Why we did this

Outside the Box and other people in East Renfrewshire had been hearing older people describe feeling lonely and wanting to have more connections with people living nearby. A group of us got together to look at the scope for more ways for people to meet each other and find friendships and things they could do together. People described how loneliness affected other people living in the area too.

From this, we put together a series of events – we called it our Intergenerational Festival, which is taking place in Barrhead and other locations in East Renfrewshire during May 2016

The idea for these events was to bring different generations together to share ideas around what people would like to see happen in their local community. We received some money from East Renfrewshire Good Causes to help with the publicity costs.

The 6 events are happening in local libraries and church halls where some people already had natural connections and at Health Centres. We are also going out to meet people may find it harder to get along, such as going to care homes and groups led by people who have long-term health problems.

How we did it

We asked people what they would like to see happen in their local community and what skills they had that they would be willing to share.

There was drawing paper and coloured pens on the walls/floors where people could write or draw what they would like to see in their local communities. They could also jut talk to one of the organisers.

We drew gingerbread figures and asked children to draw how they see older people, what they say and do – and also asked older people to do the same.

People can drop in at any sessions. Our visitors have included children from local schools and nurseries, Councillors, residents from local care homes, people using the libraries and other facilities and staff who worked there as well as members of the public.

What people told us

These are some of the things people said they would like to see happen in their local community:

“Older people being trained to be classroom assistants in primary schools as we don’t have enough teachers.”

“Visiting older people in care homes.”

“A baking event and quiz for all ages”

“More parking, flowers and trees on the streets.”

“A community club for all ages to meet and make new friends to relax and have fun with.”

“Being able to walk a dog as I am no longer able to have my own.”

These are some of the skills people can offer in their community

Ukulele classes

Arts and crafts

Child health specialist

Health eating and sports coaching for children

Computer skills

Feedback about the event

We also asked people what difference the event made for them:

“I expressed myself.”

“I know more about local amenities.”

‘Staff were very friendly, enthusiastic and helpful.”

“It was calm.”

“It was nice talking and sharing ideas.”

“It has shown me there are possibilities and made me realise what I can change.”

What happens next

The events end on 30th May in Barrhead Health Centre.

There are many possibilities for taking this work forward. The people who planned the sessions are getting back together to look at all the suggestions people gave us. We are beginning to get ideas on what will be in our action plan.

In the meantime, people who took part are already getting in touch with local groups and activities that they heard about at one of the sessions.