What are the benefits to health, well-being and education when young people link with older people living in care homes?
Care Home Friends and Neighbours: Intergenerational Linking was a national social action project that linked young people aged 5-14 from schools and youth groups with older people living in care homes. The project ran in 11 areas of England from 2019-2022. At the time, it was England’s biggest Intergenerational project with care homes. In total, an estimated minimum of 4,000 young people and 2,000 older people participated.
The Vivensa Foundation contributed £1m to this important work, with matched funding from the National Lottery Community Fund #iwill campaign. The project was led by a partnership between My Home Life England and The Linking Network, alongside a network of local organisations.
It just brings joy
The Linking Network has continued to build on this work. It was selected as one of five charities in the Guardian’s Charity Appeal 2025 which focused on hope in times of division.
Most recently, they published the Bradford Intergenerational Linking Evaluation Report, led by Dr Lindsey Cameron from the University of Kent. Entitled ‘It just brings joy’, it captures the impact that the Intergenerational Linking programme is having on young and older people in Bradford. And also on the care home staff, families and wider communities.
Overall, Intergenerational Linking was found to be a highly effective approach for promoting well-being, inclusion and community connection when supported by robust planning and sustained delivery. The report details numerous benefits for care home residents including:
- increased joy, engagement and a reduction in loneliness
- increased understanding, connection and shared values
- a renewed sense of purpose and identity
- opportunities for reminiscence and storytelling
And the developmental outcomes for children are significant too – particularly for SEND and vulnerable children – and include:
- increased confidence
- improved communication skills
- enhanced empathy and greater social awareness.
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Visit The Linking Network‘s website here.
Read the Bradford Intergenerational Linking Evaluation Report here.
