A Comic Relief funded project in Milton Keynes has brought together local care home residents and school children for weekly music sessions.

A heart-warming film showing how music can help to build bridges and new friendships across generations to tackle loneliness will be shown during the Red Nose Day Night of TV which returns tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm. 

Susan, daughter of resident Betty said: “I would say it’s essential for mum to socialise and interact with people, she loves the children, and you can see her face light-up during the sessions.”  

Samir Patel, chief executive of Comic Relief, said: “It’s wonderful to see different generations come together to support one another and I’m delighted that we’ll be showcasing the fantastic, and incredibly important work, of Intergenerational Music Making on the show this evening.” 

Run by Intergenerational Music Making, each week local care home residents and school children come together for a music session, where they can take part in activities that support their physical and mental wellbeing, including storytelling, song writing, singing, and performing. The sessions aim to use music to encourage a sense of community for both groups and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

The full film will be shown during the Red Nose Day night of TV on Friday 17 March, from 7pm on BBC One.   To support Comic Relief, you can donate online at comicrelief.com/donate