Generation project is child’s play

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities, Education

North West housing provider The Regenda Group has brought together school children and older residents for games of bingo and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ as part of a project to break down barriers between different generations.

The project in Fleetwood, Lancashire, has introduced residents from Wansbeck House, a sheltered scheme to Year Five pupils from the Charles Saer Community Primary School.

Headteacher Carolyn Thackway said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to share enjoyable experiences with the older generation, both in school and in the community.  The children love going to Wansbeck House to play games.  They have built relationships really quickly and certainly have fun.  It has been good for the children to forge links with members of the community in this way and gain some insight into the lives of the elderly and realise that they are still active and competitive whatever their age!  We hope there will be more opportunities for both generations to share in the future."

Angela Welch, Project Manager at Regenda said: “The children are really enjoying visiting the scheme once a week and learning new games.  The residents of Wansbeck House are also taking pleasure in spending time with the young people and teaching them new things.”

Mrs Lily Reid, a resident at Wansbeck House added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the project and working with the children. They are very keen to learn and are a pleasure to be with. They are a credit to the school and their families.”

Residents from Welbeck House and Wansbeck sheltered schemes are also visiting the school once a week to pass on their love of cooking and baking and to share tales about life when they were children.

Joshua Davidson (7) said: “The ladies are really kind and helpful.  I am enjoying learning how to cook their recipes and then tasting them!"

The Regenda Group is a leading housing and regeneration organisation, with 13,000 properties across the North West providing homes for more than 25,000 people.