£10,000 heritage project helps young and old living in Hillingdon explore their identity as they connect through creativity.

Residents at Parkfield House Nursing Home celebrated the end of a £10,000 project with a showcase of their work with friends and family.

For the past year the group, known as the Parkfield Peckers, have worked closely with artists, Glebe Primary School and creative ageing charity Equal Arts as they delved into the history of the area and those who’ve lived at the 19th Century home.

Hannah Wood from charity Equal Arts said: “The exhibition at Uxbridge Civic Centre was just the icing on the cake! Going into the project there was so much enthusiasm from the group to explore the heritage of the home, so many have their roots in the area and we were keen to capture and share their knowledge in creative ways.”

There’s been a smorgasbord of creativity with illustration, photography, portraiture, music, story-telling and collage as the group took part in weekly artist-led workshops and linked up with schoolchildren to share ideas.

Glendeen Quow, manager of the Canford Healthcare-run home, is in no doubt about the project’s benefit to residents, staff and the home. She said: “It’s been a busy year and we have all loved every minute of it. It’s been a privilege to learn about our fascinating heritage and a joy to see our residents grow in confidence each week as they were introduced to the different workshops and artists. We have enjoyed strengthening our relationships with the local community, especially with the staff and children at Glebe Primary School.”

Clare Sheldon, who provides Pastoral Support at Glebe Primary School, said: “The children have been proud to be a part of this project and connect with the Parkfield residents. It’s been great for them to have experience in talking to and sharing with older people, it gives them a stronger sense of understanding and compassion. This project has been a great way of exploring their own emotions and identity and we look forward to continuing our friendship with Parkfield.”

The project was made possible with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund.