Robin

Robin, one of our older volunteers, tells us about his experience of taking part in InCommon’s intergenerational programmes.

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“I was excited by the thought of meeting the children through InCommon. I thought it would be nice to have more contact with kids, because I don’t really, but I think I have quite a lot to offer them. I also thought it would be quite interesting in helping me to look back on some of the times in my childhood. 

“For me, it was really interesting to compare our daily lives as children. Seeing how that’s changed for the children today.”

— Robin

For me, it was really interesting to compare our daily lives as children. Thinking – how did we get to school when we were younger? What did we eat? What were the teachers like? What did we learn? And then seeing how that’s changed for the children today. I’ve taught them a couple of things - like the ways we used to communicate. I remember telling them that when I was in the jungle with the army, I would set up an aerial to speak to my mum - I drew a diagram to show how it worked. Now, you can just stand there with an iPhone and FaceTime. 

The other thing I’ve liked is that the project has encouraged more contact between residents. It’s encouraged them to come out and meet each other, as well as meeting the children.

After the calls and the workshops, there’s a sense of achievement - like you’ve just done something good, valuable and worthwhile, you know? And a sense of gratitude that I could be part of something like that. I’ve enjoyed it; it’s something I’ve never done before.”

Kenneth

Here, our older volunteer Kenneth tells us about dialling into InCommon’s intergenerational phone calls during the pandemic.

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“I loved talking to the children, hearing about their ambitions and about what inspires them. We talked about kindness – and how it’s better to give than to take.”

— Kenneth

“During the pandemic, I listened to the radio a lot, as I can’t watch the television. In 1991 I was registered blind; I’ve got very little vision. I do try my best to read the newspaper and keep up with what’s going on. I must be the only blind man to buy five newspapers a day!

I haven’t joined any other activities offered through my housing association before. They’ve asked me to take part in some groups, but I’ve declined because I worry that my blindness will slow the groups down. 

To be honest, I didn’t expect the InCommon programme to be as good as it was. I loved talking to the children, hearing about their ambitions and about what inspires them. We talked about kindness - and how it’s better to give than to take. And about how to budget! It’s strange that people don’t talk about that these days - how to budget. It’s one of the most important things, you know.

Something that really made my day was when I got this envelope in the post from InCommon and it was really bulky. When I opened it, I discovered it was a talking card! I’ve never seen or heard anything like that before! I could hear the voice of the little girl who made the card when I opened it. She was telling me to look after myself. I thought that was lovely. I’ve got that card by my bedside and I open it up occasionally. 

You can ask me to take part as many times as you like! I’ll keep joining the calls. I’ve told my friends all about the programme. I’ve loved it. “

Linda

Below, our older volunteer Lisa tells us about her experience of taking part in InCommon’s intergenerational calls during lockdown.

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“The pandemic has been particularly hard. One day I was able to mix with people and then quite literally the next day, within hours, it was all cut off. I found it difficult to get my head round. It was like a bereavement. Before the pandemic, we used to organise coffee mornings and trips for residents who live here. We’ve missed out on so many trips over the last 15 months. 

I’d never done anything like InCommon’s programme before. Of course I have my own children, but they’re considered adults now. My oldest daughter is 40! So I was a bit nervous before our first Zoom call, I didn’t quite know what to expect. But they were such a great bunch of kiddies. The thing is, there’s no pretension about children. Their reactions are so natural - whoever they’re talking to. I loved seeing the expressions on their faces - especially when I told them about my family. You could see their eyes popping out of their heads when I said that I have 11 siblings! 

“It’s been good to reconnect with young people during this time. I think the calls have helped the childen, too - helped them to feel more confident in themselves”

— Linda, older volunteer

It’s been good for me to reconnect with young people during this time. I think the calls have helped the children, too - helped them to feel a bit more confident in themselves. I’d recommend InCommon’s projects to others at the scheme - especially to those who are housebound for whatever reason. It’s been like a window onto the outside world.”