A BUSINESS woman who runs music, movement and sensory classes has taken her sessions into care homes to bring together children and elderly people.

Jasmine McCarthy runs the popular Caterpillar Music franchise across the borough, at various locations, aimed at babies and toddlers.

But the mother-of-three decided to branch out and run monthly sessions at a care home, after being inspired by her own late grandfather, Edward.

The 28-year-old from Rooksdown said: “My granddad was in a dementia home and going to visit was quite upsetting. I thought let’s try and do something to bring something positive into other care homes. I know how happy he was when we went to see him.”

Jasmine posted on social media asking her customers what they thought of the idea, and was overwhelmed by the response.

She said: “I thought if enough members were interested I would give it a go, so I put the post on Facebook and had 100 posts overnight and 15 care homes got in touch.”

She chose Pemberley House Care Home, in Grove Road, to launch the first session, and places were booked up immediately.

“We have about eight children come so it’s not too overwhelming,” explained Jasmine, adding: “Then we do it as a normal session and then everyone has a chat after. It’s so nice for everyone. The little ones love it and love all the attention and the mums know they are doing something positive and the residents love it and they join in. We do lots of singing and there is always a room full of smiles. People feel quite emotional.”

Jasmine believes it is important to integrate young people and old people, explaining: “People look at the youth and think negatively about them but we are bringing up the youth of tomorrow so we want them to respect older people and learn how to interact with them.”

The sessions are currently held once a month with places offered on a first-come-first-served basis, but Jasmine is hoping to expand the classes to include more care homes in the future.

For more on Caterpillar Music find them on Facebook.