Silver Sunday – Cooking Across the Generations

On Sunday 12 October, Age UK Sheffield held our “Cooking Across the Generations” event as part of Silver Sunday. We were delighted to collaborate with U3A, Grandma’s Soup, Sheffield Hallam University, Campaign to End Loneliness, and Rock Choir in what proved to be a wonderful celebration of community and a powerful way to raise awareness of loneliness across Sheffield.

This event, part of Age UK’s national Silver Sunday campaign to reduce loneliness among older people, took place at Gathering Grounds Bowling Pavilion in Hillsborough Park.

Guests were encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get involved with soup preparation, enjoy a variety of interactive games, exchange favourite soup recipes, and much more. Later in the afternoon, we were honoured to be joined by Rock Choir — the UK’s award-winning, no-audition contemporary choir, offering inclusive singing sessions in over 400 communities nationwide. Their uplifting and familiar songs filled the room overlooking Hillsborough Park, lifting spirits and bringing everyone together through music.

Volunteers were integral to the day’s success. They enthusiastically joined in with preparations, oversaw the soup making, and supported the games and activities that kept the event lively, warm and welcoming.

“We are so thankful to all our volunteers who joined us — without each and every one of you, we simply could not have created such a wonderful event. We hope this is the beginning of many more events like this, bringing people together through the simple act of sharing a meal.” - Age UK Sheffield 

Events like this are more than just a chance to enjoy good food — they’re an opportunity to make new friends, bridge generations, and strengthen our sense of belonging. For some attendees, it was a rare and meaningful chance to chat with someone of a different age, swap stories, and discover shared experiences through food and conversation.