Young and old share unique learning experience

There were some feathery visitors to Kershaw Grange day unit, Luddenden, at a special owl display organised by the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust.

Schoolchildren from Luddenden Dene Primary School were invited to the event and joined together with clients and staff from Kershaw Grange day unit to learn about and meet different species of owls.

The owls were brought to the unit by Owls Great and Small, who offer educational visits to schools and other organisations.

Everyone learned about the different species of owl, their habitats and origins before being given the chance to stroke and hold the birds.

John Yearsley, a staff nurse who organised the event said, "This was an open learning, therapeutic event which offered a unique opportunity for clients and children to have a friendly encounter with hand-tamed majestic owls."

Kershaw Grange day unit is for older people with mental health problems, such as memory problems.