The elderly residents of a care home enjoyed connecting with young students who delivered little bags of treats to them ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Elected members of the student council at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning carry out annual community projects — and this year decided to share some gifts and plenty of love with the residents of Westmeath Residential and Nursing Care Home.

Santashae Ascento, therapeutic activities co-ordinator at Westmeath, introduced the nine students to each member of the home, sharing information about what the residents had contributed to their communities during their lives.

Among those receiving the gifts were a retired nurse, a former Anglican church leader, a flower arranger, animal enthusiast, artist and performing arts advocate.

After each introduction, a child handed a resident their gift which included candies, tissues and tea bags.

Ms Ascento said: “I think this is a huge thing for the seniors.

“I don’t think the community really understands how important these small gestures are for them — they are often the forgotten group — but this helps to change the narrative and lets people see that it is a welcoming place and that it’s fun to come and visit.

“The seniors enjoy these small gestures, seeing the children’s faces and being able to tell them what they used to do or making little jokes.

“It’s really good just to give them that little bit of happiness and let them know that people are still thinking about them.

“Everybody has a story; that is important to understand as well. It is really good to be in this space to make those connections, especially between the age gaps.

“Today, they created memories.”