A CARE centre in Garnant, involved in an innovative social experiment, has welcomed some special visitors this week.

Cwmaman Day Centre recently opened its doors to S4C’s cameras to show what can happen when six children share their day care with a group of pensioners - and the potential transformational effects it can have.

The Garnant care centre came under the spotlight in Hen Blant Bach when hidden cameras followed children aged between two and four visit the centre from Cae’r Ffair nursery in Gorslas.

The show followed the elderly people and children as they eat, play and build relationships with each other over three days.

During the filming, two psychologists from Bangor University listened in and set activities to bring the two generations closer together.

Dr Nia Williams is one of the psychologists from Bangor University taking part in the programme.

She specialises in the development of children.

She said: “The period up to the age of four is a key stage for children.

“What we wanted to know is what impact spending time with older people will have on this development.”

Dr Catrin Hedd Jones, a psychologist and lecturer in dementia studies at Bangor University said: “Solitude can be an increasing problem as people get older and we know the older generation has so much to offer.

“In this way, older people have the opportunity to contribute rather than simply to receive care.

“By bringing children into their company, older people are encouraged to move and get out of their seats to enjoy activities with the children.”

One of the elderly people who benefited from the experience was Noel Francis McNamara, or Mac, who is 85.

Before the filming started, Mac was concerned about how he would respond to the children because he’d had a very difficult time with mental illness over recent years.

“The change in him by the end of the three days was remarkable,” said day centre manager, Bernadette Thomas.

“Initially, Mac was almost afraid of what would happen.

“But he has come alive with the children and been the Mac we know is there, but don’t always see.”

The two unlikely groups of friends reunited this week, free from the cameras’ focus.

“It’s so wonderful to see the children again.

“They really lift everyone’s spirits,” 99-year-old Blod said.

Hen Blant Bach is available on demand on s4c.cymru, BBC iPlayer.

Dr Catrin Hedd Jones, a psychologist and lecturer in dementia studies at Bangor University said: “Solitude can be an increasing problem as people get older and we know the older generation has so much to offer.

“In this way, older people have the opportunity to contribute rather than simply to receive care.

“By bringing children into their company, older people are encouraged to move and get out of their seats to enjoy activities with the children.”

One of the elderly people who benefited from the experience was Noel Francis McNamara, or Mac, who is 85.

Before the filming started, Mac was concerned about how he would respond to the children because he’d had a very difficult time with mental illness over recent years.

“The change in him by the end of the three days was remarkable,” said day centre manager, Bernadette Thomas.

“Initially, Mac was almost afraid of what would happen.

“But he has come alive with the children and been the Mac we know is there, but don’t always see.”

Through the tears and laughter, we will see that these two age groups have more in common than many would assume.

Hen Blant Bach is available on demand on s4c.cymru, BBC iPlayer.