Bradford Intergenerational Linking Celebration
03 July, 2023
On Monday 26th June 2023, The Linking Network hosted a celebration event for all those involved in our Intergenerational Linking programme in Bradford.
180 people of all generations from schools, care homes and independent living schemes came together at the Mercure Bradford Bankfield hotel to celebrate all of the wonderful intergenerational connections that have been happening across Bradford. Guests from across the district, including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, also joined in the celebrations.
Rosina Noor, from Eden Boys Leadership Academy said, “It was lovely being at the event. It really brought a big smile to the faces of all the older people.”
During the event, children from Beckfoot Allerton Primary School spoke about their link with Willow Bank Care Home and Sue Sroka, activity coordinator at Bingley Wingfield nursing home described the joy that their link with Beckfoot Priestthorpe primary school has brought the residents.
There was also chance to share activities and games together such as human bingo and armchair aerobics. This sparked conversation between generations and gave an insight into the kind of things that happen in an intergenerational link.
We found out that one older person who attended the event used to be an opera singer and found her voice again when everybody joined in singing ‘You are my sunshine’.
Mark Hitchen from Sandy Lane Primary School who link with Cottingley Hall Care Home explains, “It was a wonderful event and we were really privileged to be part of it. The children and myself had a great time and it was lovely to see some of the residents there too. It’s such a fantastic link and we’ve got so much out of it. We will definitely be continuing it going forward.”
The Linking Network is supporting 52 intergenerational links in Bradford where a school and older person’s setting have a continuous link and the different generations meet and connect regularly. To read more about this programme and its impact, click here.
We are grateful to The Dunhill Medical Trust for funding this event and Bradford for Everyone for their support towards Intergenerational Linking in Bradford.
