Lorna, an older neighbour, tells us about her experience taking part in InCommon’s intergenerational programmes.

I wanted to join the workshops when I heard about the age of the children. They’re at a key time in their development, preparing for exams and that kind of thing. I wanted to share some of my own life experiences and knowledge to help them.

I used to stay indoors because of my arthritis but then the children started coming, running in with their lovely smiling faces and filling the air with joy and laughter. It prompted me to get a support walker so I could come to the sessions. Now, whenever I can, I go outside with it and that’s something new for me! I tended to be housebound before the workshops.

The children are very welcoming. They make me feel respected and listened to. They accept my opinions. They interact with me and they gel with me. They understand that I might be able to help them.

I’ve particularly enjoyed building a friendship with Iris, a younger person. She’s so hardworking, positive and she listens to everything I say. That’s why I’m drawn to sitting next to her each time. I think it’s admirable that she’s never afraid to take on the hardest task. I just know she’s going to shine and she’s going to go far.

It’s important that we’re in a space, learning together. It helps bridge a massive gap for us both. The children are able to learn coping mechanisms for when they lose the cushion of school. For the older generation, it gives us the opportunity to explore avenues we’ve never approached before and that weren’t on the curriculum when we were at school. We can take on new hobbies and interests that are inspired by our time spent together.