Guild Helping to Bridge the Age Gap

Posted on 28th Sep

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An exciting new £400,000 scheme of volunteering projects aimed at bringing young and old together is about to start in Plymouth.

Funding has been awarded to the city as part of a £5.5 million cross-government scheme to promote intergenerational volunteering. The ‘Generations Together’ campaign will create nearly 2,000 volunteering opportunities in Plymouth over the next two years.

Plymouth City Council Social Inclusion Unit and Adult Social Care will be working with key partners: Plymouth Guild Volunteer Centre, Groundwork South West, Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), Plymouth Kurdish Community, Devon and Cornwall Chinese Association, Phoenix Hope Project and Plymouth Befriending to build better relationships between the generations, helping them to develop new areas of working together – improving community relations, building trust and breaking down barriers.

Competition for the funding was fierce and the Plymouth Team’s bid was one of only 12 bids chosen across England to deliver the programme.

George Plenderleith, Chief Executive of Plymouth Guild said, “Plymouth Guild is delighted to be taking a lead with this partnership approach to volunteering, increasing the number of opportunities available to people from all ages in the City and to be able to offer support to the key organisations involved. The funding will provide the partnership team with the opportunity to work together to create many new exciting opportunities for young and older volunteers.”

The projects which will start by mid autumn will enable young and old from different areas of the City to work together, exchanging skills and knowledge leading to a greater understanding of the issues those from different backgrounds face. Volunteers will be able to get involved in projects ranging from literacy, gardening, cookery workshops, befriending and youth leadership.