Hive youth project brings Wirral teens and seniors together

The group of young ambassadors visited Poppyfields in Saughall Massie, Harvest Court in Moreton and Mariners Park in Seacombe over the summer, with seven young people volunteering their time each week to run a games session with senior residents in their shared leisure areas.

They adapted many activities they take part in at the youth zone each week and brought along a few new ideas to engage seniors with some fun, chat and music.

Among the youngsters was George, 14, who said: “I think it was good getting to see what other groups of people experience.

Members of The Hive Youth Zone’s Ambassadors team meet residents at extra-care site during the summer (Image: Hive Youth Zone) "We have the opportunity to come to places like The Hive, and there are a lot more things that people our age can do. But the older generations who maybe don’t have a lot of family, they’re just stuck at home all the time and can’t really do much - so it was good that we could help them engage.

"One person hadn't been out of their room in months and they came down just because they knew we were coming. Knowing that we made a difference to someone that much was amazing."

A member of The Hive Youth Zone’s Ambassadors team plays game with residents at extra-care site during the summer (Image: Hive Youth Zone) Another young ambassador, 15-year-old Jess, said: "It was nice talking to them, hearing their stories and what they think about things." 

Angelos, 16, said: “The first day we felt really awkward, then it got better as we got more confident. We did lots of mini games like boccia, curling, armchair basketball, noughts and crosses, tin can alley, The Price is Right, and singing. I thought they’d be a bit quiet, but they all got really involved."

A member of The Hive Youth Zone’s Ambassadors team plays game with resident at extra-care site during the summer (Image: Hive Youth Zone) Youth worker Bex Pollard, who supported the group, said: "We wanted to have some progression: we were going into their homes to see how they live and what they do and then we wanted to bring them into The Hive to see what we do.

"One of the comments from the seniors was that 'All you ever hear are the bad things that young people are up to, but this is a great group giving up their time'. 

"They were impressed to see teenagers of this age coming in rather than only younger children; what they enjoyed was that the young people clearly wanted to do it.

"They didn’t look bored, fed up or like they were being forced to do it. And it’s really inspired the young people to do more." 

A member of The Hive Youth Zone’s Ambassadors team plays game with resident at extra-care site during the summer (Image: Hive Youth Zone) Ambassador Rosie, 13, said: “It did change our perceptions of older people, and I think theirs of us."  

Izzy, 16, added: “It helped us boost our confidence, the first time to the last. We were all panicking initially because we hadn’t done this sort of thing before, but by the last visit we came out and said that was the last one, but we don’t want it to be.

"We want to carry on.” 

Mariners Park resident, Robert, said: “They entertained with many different activities and it was very much appreciated by the residents.

"For such a young team they are to be commended for their professionalism and dedication."

The young ambassadors have already made plans to take The Hive’s junior pop choir out to visit some of the sites before Christmas, and are planning a visit for seniors to The Hive – allowing for a full swap of experiences.

A member of The Hive Youth Zone’s Ambassadors team plays game with resident at extra-care site during the summer (Image: Hive Youth Zone)

Harvest Court's manager, Joanne Gibson, said: "Having The Hive come and do activities with our residents at Harvest Court and Harvest Court day centre was an amazing opportunity. Residents have felt isolated since the pandemic, so having visitors to the scheme really does have a positive impact and gets people out and mixing again.

"Residents commented on how enjoyable both afternoons were, and are hoping for them to continue.

"The staff and children that attended were all really pleasant and polite, and got involved with all the residents.

"It was a pleasure to have the Hive give us the opportunity to be involved and hope they return to us in the future."

Andrew Jones, director of welfare and care for Nautilus’ Mariners Park, said: “What was fascinating was that some of our residents will sometimes isolate themselves away from group activities, but for this one they got involved and integrated with the other residents.

"They sat down, chatted and played games and it was the young people who made that happen – it just created a buzz on the park and brought people together." 

Mariners Park resident, Robert, said: "They entertained with many different activities and it was very much appreciated by the residents.

"For such a young team they are to be commended for their professionalism and dedication."  Alex Tolond from Premier Care, who is also a former Hive member and now volunteers to support the ambassadors, added: "Seeing the Hive Ambassadors organise and participate in this project was really inspiring, they are very passionate group of young people.

"To see residents in the extra care schemes participate and really enjoy themselves - some who are very isolated - was really heart-warming.

"It was lovely to see the young people be so inclusive to everyone involved. I am really proud of the HIve Ambassadors."