Creating Intergenerational Communities

Creating Intergenerational Communities programme brings all four United Kingdom nations to work together to bridge the generational divide in our ageing society.

Communities across the UK are becoming increasingly fragmented and siloed, with fewer opportunities for different generations to live, work, and play together. The need for social distancing during the pandemic only exacerbated these issues, with one million more people in the UK becoming “chronically lonely”. We are facing a mental health crisis in the UK: recent research from Scotland indicates 34% of people over 50 feel their mental health has gotten worse in the last five years. At the other end of the age spectrum, 16-24 year olds are one of the groups with the highest reported rates of loneliness – 48% of those surveyed reported being lonely at least some of the time in the previous week, against an average of 35%.

What differentiates intergenerational practice from other methods of achieving social cohesion is how it provides reciprocal benefits for people of all ages. This broad, inclusive approach can bring about lasting intersectional change for society by bridging social divides, forming bonds of trust and solidarity, reducing prejudice and racism, and combating ageism and inequality.

Applying an intergenerational approach to our communities is not a “nice to have”, instead, it is rapidly becoming an essential response to our changing, ageing society. 

The partnership

A formal partnership between Generations Working Together, Apples and Honey Nightingale, and Linking Generations Northern Ireland, building upon years of working closely together, forms the partnership overseeing Creating Intergenerational Communities programme.

Training

By training and upskilling communities, the programme will foster a sustainable legacy of effective intergenerational activities, reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing. 

Want to find out more?

Find out more about Creating Intergenerational Communities programme from each of the respective partner organisations based in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

In England, please email Marilia Pavlou.

In Scotland, email Louisa Turner.

In Northern Ireland, please email Elaine Brownlee. 

Download a leaflet about there project.