We’re celebrating Global Intergenerational Week!
As we celebrate Global Intergenerational Week, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our efforts to foster connections between different age groups through our Social Connections programme. Our Social Clubs are designed to help reduce loneliness and isolation for people in the city. In a world marked by increasing loneliness and isolation, our initiative aims to reduce these issues and to create meaningful bonds between generations. The statistics surrounding the prevalence of loneliness across age groups emphasise the urgency of initiatives like ours.
Shaun Friel, the Director of Childline stated, at the Campaign to End Loneliness Conference in February 2024, “There is a medicine in sight for reducing loneliness and isolation, and this is social connection.” We believe that our Social Clubs provide a place for individuals of different generations to come together to share time, develop friendships, and to share laughter through shared experiences.
Our Social Clubs, which are now into their second year, have been making a positive impact by bridging the gap between older and younger individuals. One remarkable example unfolded during our first Chop and Chat Social Club where older and younger neighbours in the city came together to make and enjoy a shared lunch. Younger neighbours from Aviva volunteered their time to support the session and helped to encourage participation in the Social Club which was hosted at the Spurriergate Centre.
It was during this event that we encountered Stan. Walking into the session without knowing anyone, Stan’s openness to connect led to a fascinating revelation—he used to be a drummer in a band that had played alongside Jimi Hendrix. This piece of information quickly circulated among the volunteers, catching the attention of Rich. The two bonded over a cup of tea, sharing their love for music. As the session concluded, they pledged to meet again at the next Chop and Chat in February. What made this session particularly special was the promise of a musical jam session in March, with both Stan and Rich bringing along photos and memories of their bands.
Stan’s story is just one example of the magic that unfolds at our Social Clubs on a monthly basis. We are determined to continue bringing generations together to combat isolation and loneliness across York. Our 2024 programme is brimming with exciting events, including a Summer Sparkle Social Club, Foraging Walk, and even a Pub Tour. By working together we can continue to reduce loneliness and isolation in the city.
To stay updated on our Social Clubs and join the community of volunteers committed to reducing loneliness, contact Megan Wilkinson by emailing megan.wilkinson@york.ac.uk or calling 07385538771.
