The initiatives bringing generations together

Intergenerational initiatives are bringing schoolchildren, students and older residents together.

Organisers told Politics South East that the initiatives help tackle loneliness, challenge stereotypes and strengthen communities.

Experts at the University of Sussex say these programmes will become increasingly important as the population grows older.

The government says its long-term plans for health and social care will improve support for an ageing society.

For the past four years, residents at Marten House Care Home and pupils from London Meed Primary School in Burgess Hill have met regularly for workshops designed to bring generations together.

Organisers from both the school and care home said the sessions gave children and residents the chance to build relationships they might not otherwise have.

"We don't always get to talk to the youngsters of today, but when the kids come here, it's lovely to interact with them," said one resident Tim.

Dee Griffiths, housing and partnerships manager at Marten House, said the workshops were especially valued by residents who did not regularly see their own grandchildren.

She said one resident was touched when a pupil asked: "Can I call you nanny?"

Sophia Denham, the teacher leading the programme at London Meed Primary School, said meeting older people also helped children "see themselves as part of the wider community of Burgess Hill".

The University of Sussex's Intergenerational Exchange Programme is another initiative bringing students and older members of the community together through a range of activities.

Co-led by Dr Rachel Burr, the programme runs regular sessions at the Hop50+ Café in Brighton, where students and older people share stories, chat and get help with smartphones and social media.

Dr Burr said intergenerational activities helped "break down some of the myths around what old people want from young people and their expectations".

"It gives people a new way of thinking," she said.

The government said it was responding to the UK's ageing population through its 10-Year Health Plan and proposals for a National Care Service, which it said would improve the quality of care and place a greater focus on prevention.

The south east is home to some of the UK's oldest communities. According to the Office for National Statistics, Rother has the second-highest proportion of people aged 65 and over in England and Wales, with 33.5% of residents in that age group.

Nationally, around 19% of the population is aged 65 or over.

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