Stromness Nursery Recognised for Peedie Connections Project at Intergenerational Awards

An innovative partnership between Stromness Nursery and Hamnavoe House Care Home has earned recognition after receiving a Highly Commended award at the Intergenerational Excellence Awards 2026.  

The award recognises the success of Peedie Connections, an intergenerational initiative that has been bringing nursery children and care home residents together since 2023 through regular shared learning experiences, creative activities and community connections.  

Each week, children aged three to five visit Hamnavoe House to take part in themed sessions with residents aged between 60 and 100. Activities include gardening, baking, arts and crafts, music, games and sensory experiences, all carefully planned to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.  

The project was recognised in the Diversity and Inclusion category, with judges praising the quality and impact of the work. Following the awards ceremony, one judge spoke of the difficulty in reaching a final decision and expressed a desire to visit Orkney to see the project first-hand. 

Caroline Easton, Early Learning & Childcare Manager at Stromness Nursery, said:  "We are delighted that Peedie Connections has received this recognition. To receive a Highly Commended award is a tremendous achievement for our nursery, our partners at Hamnavoe House and Orkney as a whole. 

"The project is built on meaningful relationships. Watching children and residents learn together, support each other and develop genuine friendships has been incredibly rewarding. The benefits can be seen across all generations." 

The success of Peedie Connections has also been recognised closer to home. In a recent inspection report, HM Inspectors described the nursery's intergenerational links as "outstanding", highlighting how children learn empathy, build communication skills and make a meaningful contribution to their local community through the project. 

The initiative was established after staff identified that many children had limited opportunities to develop relationships with older generations, while care home residents also lacked regular intergenerational experiences. The project was designed to bridge that gap and strengthen connections within the local community.

Through regular visits, lasting friendships have formed. Staff at Hamnavoe House report that residents' "eyes light up when the kids arrive", while families describe the sessions as "the highlight of their week". The children have also developed a deeper understanding of inclusion, often adapting activities themselves to ensure residents of all abilities can take part.  

Project leads Isla Rendall and Kelsey Harvey attended the awards event and associated workshops in Glasgow after submitting a comprehensive nomination demonstrating the project's impact on children, residents, families and the wider community. 

Now in its third year, Peedie Connections has become an established and valued part of life for both organisations. Plans are already in place to continue developing the partnership, including creating more opportunities for residents to visit the nursery and experience the children's learning environment.  

Caroline added: "This award belongs to everyone who has helped make Peedie Connections such a success - our children, residents, families and staff. It demonstrates the power of community partnerships and shows how much we can learn from one another when generations come together." 

Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Orkney Islands Council's Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said:  "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in Peedie Connections on this well-deserved recognition.  

"This award reflects the dedication, creativity and commitment of the nursery and care home staff who have worked so hard to build meaningful relationships between generations. The project demonstrates how learning extends beyond the classroom and how strong community partnerships can enrich lives. 

"The benefits are clear for both the children and residents. Young people develop confidence, communication skills and empathy, while residents enjoy social connection, companionship and the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge. Peedie Connections is a wonderful example of community working at its very best, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they have achieved." 

Alison Clyde, CEO, Generations Working Together, said:  "We are incredibly proud to see Orkney's Peedie Connections Project recognised with the 2026 Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion.  

"This award reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. We hope this achievement will inspire others to consider developing intergenerational approaches within their own communities. Just as importantly, it provides an opportunity for the project team to share their learning, experiences and knowledge with others across the isles, helping to build a lasting legacy and encourage even more opportunities for meaningful connections between younger and older generations." 

The Intergenerational Excellence Awards for 2026 celebrated 13 outstanding finalists whose work is transforming lives, strengthening community ties and demonstrating the power of meaningful connections across generations.