A TODDLER group is taking up temporary residence at The Lawn Care Home in Holybourne.

Teddies Toddler Group normally meets at the Church of the Holy Rood, but the building is being refurbished and The Lawn has kindly offered the children, aged up to five, a temporary home.

Run by charity Friends of the Elderly, The Lawn was really keen to offer its communal space to host Teddies.

Every Thursday morning, the group sets up in the home’s dining room where the children have toys and can enjoy play, nursery rhymes, craft activities and listen to Bible stories while the parents have the opportunity to catch up over a cup of coffee.

Residents of The Lawn have happily joined the group and many sit watching the children play and chat with the parents and children.

Marie Moody, manager of The Lawn, said: “The whole place is buzzing when the Teddies group comes in. We have one particular resident who worries a great deal and spends a lot of time talking to staff about her ongoing worries.

“She now joins the group every Thursday and the children are a great distraction for her and give her a different focus.

“We have really noticed her well-being improve since the children have been coming, which is fantastic to see.

“Other residents have said how much joy the children bring to them and how wonderful it is to hear their young voices and laughter in our home.”

Sylvia Raine, leader of the Teddies group, said: “We are very grateful to Marie and all at The Lawn for allowing us to use their home as a venue.

“We are aware that we bring a different dimension to life there for an hour or so on a Thursday morning. It is particularly heart-warming to see three generations from one family participating together in the group, and very encouraging to hear a resident saying how it had made their day.”

And she added: “This is not a permanent arrangement, it’s just for the time the church refurbishment is taking place. It isn’t quite ready yet, so realistically it is unlikely that we will be back in church until after the summer holidays.

“We hope, though, that our relationship with The Lawn will continue in other ways.”

* The Lawn is one of 11 care homes run by Friends of the Elderly and community engagement is an important part of life at the charity’s homes.