Nunthorpe Oaks resident joins campaign to revive lost skills

Cherise Chapman is helping address the decline through a new campaign that reconnects generations.

Ms Chapman, 79, who lives at Nunthorpe Oaks Residential Care Home, is part of Sanctuary Care’s Lifelong Learning Exchange — a scheme that brings older and younger people together to share traditional skills and life experience.

Ms Chapman said: “Sewing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — there’s something so satisfying about being able to mend and make things with your own hands.

“It’s a skill that gives you real confidence and independence.

“I’m delighted to be part of the Lifelong Learning Exchange, and pass on these skills to the younger generation.”

The scheme follows research commissioned by Sanctuary Care, which found that 43 per cent of people in the North East believe sewing and mending clothes is a skill at risk of dying out.

A further 39 per cent believe writing letters and cards is disappearing.

The Lifelong Learning Exchange aims to revive these skills through one-to-one mentoring and practical advice, as well as skill guides, demonstrations and personal stories.

Louise Palmer, director of operations at Sanctuary Care, said: “Our residents hold an incredible wealth of practical knowledge.

“The Lifelong Learning Exchange is about sharing this knowledge, creating meaningful connections between generations, and ensuring essential life skills don’t disappear.

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“As part of our developing Young Persons Strategy, we are continuing to explore and evolve ways of bringing younger people into our homes to take part in intergenerational experiences.

“This includes volunteering opportunities, and school or college-led sessions with residents — creating meaningful opportunities for shared learning, connection, and community.”

According to a survey of Sanctuary Care residents, 80 per cent said they had skills or hobbies they wanted to pass on, while another 87 per cent believe traditional skills are at risk of being lost.