International Lego Day celebrations for local care home and school children

Residents at Lucerne House, in Alphington, Exeter have rejoiced as they shared a wonderful morning of building and creativity with students from local school, Alphington Primary, for International Lego Day.

Every year on January 28th, Lego fans and enthusiast around the world come together to celebrate all things Lego and the creator of the iconic brick, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen who submitted his patent for the Lego brick on January 28th 1958.

Lego began in the Danish town of Billund, when Ole Kirk Christiansen founded a small woodworking company. In 1932, the company adopted the name ‘Lego,’ derived from the Danish words ‘leg godt,’ meaning ‘play well.’  In the late 1940s the company transitioned from wooden toys to plastic, which we now know as the iconic Lego brick.

Not only an enjoyable toy and source of entertainment, Lego can and has been a great tool in education. Many schools across the country, including Alphington Primary School, have incorporated it into their learning, with Lego promoting problem solving, teamwork and helping with spatial awareness.

Lucerne House reached out to Vicky Stables, Deputy Head teacher at Alphington Primary School, who shared in the passion to link young people with older persons and those living in our home.

At Lucerne House, the residents had a great morning, building various creations and sharing in the joy of creativity with the students from Alphington Primary School.

Mary, a resident of Lucerne House, said: “It has been so lovely to share in the joy that Lego has brought on Lego Day. Seeing the students having so much fun and the happiness it brings is lovely. It reminds me of when I was watching my children playing with Lego, many years ago.”

Ruth, another resident, said: “It is amazing how Lego can be so universally enjoyable and approachable. Some of the students that came today were so wonderful and have really brought some laughter and fun to our home. We hope they will come again.”

The students had a great time and made some great bonds and relationships with the residents. Lucerne House is has donated several Lego sets to the school, to aid in their education curriculum.

Lucerne House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Lucerne House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.