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

I was excited to join the intergenerational workshops, especially having worked at a school for 20 years. There is a bit of a divide between older and younger people. Younger people usually talk to younger people and older people talk to older people, so when I heard about the project I thought it was a brilliant idea. Absolutely brilliant.

Having the children come along and show an interest in older people’s stories was so special. We really enjoyed the children’s company and I loved every workshop. After each session, I would feel exhilarated - on top of the world! My own daughter would often ask to come along

It was a joy watching the children grow in confidence. You can see the trust form from the very first session. A special moment for me was when we discussed valuable possessions and a little boy told me about a locket with his dad’s ashes in it. That he felt safe enough to disclose this with me showed that we’d created a space of trust.

I think when we get older we get less trusting, we put up barriers. To see the children come in with that innocence and trust reminds you to give a bit yourself instead of being cut off, something you can forget as you get older. Spending time with the children has made me feel like part of the wider community.