As we come to the end of 2021, we’re reflecting on a busy term starting a new set of intergenerational projects that connect children and young people with older neighbours in their local communities.
First, children at primary schools across London introduced themselves to their older neighbours via colourful handmade cards. The children shared some of the ways they would like to change the world when they grow up, from lowering air pollution to ending racism. We’re excited for them to turn their ideas into a reality!
Next, we visited the retirement homes we work with, where we saw some familiar faces - older people who have been part of our projects before - and welcomed some new ones as well. It was really special to have in-person contact again with people we had only been in touch with remotely for over a year. We caught up over tea and coffee, delivered the children’s postcards and discussed what they would like the programme to involve this year.
In the absence of our intergenerational workshops, which are on pause while Covid rates remain high, we’ve been continuing to hold phone and video calls between children and older people. On these calls, participants learn a little about one another’s lives. This term, the children have been hearing about classrooms in the 1950s, kitted out with blackboards and desks with cubby holes and inkwells!
As part of our social action work, children at an afterschool group in Hackney made Christmas ornaments for their older neighbours. They decorated pine cones with paint, glitter and pom-poms, making colourful festive contributions for members of their local community. Nearby, a group of secondary school children put together festive hampers for residents at a sheltered scheme, complete with big bottles of homemade bubble bath. Perfect for warming up on these cold winter days!
As the end of term drew near, the children sang festive songs and carols as a ‘thank you’ to our older volunteers. Some children sang in person, wrapped up warm as they performed to older people in the communal gardens of sheltered schemes. Others sang over Zoom, giving their all to the camera, much to the delight of the older people who watched on from the comfort of their homes!
We can’t wait to continue these projects - as well as setting up some new ones - in the new year. As the Covid situation continues to change, we’ll keep finding ways to stay safely connected across the generations, bringing some much needed joy and laughter to all involved.