Jane Charlton, Rosemary Hurtley

CRANLEIGH INTERGENERATIONAL

PROJECT 2010

How it startedCranleigh Initiative & HealthcheckConcerns about public behaviour and link

with perceptions of safety and wellbeing Lack of understanding - culture of anxiety

and rapid change - fear of crime, breakdown of communication

Health agenda - preparing the community for an increasing ageing population and increase in the ‘old-old’ in rural areas

Problems identifiedLarge groups/rowdy behaviourInconsiderate/antisocial behaviour; e.g. on

some bus routes (53), drinking in public areas, vandalism

Lack of consideration/awareness of behaviour on others

Ageing populationIntergenerational misunderstandingYoung people not feeling respectedOlder people not feeling respected

A Framework

Putting consideration and civility into public life across the generations through improved communication and mutual understanding – The Intergenerational Project with Jane Charlton

Helping to improve the experience of public places in the village, engendering feelings of safety and wellbeing at all times, day and night, by all Cranleigh residents – making for a stronger community

CranleighMarket townPopulation 12,000Technically the largest

village in England, but with the size and facilities of a town

RecommendationsWhole community involvement – age friendly

community positive citizenship projectCranleigh code - for personal adoption, similar

to the highway/country codeAddress aspects that restrict quality of life Increase links between community and schoolsLink older and younger residents in a variety

of ways; e.g. history, citizenship, learning, community

work, visits emphasising intergenerational communication

Intergenerational project aimsTo develop greater intergenerational respect

and dignity (so the young and old respect each other)

To advance young people’s life skills and capacities (via recreational and leisure time activities and with some links to school work to promote intergenerational relationships)

To help older people and those with frailty have contact with young people, thereby improving their wellbeing and overall quality of life

Tapestry of ActivityCommunication/reminiscence & learningExamples:Local Primary School/Senior Link – annual event Memory book – Nursing Home and Catholic

Primary SchoolBirthday cards, World Cup memories, place mats-

Cranleigh C of E Primary and Day Centre Remembrance Day Oral History Project with Arts

Centre and Yr 8/9 pupils

Tapestry of ActivityRelationship building: various ‘contact’

events; e.g. Cranleigh Youth Group and U3A with Arts Centre events - Wii bowling and reciprocal meals, visits to care centres, volunteering

Music events and contact: Park Mead, Cranleigh School, (Glebelands) concerts

Schools resource pack: information on ageing, reminiscence and disability/sensory awareness activities

Tapestry of Activity - IdeasJoint living history - care home and school –

World War II projects involving series of workshops and arts events with school and artists: Poetry and speech and drama activity linked to curriculum – celebrating local culture, intergenerational interaction, creativity

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 15 minute ‘show cases’Object handling - ‘transitional objects’ of public

and personal significanceCare home and local Alzheimer’s project

remembrance programme, exhibition

‘I really enjoy their sense of humour’‘I really enjoyed talking with the older people’

‘I like to help the older people when playing curling’

Benefits for young peopleCommunication skills - ability to engage

empathetically with a frail older person Learning different perspectivesBeing respected and valuedConfidence buildingOther, e.g. opportunities for young people to

report stories for the local press, positive profiles of young people, volunteering skills

Reminiscence sessions - hearing about the past (perhaps linked to history/citizenship/Focus Days)

Benefits for older peopleCommunication with young peopleLearning perspectives of young peopleBeing listened to and sharing past historiesBeing respected and valuedDiversion from the ‘normal routine’ - reduced

possible isolation

Research reveals that misconceptions about age, ageing and stereotypes are developed before the age of 8 years

Benefits to allImproved intergenerational awareness and

respectImproved contact between young and old for

a stronger community fabric Building social capitalImproved relationships and mutual

understanding

Benefits to all (continued)Shared learning addresses stereotypingYounger people learning about change, ageing

and disabilityNew skills in communication (young and old)Stronger community across generationsLess isolationExploring new skills and celebrating achievementSeeing older people as a community resourceSeeing younger people as a community resourceFun

Those involved so far….Local schools: Park Mead, Cranleigh C of E

Primary, St. Cuthbert Mayne, Glebelands, Cranleigh School and Farlington School, Cranfold Confederation

Wider Community: Cranleigh Youth Club and SCC youth workers, Cranleigh Arts Centre, U3A, Rowleys Day Centre, Knowle Park Nursing Home, Cedar Court, Birtley House, Cranleigh Baptist Church, Age Concern and Cranleigh Initiative

and contact with many others ..

What you need to do itCauseConnectionsCreativityCharacter – make a differenceCatalyst Collaboration

FundingSurrey County Council (£1,000)Lions (£900)Rotary Club (£500)Cedar Court, Care Home (£250)Parish Council

Cranleigh Youth Centre ‘Enabler’ (pivotal role)Hold funding (£2,900)

Where next? Consolidate projects – internal leaders/co-

ordinators to enable success

Project coordination - volunteers and project co-ordinators and competition judges welcome

Maintain momentum after SeptemberLegacy - ongoing stronger community

Thank youOur fundersOur enabler (Cranleigh Youth Centre)Our supporters (schools and care

homes)Our older and our younger

participants

For more information: info@janecharlton.org.uk or hurtley@btinternet.com