Intergenerational Linking in Rural Areas

Year 9 health and social care students from Sherburn High School have been connecting with older people to share and discuss how to make a positive difference in their local communities.

This is part of The Linking Network’s intergenerational social action project being delivered in rural areas across Bradford and North Yorkshire.

Together, young and older people have come together in conversations about what’s important to them and what changes they’d like to see in their community and wider world. Supported by local artist, Jean McEwan, the groups have worked together to create collages to represent their views which will be published into a zine to be shared with the local community.

Awareness and support for mental health was an important topic for both the students and older people, particularly feelings of isolation which they felt could often be exacerbated living in a rural area such as Sherburn. Christine, one of the older participants felt that struggling with mental health ‘was more acknowledged today that it was when I was younger and you’re allowed to speak about it more.’

Some of the older participants encouraged the students write things down in a journal and the students stressed the need to be able to talk to someone when things were difficult.

A listening event will be held on Tuesday 7 March where the students and older people will present their project to a wider audience of local community figures.

Research has shown a wide range of positive impacts of intergenerational practice on young and older people. These include fostering friendship, understanding and respect between generations, increasing confidence and improving well-being as well as developing oracy skills and a sense of purpose. This project has created space for authentic intergenerational relationships within Sherburn, bringing together groups of people that perhaps would not otherwise meet. One participant stated, ‘I had an idea about what teenagers are like but they are so lovely. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t come today – I’ve loved it.’

To find out more about TLN’s intergenerational work, visit https://thelinkingnetwork.org.uk/intergenerational-linking/ or contact amy.lock@thelinkingnetwork.org.uk