CARING Cubs and Beavers in Colwyn Bay are helping to put a smile on the faces of elderly care home residents as part of a “hugely beneficial and innovative” initiative.

Members of the 6th Colwyn Bay troop have been paying a visit to older people living at the town’s Merton Place care home throughout the year as part of a scheme organised by Cubs leader Rosemary Roberts.

The initiative, which has been running for two years, sees the young members spend quality time with the elderly residents, some of whom have dementia, with the aim of enhancing the confidence, social, and communications skills of both age groups.

As part of the scheme, Cubs and Beavers, aged from six to 10, interact with the residents, have a drink and chat with them, and have recently been taking part in Easter craft sessions and Easter egg hunts.

Throughout the year, they have also taken part in other seasonal activities, including outdoor activities in the summer, and decorating the care home for residents at Christmas.

Ms Roberts, who founded the Colwyn Bay group in 1988, said the initiative had “far exceeded” her expectations and she was “delighted” with how beneficial the visits had been for both children and residents.

The 73-year-old said: “This really has been such a huge success with the care home residents, it’s been so beneficial for both the young and the old.

“The children love talking to the older people and vice versa, they aren’t afraid to ask questions, but we are very proud of how caring and polite they are with the elderly people.

"The older people have loved helping the children with activities and they are always asking when the children are coming back.

“It’s been really lovely for everyone involved, we always have Cubs and Beavers wanting to take part.

“And many of the old people have been with us from the start so it has been interesting to see the improvement in their confidence and communications skills, as well as the children, too.

“We had initially seen some hesitance in the older residents, however now they love it and they can’t wait to see the children again. In the summer when we took bubble wands in, the residents were there waving their wands around with the children, so it’s been a big success!

“I have to admit its success has far exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend it to any group considering giving it a go.”

The 6th Colwyn Bay troop is a part of ScoutsCymru, the scouting organisation in Wales which supports over 14,000 young people in to gain invaluable skills for life.

Rhian Moore, the chief commissioner of Wales, said: “This wonderful initiative run by the 6th Colwyn Bay Cubs and Beavers is a fantastic example of how Scouting can support and enhance our communities.

“These amazing children are bringing so much joy to older people in Colwyn Bay, and setting a fine example of the values and ethos of Scouting in Wales.

“Not only is the innovative scheme supporting the children’s development, but it is also having significant benefits for the older residents, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the initiative.

“We’d like to thank Rosemary for her tireless work in organising this scheme and promoting the widespread benefits of Scouting throughout the community of Colwyn Bay.”