A CHARITY event to forge links between older people and secondary students has taken place at the Magna Academy in Poole.

Poole’s deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Adams officially opened the event, organised by Faithworks Wessex.

Faithworks Wessex is a non-profit organization based in Boscombe and was set up to provide help and support to people affected by isolation and poverty.

Magna Academy students and staff prepared games to entertain their guests.

Cllr Peter Adams, deputy Mayor of Poole said: "I am delighted to see the school working closely with Faithworks, community and the students.

"It is excellent that schools are beginning to get involved with wider community. I think that this is a wonderful example of a very good piece of collaboration between the school and Faithworks. Such events give an opportunity for adults to see how current generations are performing."

Alistair Doxat-Purser, Faithworks Chief Executive said: “We are very grateful to be able to do this sort of thing together.”

The games, such as Name the Flags and Dominoes were all hosted by academy’s students in order to create the interaction between pupils and visitors and keep the guests engaged in all the activities. The guests were invited to enjoy the spread of cakes and soft drinks that Magna Academy students prepared for them.

Richard Tutt, academy principal said:"It is an important part of our long term partnership with Faithworks charity that our 6th form students will be supporting older people with the issues of the internet, social media and day to day tasks such as how to use online banking.

"The event helps children in gaining a confidence to interact with older people, it helps them develop their communication skills, gives them the sense of purpose and everything else our academy is about.

"I think this is a brilliant event. We are very excited and we are looking forward to do more events like this one in the future."

By Ondrej Zak