School Pupils Help Name Floors at Pitfodels Wood Care Home

Before the first residents even arrive, the newest Meallmore care home in Aberdeen has already begun building meaningful connections within the local community.

Pupils from the nearby International School Aberdeen have helped leave a lasting legacy at Pitfodels Wood Care Home, which is set to open later this year, by taking part in a special competition to name the floors of the new home.

The initiative brought together students aged three to eighteen, encouraging them to explore local landmarks and community history while helping shape the identity of their new neighbour.

Organised by the Meallmore team, the competition was designed not only as a fun activity for the pupils but also as the first step in building a long-term partnership between the school and the care home.

Inspired by Aberdeen’s Local Landmarks

Students across every year group at the International School Aberdeen were invited to submit ideas inspired by local places and landmarks. Each year group selected one suggested name to put forward for consideration.

After reviewing the entries, a judging panel including Pitfodels Wood Care Home Manager Amanda Rennie and Meallmore Area Manager Julie Stringfellow selected three winning names for the home’s in-house units.

The chosen names were:

• Hazelhead – suggested by Grade 1
• Duthie – suggested by Grade 5
• Ferryhill – suggested by Grade 9

Each of the winning year groups received a certificate and a £50 voucher in recognition of their contribution.

Younger pupils in the preschool class were also surprised with a special delivery of books and a construction set, encouraging them to build their own imaginative versions of the new care home.

The activity sparked excitement throughout the school, with pupils proud to have played a role in shaping the new development next door.

A Partnership That Starts Before Opening Day

For the team at Meallmore, initiatives like this are about far more than naming rooms or spaces. They are about ensuring care homes are firmly rooted in the communities they serve.

Amanda Rennie, Home Manager at Pitfodels Wood Care Home, said the activity was a wonderful way to begin building relationships locally.

“We absolutely loved working with our wonderful new neighbours to name the floors of Pitfodels Wood. Developing lasting connections with the local community is so important to us at Meallmore, and we’re keen for the home to be part of the community from day one.”

Located directly next to the International School Aberdeen, Pitfodels Wood is perfectly placed to create meaningful opportunities for intergenerational engagement, bringing together residents and younger generations through shared activities, learning experiences and social events.

Amanda added:

“Being situated so close to the International School opens up lovely opportunities for intergenerational links, so we’re pleased to have already established a strong partnership with them and look forward to this flourishing over the months and years ahead. The enthusiasm shown by the students made the judging process particularly challenging. The suggestions from the pupils were all fantastic, and it was a tough decision to choose only three. Thanks to pupils and staff at the school for being so enthusiastic and for the beautiful thank you letters we received afterwards. It was truly a joy to be part of.”

Learning, Community and Intergenerational Connections

Teachers at the International School Aberdeen also highlighted the importance of initiatives that allow young people to engage with the wider community.

Janine McKimmie, Early Years Practitioner at the school, praised the project for its educational value and the positive impact it had on pupils.

“We’re so proud of our students for making a meaningful mark on our local community before the home even opens its doors.”

She explained that the activity provided a valuable opportunity for students to take part in a real-world community project, while also helping to introduce them to the concept of intergenerational relationships.

“It was a fantastic activity to be part of, offering a valuable opportunity for students to engage in an intergenerational initiative and connect with the local community.” With Pitfodels Wood opening soon, the school is already looking forward to future collaborations with residents. We’re very much looking forward to the first residents moving in so we can start regular intergenerational activities between the care home and the school. The thoughtful prizes and gifts provided to pupils were also warmly received. The excitement in the room was very real, and the kindness from the team truly made a special impact on the children.”

Pitfodels Wood: A New Care Home for Aberdeen

Pitfodels Wood Care Home will provide 65 private ensuite bedrooms in a purpose-built care environment designed to support residents with a range of care needs.

The home will offer high-quality residential care, dementia care, nursing care and palliative care, alongside a range of modern amenities and welcoming shared spaces designed to create a comfortable and supportive environment for residents and their families.

Situated on North Deeside Road in Pitfodels, Aberdeen, the home will bring Meallmore’s well-established approach to person-centred care to the local area.

The development also represents an important investment in the region, creating new jobs and opportunities for care, hospitality and support roles.

Continuing Meallmore’s Commitment to Communities

Pitfodels Wood will become the latest addition to the Meallmore portfolio, which currently includes 27 care homes across Scotland supporting a wide range of individuals and communities.

Across these homes, Meallmore continues to focus on creating great places to live and work, combining high-quality care with welcoming environments and strong community connections.

Initiatives such as the school naming competition demonstrate how those relationships can begin even before a home officially opens.

By involving local children in shaping the space, Pitfodels Wood has already become part of the community it will soon serve.

And when residents arrive later this year, they will be moving into a home whose identity has been shaped not only by thoughtful design, but also by the creativity and enthusiasm of its youngest neighbours.