Local pupils invited to get creative about the older generation
Pupils from a primary school in Basildon are being given the opportunity to win a prize for writing the best poem about their grandparents or the elderly.
Sanctuary Care, which runs the newPoplar House Extra Care schemeon Rectory Road in Pitsea, is running the competition for pupils from the neighbouring Briscoe Primary School.
The schoolchildren will get opportunity to win themselves £15 in vouchers of their choice for composing the most compelling ode to Grandma, Grandpa or the older generation.
Once the judging has taken place 15 finalists will be invited to Poplar House for their Summer Fete on Thursday 12 July for the prize-giving ceremony.
Caroline Kaiser, Sanctuary’s Extra Care Regional Manager for London and the South East, said: “We’re really keen for Poplar House to become part of the local community and getting the pupils from the neighbouring school involved is a great way for local people to get to know us.
“The relationship between young people and the elderly is often a very special one and we hope it will inspire some really wonderful and creative entries.”
Diane Pilgrim, headteacher at Briscoe Primary, added: “The competition will be a great opportunity for our children to show how much their creative writing has improved and practice their skills. I’m really looking forward to seeing their entries”
Any pupils who would like to enter the competition can speak to their teacher for more information.
Poplar House is a brand new, purpose-built development of 65 one and two bedroom apartments designed specifically for over-55s who currently live in Basildon or have a strong connection to the area.
Offering the support and security of additional on-site care, Poplar House Extra Care enables its residents to continue living independently, on a rented social housing basis or through the shared ownership scheme, without having to move into a residential care home.
Anyone who is interested in renting a property should contact Baildon District Council’s housing team on 01268 294099 quoting Poplar House. People interested in the shared ownership option can contact Sanctuary’s Homebuy team on 0800 916 1520 or email:homebuy@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.