Our expanding range of programmes are designed to spread the pastoral benefit of time with our GrandFriends to a range of younger people.
Lunch & Playtime Visits
Lunch & Play Time Sessions take place once a week in term time, where Grandfriends enjoy lunch together with primary school pupils (ages 4 – 11) followed by free time to share conversation, and games and toys from our GrandFriends Carpet Bags.
“Volunteering as a GrandFriend gives as much to me as the children and I feel lifted up after each visit. When we arrive and the children rush up to say hello, I feel like a celebrity”.
GrandFriend
Library Sessions
Grandfriends listen to the primary school children read from their phonics reading books, and then make a free selection of a book to read and enjoy together.
"I've been concerned about literacy for children even before COVID forced homeschooling, and have long thought that I could give my time to read with children to help them, and also the teachers and families. It's been terrific to spend time with the pupils at the library sessions, and rewarding to see them blossom over time. This has become a highlight of my week."
GrandFriend.
The Lunch & Playtime Visits and the Library Sessions are hosted by St John's Primary School in Oldfield Park in Bath. We hope to expand to other schools soon.
Sunday Socials
Big tea parties on the first sunday of the month, for people of all ages to share the company of the GrandFriends, with a traditional tea time menu, and entertainments to appeal to all ages.
Guests invited from the whole community, including families, students and young professionals.
“I love meeting up with the students and younger adults over a relaxed tea at the Sunday Socials – it feels important to be able to listen to their stories, and lovely to feel their interest in me. I never get to see people that age socially otherwise.”
GrandFriend
Hobbies Club
The GrandFriends Hobbies Club is for primary and secondary age children between 8 and 15 who are invited from all local schools to explore different hobbies each time, based on the GrandFriends' and children’s shared interests.
"B--- can be a bit anxious at school and uncertain with children her own age, but she feels safe and happy spending time with the GrandFriends. The Hobbies Club is perfect for her; a slow, gentle and entertaining time with the wonderful volunteers"
Parent of 13 year old at Hobbies Club trial.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.