It was party season at InCommon in July, with children and older people across 9 London boroughs getting together for one last celebration before the end of term.
Since September, 150 older people and 200 local primary school children have been coming together once a month as part of our Connect programme. The monthly workshops are designed to connect the generations and build skills, with participants doing a range of activities from planting seeds to creating intergenerational magazines.
The parties were planned by the children and their older neighbours and featured many special moments. At one party in Bexley we had an InCommon first with Lessness Heath Primary pupils bringing along their parents to join in the fun. Other highlights include karaoke in Slade Green, a Bon Jovi singalong in Mitcham and a violin recital in Stepney.
I’ve learned that no matter what, you can always have fun with people older and younger” - Year 5 pupil from Liberty Primary School, Merton
The party gave me so much life. I have more life in me on a Monday morning now the children have visited than I did all weekend” - older volunteer at Sonali Gardens
Our Programme & Partnerships Lead, Sarena Shetty, said: “Sadly it’s all too common to feel disconnected from neighbours and the local community, whatever your age. That’s why it’s been so wonderful watching these friendships grow over the past year and seeing just how much children and older people get from these connections - from improved wellbeing to greater confidence.”
Thank you to all our partners that have made this year possible. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you! To find out more about our Connect programme and how you can get involved, click here.