The Bridging Generations project was conceived by Mike Harvey, President of the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, to alleviate loneliness amongst the elderly residents of Chichester.
The project works by bringing lonely elderly residents together with the students of Chichester College for a conversation over coffee and cake.
Bridging Generations was the result of research done by community workers and caring organisations that consistently pointed to a widespread problem of isolation amongst elderly residents in the area.
Sometimes I’m not sure if I want to go out, but when I come back I feel I’ve had a good morning.”
It was evident that a hands-on project was needed to address this issue and Mike Harvey was set on making the project a success once he received the green light from Chichester College.
Mike consulted organisations such as Meals on Wheels and Age Concern as well as local sheltered housing groups to find the residents who would benefit from the project most.
Speaking to the Chichester Observer, Mike recalls: “The project started with a small group but has now grown to about twenty elders and thirty students meeting every two weeks in term time.
“They sit at mixed tables, moving around after a quarter of an hour – a topic for conversation is usually suggested and this leads to a friendly chat.”
Chichester College provide the space for Bridging Generations to take place.
While the college provides transport for those who want to take part, the college provide refreshments and the all-important space for Bridging Generations to take place.
As well as being highly beneficial for the elders, the project has become an important part of improving the students’ communication skills, especially for those studying Health and Social Care.
The college event went as far as to make the project part of their ‘social skills’ training and to include the project in it’s Ofsted Report, which was highly commended.
The relationship with the college has allowed Chichester Priory Rotary to promote it’s programme of youth projects, such as camps, tours and exchanges, to the students.
The success of the project has been immense, with a steady flow of returning participants and jubilant feedback from both the elderly and the students.
The project sees around 20 elders and 30 students meet every two weeks.
Vera Cranmer, at the time 83, told the Chichester Observer: “Sometimes I’m not sure if I want to go out, but when I come back I feel I’ve had a good morning.
“Now my mobility isn’t so good, I go on the Monday Club transport, which is brilliant – I couldn’t manage it without that.”
Other clubs have been in contact with Chichester Priory Rotary looking to replicate the project for their local areas, especially in light of the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project is always looking for new people to take part as it aims to keep alive the art of conversation for those who need it the most.
