What we do

Few opportunities provide the older person with the chance to better the lives of the children in their own communities than volunteering in schools.

What we do

We promote intergenerational learning in schools and seek to enhance the contribution that older people can make to their local communities.

We create partnerships to benefit students, older people and teachers through a supported volunteering process in Trafford schools.

We support our volunteers and also create opportunities for them to get together.

We take on the recruiting of volunteers for the schools and provide them with invaluable help at no cost to them.

We help address ageism, discrimination and stereotyping which contribute to greater isolation and loneliness and replace them with renewed self-esteem and improved physical and mental wellbeing.

How our approach works

For the older person

School volunteering with young people gives the older person a sense of purpose and encourages new learning. It creates social connections in and out of the classrooms and reduces loneliness, one of the biggest issues of our time. It has been shown to improve health and wellbeing.

School volunteering helps bridge the cultural and social generational divide. “You gain insight into what it’s like to be a child again, and what it’s like to be a child now” one volunteer said.

For the children

They learn that older people are still very valuable and knowledgeable and “not just grumpy” (Leo, aged 6).

They benefit from one to one time where they can be themselves, be heard and feel appreciated.

They develop social skills, empathy and understanding which lead to better community cohesion.

They gain new skills, build up their confidence and have fun.

For the school

Our long partnerships with schools and the demand for more volunteers in individual schools show how much teachers appreciate the extra help and also the many other benefits that older volunteers bring into the classrooms, academically and practically.

The aspects of community work in schools, the additional skills brought in and the intergenerational approach that schools adopt through working with Intergen, all contribute to a positive impact reported to and applauded by Ofsted.

We know our approach works because

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) carried out an evaluation of our work; “We find ourselves in them and they find themselves in us”. The report says that older people feel more valued and become part of the school and the local community while students get additional training and learn new skills.

Our approach is based on intergenerational learning & practice. Information about the practices, outputs and outcomes of intergenerational learning can be found on our dedicated page.

But also because

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

People are now living 20 or 30 years beyond retirement. Many can only dream of “golden years” but volunteering is free and fulfilling.

Getting older people to engage with their community through volunteering in schools is our number one goal. Our 50+ year old volunteers play an important role by supporting the staff and children in Trafford schools and they love it.