NEWS RELEASES
Local intergenerational reps visit Clarence House
26th March 2007
FOUR people from the Horsham District who lead local intergenerational projects have recently attended a celebratory reception hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales and with special guests Barbara Windsor, Gloria Hunniford, Fiona Phillips and Tess Daly.
Age Concern held the reception at Clarence House on 14 March 2007 to celebrate its work in “Joining Generations”.
The charity’s intergenerational programmes bring older and younger people together to share skills. In doing so they also learn about the common ground, shared values and concerns that exist across the generations.
Among the guest and specifically invited to attend from the Horsham District were Veronica James (Chief Officer of Horsham District Age Concern), Will Clement (young person volunteer and member of Horsham Youth Council), Frank Bockling (older person volunteer and member of the Horsham District Senior Persons’ Council) and Clare Ebelewicz (Youth and Older Persons’ Officer at Horsham District Council).
Speaking after the event, Veronica James, Chief Officer for Horsham District Age Concern and closely involved in the District’s intergenerational programme, said she was delighted to meet The Prince of Wales:
“It was quite an occasion to meet the Prince of Wales and it’s great that he is so supportive of our work.”
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:
“Bringing different generations together benefits people of all ages. By sharing experiences, knowledge, skills and a good deal of laughter, younger and older people learn about each other and how much they can contribute to their family lives and their communities.”
Age Concern has a range of different intergenerational projects which benefit older people and younger generations alike.
They can take many forms such as younger people teaching older people new IT skills, which enable them to communicate, learn new skills and pursue hobbies and interests.
Older people mentor young people in the classroom, or as they learn a trade or a profession, helping them to establish themselves with confidence in their chosen career and sometimes leave behind more difficult childhood experiences.
Further information about intergenerational projects in the Horsham District is available from Clare Ebelewicz at Horsham District Council on 01403 215137, email: clare.ebelewicz@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
Notes to editors:
Press photographs of the event are available directly from the Press Association.
Earlier this year Age Concern held a successful event where the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP listened and interacted as people aged 16-90 discussed what they saw as the main issues and concerns across the generations in today's society. The outcomes highlighted the shared values and concerns that existed across the generations and emphasised the need for measures that would help combat stereotypes and bridge the generation gap.
Research for Age Concern, conducted by the University of Kent, shows that levels of discrimination – both of young towards old, and old towards young – are significantly reduced when people have regular contact with friends of a different age. Young people with older friends were, for example, 82 per cent less likely to hold discriminatory views about older people.
A summary of recent intergenerational work in the Horsham District:
The following provides a summary of some of the intergenerational work the above four people have lead on in the Horsham District. These projects have been jointly developed by Horsham and District Age Concern and Horsham District Council in response to the views of younger and older people.
Living Life Together – 6 October 2005
The aim of the evening was to bring together members of the Senior Persons’ Council and the Youth Council to discuss their idea of community and what might be done to bridge the gap between older and young people.
Participants worked together to produce their ideas for their ‘best’ and ‘worst’ communities. In general good communities were thought to be safe and secure, where everyone respected each other, where people supported and cared for each other and where the environment was peaceful and tranquil.
‘Bad’ communities were thought to be where society was divided and where there was isolation and crime, a lack of facilities and drug and alcohol abuse.
From this a series of aspirations for an ideal community were put together.
“…Things I enjoyed most … To hear their thoughts and realise how much we have in common” --- “I think that this has been brilliant. I liked meeting all the older people and getting to know them.” --- “Excellent – have not had such good contact with young people for a long time. Refreshing to hear that they have the same aspirations for the community as the older generation.”
Ashington Parish Cricket Match
An intergenerational cricket match was held in the Parish of Ashington last summer. Over 50 younger and older people were involved in the event, which accumulated in a barbeque.
Younger and older people were given the opportunity to work and play together. Informal conversations developed throughout the day and friendships initiated which has helped to develop a stronger, more vibrant community.
Intergenerational Dinner - 8th November 2006
The aim of the event was to bring older and younger people together to share a meal, exchange skills and take part in different activities.
The evening began with a kurling competition with teams of mixed ages competing against each other. This proved to be an effective way of getting everyone to work together and talk informally.
Everyone then sat down for a meal, where the conversation flowed. It was good to hear people of all ages expressing their opinions and listening to others.
The participants can then share between themselves but also with the residents if appropriate.
After dinner the skill sharing session began, there was an opportunity to learn and have a go at Chinese Brush Writing, Photography, Woodwork and Texting. Everyone enjoyed having a go at the various activities.
The evening was a great success and enjoyed by all. The following are comments are some of the comments made by participants;
“Good Fun. It was great to interact with new people. It was also good and fun to teach you how to text and thank you for those that allowed me to do so.” --- “We have had a lovely evening again – thank you so much. Suggestions – Knitting and Crochet, Simple Cooking, Icing” --- “Some interesting conversations!!! “ --- “great fun to mix with the youngsters, and to learn new things. I could bring my Pyrography tools sometime and teach wood burning designs on wood.”
Family Active
Family Active aims to help build cohesive family relationships through giving grandparents, parents and children an opportunity to have fun together in an informal environment.
The day include a variety of different activities such as orienteering, archery, low ropes, team building games as well as a hot family lunch.
Sitting down for lunch was recognised as an important element of the day in view of the increasing number of working families and growth of fast-food/’TV dinners’.
By participating in the project, families will indirectly improve communication skills and boost self esteem so having positive outcomes for the grandparents, parents and the children.
“It is not very often that you get to do something as a family” and “Didn’t know my mum could do those things”
Horsham District Council is developing ESCAPE, a support programme for young people and their parents/guardians aimed at promoting strong, positive relationships.
Nutrition Project
The project aim is to provide older people with a better understanding of what makes a balanced diet and how to interpret food labels. As part of the project, a nutritionist put together a 14 day menu for healthy, balanced meals that can be prepared on a budget.
This has developed in to the provision of cookery courses where younger and older people can work together to produce health, nutrition food. It also enables those involved to share knowledge (that is tending to be forgotten by the younger generations e.g. adding a potato helps reduce saltiness) and exchange skills.
These cookery classes will take place in local retirement home complexes and potentially the new Y Centre (YMCA) in Horsham.
Feedback has been very positive with comments;
‘I have learnt a lot about reading food labels’ --- ‘I have learnt a balanced diet means a healthy life’ --- ‘excellent and informative’.
Allotment Project – Growing Vegetables
Frank Bockling is leading on setting up a shared allotment where younger and older people can work together to grow healthy organic vegetables.
The idea project came about because it was recognised that few young people took up allotments and grow their own vegetables. Furthermore, there was increased use of artificial fertilisers and pesticide.
This project will enable younger and older people to work together. It will provide a forum to enable them to learn new skills and exchange gardening knowledge. Those involved will of course have the opportunity to chat informally and build friendships.
This project will be linked back to healthy eating and nutrition.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk