Older people become 'Grandfriends' to local school children
Sessions benefit both young and old
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June 9, 2023
Due to popular demand, Sparkle, London’s first intergenerational community centre, has added a second day at its East Putney venue.
Since its launch in June 2022, Sparkle has gone from strength to strength and has welcomed over 65 older people who have become ‘Grandfriends’ to over 75 primary and 35 nursery children.
It has also expanded into Battersea since the Putney launch and both centres offer intergenerational activities with children from the on-site day nurseries and local primary schools – Brandlehow and St Joseph’s in East Putney and Honeywell in Battersea. Activities include craft, singing, gardening, games and also guest speakers and performances. Sparkle also offers a gentle exercise class and warm nutritious lunch (both adults only).
Founder, Emma Chisholm, said, ‘Intergenerational relationships are a win-win for everyone. There are obvious benefits for the older people, from tackling loneliness and isolation to improving health and wellbeing, but also big benefits for the young people too in terms of building confidence and empathy, developing communication skills and even reducing ageism’.
‘Intergenerational relationships build on the strengths that different generations have to offer so both young and old can give as well as receive and, therefore, feel a sense of value and purpose. Most importantly, they can bring joy and we see this every week at Sparkle’.
A host of activities are held at the centre
Any older person from the community is welcome to come to Sparkle and everything is free including the classes. It is funded by Wandsworth Council and the Wimbledon Foundation.
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