School Children To Help Older Residents Launch Bridge Building Campaign

Published by Rob Ghosh for Hanover Housing Group in Housing

School children from Hurlingham & Chelsea School are bridging the generational gap by helping older residents from Hanover’s Olive House estate, raise £15,000 to build a bridge from their estate to South Park.

The new initiative started a few weeks ago when land owner St. Georges gave residents permission to build the bridge.

Since then work experience students Porshia John and Georgia Wilder from Hurlingham and Chelsea school have been working with residents to organise a fundraising campaign.

Estate Manager Susan Crosby Dyas was so impressed with the way the girls helped the residents she gave them the task of producing fliers and helping residents canvas local support.

15 year- old Porshia John said:” I have always enjoyed spending time with older people and when Susan gave me this opportunity I jumped at the chance. “Although there is still a very long way to go we have got the ball rolling with a sponsored bridge walk”.

Located within the stunning Imperial Wharf development the estate which is owned and managed by Hanover Housing Association has become a vibrant setting for residents and older people from the local community.

Hanover resident 90 year old Mrs Violet Wiltshire said: “Since the girls arrived they have been a real delight.

“This is a wonderful place to live with something new happening every day some of us play armchair basket ball while others enjoy a spot of gardening on the roof top garden.”

“The only thing we are missing is good access to South Park so that we can go for afternoon walks in the sensory gardens and along the river Thames.”

The Bridge walk is expected to take place within the next couple of months. Walkers will be attempting to conquer five bridges including; Chelsea Bridge, Albert Bridge, Battersea Bridge, Wandsworth Bridge and Putney Bridge anyone wishing to take part or support the event should contact Susan Crosby Dyas on

020 7736 4756.