Intergenerational Outreach

Over the past two years, Age UK Bexley has successfully developed and expanded an intergenerational programme through our befriending cafés. These sessions are designed to bring together people of different generations, fostering meaningful relationships, mutual understanding, and shared experiences. By creating opportunities for older and younger individuals to interact, we help reduce social isolation, promote community cohesion, and encourage the exchange of skills, knowledge, and life experiences.

Our intergenerational activities take a variety of forms, including creative workshops, community events, educational sessions, and social activities. To support this work, we have established strong partnerships with local schools and nurseries, enabling both older and younger participants to engage in enjoyable and enriching experiences together.

One of our current initiatives involves members of our Rosemary Café visiting Lime Wood Primary School in Erith once every half-term. During these visits, participants take part in creative activities and enjoy lunch together, providing valuable opportunities for social interaction, friendship building, and learning across generations. These sessions have proven highly beneficial, creating positive experiences for all involved while strengthening connections within the local community.

In addition, our Lakeview Court Befriending Café welcomes children from Linton Mead Primary School in Thamesmead on a monthly basis. These visits provide a vibrant and engaging environment where children and older café members come together to sing songs, play games, and learn about one another’s lives and experiences. The sessions help build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and promote respect and understanding between generations.

We also work closely with Enchanted Wood Nursery, whose children regularly visit our Sherbrook Café. These sessions are centred around shared activities such as reading together, singing, arts and crafts, and interactive games. The visits create a warm and inclusive atmosphere where both older and younger participants.

More recently, pupils from Pelham Primary School have begun visiting our Geddes Place Monday Befriending Café. During these sessions, the children participate in craft activities alongside our members and have the opportunity to learn more about the lives, experiences, and perspectives of older people attending the group.

Through these partnerships, Age UK Bexley is creating valuable opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships. The continued growth of our intergenerational programme demonstrates our commitment to reducing isolation, strengthening community cohesion, and creating inclusive spaces where every generation can thrive together.

We would love the opportunity to connect with more schools to offer more intergenerational workshops you are a local school that maybe interested please contact sasha.barnes@ageukbexley.org.uk