Manchester are exploring new ways to bring the generations together. They are working in partnership with the Beth Johnson Foundation (external link) to develop a strategic approach to this work. Their strategy 'looking backwards and looking forwards' has an action plan which will be delivered over the course of 12-18 months. Ideas tested include:
- a project which involves young people visiting older residents on their way to school.
- talks and games in schools
- a mentor scheme
'We started with a few schools. We invented a game called 'phrases throughout the ages' - for example, young people say "Google" and the older people have to guess what it means. We have tried this in four schools and it gets younger people understanding older people better and vice versa. We have seen some problem kids listening to older people's stories - they have real interest. We also have a primary school using older people as mentors. And last year we did a 'Taste of East Manchester' at the annual Full of Life festival. Food is a commonality - so this brought generations together.'
Officer