Bridging the generational gap

19 March 2010

Pupils from Lewis School in Pengam have recently launched a brand new scheme aimed at bridging the generational gap between older and younger people in their area.

Pupils at the school have organised a weekly programme of activities for people aged 50 plus to come along and take part in, including a subsidised weekly lunchtime meal.

The aim of the 50+ Lunch Club scheme is to build stronger links and relations between older and younger people in the local community – two groups of people who are often stereotyped by each other negatively.

Michael Oliver, Assistant Head Teacher at Lewis School, Pengam said, "We are honoured to be able to provide this valuable service to the older members of our community, and our pupils have worked very hard to help make sure that our initial idea for the project was able to become a reality.

I am delighted with the feedback we have received so far, and hope that our older community members continue to enjoy the 50+ Lunch Club for a long time to come."

As well as a subsidised weekly meal, a number of indoor activities have also been organised, including Bowls, Scrabble, Monopoly, cards and dominoes, which both generations are able to play and enjoy together.

As part of the scheme, pupils are also producing a newsletter each term, which is distributed to older members of their local community, and will feature word searches, crosswords and other puzzles, as well as useful information on older people's rights, useful addresses, and information on initiatives to help improve health and social care.

Cllr Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment, which incorporates community safety said, "I am full of praise for schemes such as this, which help bridge the generational gap between younger and older people, and help break down the negative stereotyping that both sections of the community are often subject to."

The scheme is funded by the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership as part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Reassurance for Older People initiative.