Staying together while staying apart: Tips for intergenerational connection during the coronavirus

How do we support and connect with people across generations while physically staying apart? Communities across the UK are stepping up to offer support during the coronavirus in safe and creative ways. In National Intergenerational Week (23-29 March) we're gathering some of our favourite on and offline ideas. What would you add to the list?

Remember to always consider the safety of all intergenerational connections and follow the latest government health advice.

We've added some ideas to our #IntergenerationalWeek resource, around how you can bring cinema and film conversations for older and younger people together online. Take a look and reach out to the older people in your community, taking time to find the safest ways to connect. 💻 https://t.co/bL1vGy5ZjT
— InclusiveCinema (@InclusiveCinema) March 23, 2020

Lovely. 23-29 March is #IntergenerationalWeek celebrating different age groups coming together for shared benefits. Jemima, who usually visits a @StarandGarter home to play piano, instead sent a video of her playing Happiness – a resident’s favourite. https://t.co/xXh2Bdxo2r
— Lisa Berry (@RCNi_Lisa) March 23, 2020

#IntergenerationalWeek. Last week, these musicians brought joy to their local care home by playing in the gardens whilst maintaining their own social distancing guidance. A virtual concert next perhaps? @IntergenLinking @MyHomeLifeUK @iwill_campaign pic.twitter.com/c7BVyuhTTJ
— The Linking Network (@Linking_Network) March 23, 2020

"Don't worry and keep washing your hands." 💕🧼 Last week, local schoolchildren created these brilliant letters for some of our extra-care customers in Dronfield. These kind words and lovely illustrations are very thoughtful, thank you! 🌞 #sheffieldissuper #IntergenerationalWeek pic.twitter.com/ynZVT68X4B
— South Yorkshire Housing Association (@SYorksHA) March 23, 2020

Residents at our #Solihull and #Surbiton Homes are asking children to send in letters now that schools have closed because of the #coronavirus outbreak: https://t.co/D3iWfZVB2D

You can also upload them digitally at https://t.co/YGUhwQDTWX #IntergenerationalWeek #LettersWithLove pic.twitter.com/VYTGQVfGbU
— Royal Star & Garter (@StarandGarter) March 25, 2020

Fabulous letter for our Reasons to Stay Cheerful Campaign from Abigail aged 8 #COVIDー19 #intergenerationalweek @_LisaCherry @intergenproject @EYTalking @EmotionCoachUK @beingbrilliant @RobertOwenEYC pic.twitter.com/LWUhmgVvjg
— Ready Generations (@readygen) March 23, 2020

Connecting generations online can still be fun even when you have no idea what you are doing... #intergenerationalweek pic.twitter.com/lKTMCb93Xj
— Generations WorkingT (@GenerationsWT) March 23, 2020

Younger and older neighbours have been exchanging messages of love and laughter from as near as Toxteth and as far as Tennessee.

We’re not meant to have favourites, but this has got to be up there, from the adorable Emily and Molly. pic.twitter.com/TAz4DewU0X
— Liverpool Cares (@LiverpoolCares) March 23, 2020

“He gives me the name of a song he's been listening to, and I can look it up after our call so that we can talk about it next time I ring"

Thomas (77) and Rachael (25) have been keeping in touch over the phone and using Spotify to listen to each other's favourite tunes 🎼 pic.twitter.com/hsMJ5XPTFU
— South London Cares (@SouthLDNCares) March 25, 2020

The children from the school next door to Vesta Lodge in St Albans made a banner saying hello in different languages for the residents to see - very sweet and resourceful of them! #IntergenerationalWeek pic.twitter.com/NmVg5vBqwo
— Quantum Care Ltd (@QuantumCareLtd) March 25, 2020

Thank you so much @Rendcombjuniors for this very thoughtful gesture. Sure our Paternoster House residents will love reading your letters! #IntergenerationalWeek https://t.co/n2CDM5LQ02
— OSJCT (@OSJCT) March 26, 2020

We know it's a tricky time for the children and older volunteers we work with as we're all spending more time at home. We're keeping in touch over the phone and sending some letters to keep all our spirits up #IntergenerationalWeek pic.twitter.com/qRRTl8zQfw
— InCommon (@incommonlondon) March 26, 2020

Intergenerational connection during coronavirus

"At Ready Generations we are launching a Reasons to Stay Cheerful Campaign to promote creative connections between isolated children and older people. If children, families, older people and care homes wish to be involved please go to our Facebook Page at Ready Generations or Twitter @readygen or by email sue@readygenerations.co.uk to request a FREE start up pack of resources." “ ”

Sue Egersdorff, Ready Generations
"The Wiser Collective recognises there is a digital skills gap to bridge between the generations and that some of the most isolated individuals won't be able to access all the help and support that is on offer and being shared via social media. During the Coronavirus social distancing period, we are starting conversations about how best to bring the older generation online in a way that works for them and urging everyone to share their tech skills to help an older relative, friend or neighbour connect with their community, access information and even shop online by using some basic tools on a phone or computer." “ ”

Sarah Laffey, The Wiser Collective
"The Together Project’s #somethingtocreateasmile asks Songs & Smiles participants and local communities to send videos/photos of children singing a favourite song, pulling the funniest face, or showing something they’re proud of, telling a joke, with their latest masterpiece. All contributions will be sent to care homes/sheltered housing schemes, reminding residents that we’re thinking of them." “ ”

Jenny Reed, The Together Project

Take part in National Intergenerational Week, 23-29 March

To find out more about the National Intergenerational Week campaign, who's taking part this year and to download our handy social media resources visit our main campaign page.