to congratulate them on a really high quality bid for support”.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for Social Care and Health, Councillor Penny Jones said:

“We’re very grateful for the awards from the National Lottery and Monmouthshire Housing Association.  They are much appreciated as they will improve the well-being of an increased number of older people across the county and offer them an alternative to living with loneliness and isolation.  I have seen for myself how successful Owls & Acorns is and would like to thank the staff involved for their work to develop it.”

Contact [email protected] for further information on Owls & Acorns.