Westwood House Care Home has recently begun a new and meaningful community link with Duncanrig Secondary School, bringing residents and young people together to share stories, experiences and life lessons.

As part of the visit, resident ambassador Dan spoke movingly to pupils about his life journey – from being evacuated to Canada as a young boy, to discovering his love of teaching, and spending 71 years with his wife Marion, who also lived at Westwood House. His reflections on love, resilience and lifelong partnership captured everyone’s attention.

The students were fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions about Dan’s experiences of travel, career choices, national service and the most important lessons he has learned along the way. The exchange highlighted just how much different generations can learn from one another when given the opportunity to connect.

Staff and pupils alike described the visit as special, with plans already in place for residents to visit the school in the near future to continue building this intergenerational relationship.

Moments like these reflect Westwood House’s commitment to community connection, shared learning and creating opportunities for residents to feel valued, heard and inspired -while offering young people a chance to gain insight from lived experience and timeless stories.