What are Intergenerational Classes and how are they making a positive impact on multiple generations? We’re joined by Jenny from The Together Project, the national charity that connects generations through joy-filled intergenerational classes.
Regardless of your life stage, social isolation is one of society’s biggest challenges. Intergenerational classes aim to reduce loneliness and foster community togetherness. They organise activities that unite people who might not normally come into regular contact, with a focus on fun and friendship. Read on to find out more about The Together Project and hear about the people who attend them.
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What Is Songs & Smiles?
Songs & Smiles is our flagship programme, equal parts communal playdate, all-ages singalong, and intergenerational friendship group.
We’re a small team with mighty ambitions. I feel lucky that each week I get to see something truly magical: three generations coming together to share music, laughter, and friendship. In a world where different age groups can often feel disconnected, our intergenerational activities bridge that gap, bringing children aged 0-4, their grownups, and older people living in care homes or retirement settings together in the most joyful way.
Many say it’s the most heart-warming hour of their week and I can only agree. I try to get to a session as much as possible because whenever I do, it well and truly fulls my cup!
Our Origins: Babies, Biscuits, And ‘Wind The Bobbin Up’
In 2017, our Founder and CEO, Louise Goulden was on maternity leave. Like so many first-time parents, having a baby was a life-changing experience that, along with the joys, brought about feelings of isolation and loneliness.
To combat this, Louise sought out moments of connection while out and about with the buggy – a chat in a supermarket queue, or on the bus – often with older generations who also found their day brightened by exchanging a few words with a friendly stranger.
Louise loved feeling part of her local community and looked for other ways she could do this with her baby in tow. But she couldn’t find anything that felt like the right fit. So she decided to set up a group bringing parents and guardians of young children together with older adults living in care homes.
The group – which became known as Songs & Smiles – was an instant hit, creating heartwarming friendships through the power of music, movement, and chats over tea and biscuits at the end.
Louise then set up The Together Project (first as a CIC, now a registered charity), an organisation that would address loneliness and age segregation for all generations through a range of programmes and initiatives. Songs & Smiles was its first offering, which has grown from its grassroots origins to become a nationwide movement spreading joy to hundreds of people every week. It was joined by several other programmes, with many more initiatives planned for the coming years.
What Does A Typical Session Look Like?
When I arrive at one of our intergenerational classes, usually held in the communal room of a care home or assisted living scheme, I like to get there early. I like to see the residents’ faces when the babies and toddlers start to arrive, the atmosphere changes immediately. The little ones light up the room and quickly become the centre of attention. Residents go from their ordinary day-to-day demeanour to engaged, smiling and eager to start the session.
The sessions are designed for everyone to take part in, so we start with familiar nursery rhymes, using simple instruments that most people can hold, like claves (those wooden sticks) and shaky eggs. If there are any toddlers in the room they get to help hand out the instruments. You can feel the energy shift as the room comes alive and barriers come down. Toddlers are tapping away, parents are singing, and residents join in. Then it’s time for the colourful scarves. We play peek-a-boo and sing songs like ‘Over the Rainbow’ where everyone waves their scarves in the air. You’d be amazed at how quickly the whole room is moving, regardless of age.
Toward the end of the session, we play songs from the 50’s and 60’s and out comes the bubble machine. It’s a heartwarming scene as the little ones, their grown-ups and residents all work together to help pop the bubbles!
Then it’s time for our ‘Meet and Mingle’ everyone has a drink and a snack while the parents chat to the residents. This is the bit I love, chatting to the residents and seeing their faces when parents/guardians sit the babies on their knees. I’ve seen residents who rarely speak or engage reach out to hold a child’s hand or gently stroke their heads. And these shared moments of human connection are why we do what we do!
One tip though: No matter the weather outside, a care home is always hot so wearing layers that can be removed will really help!
Some Of Our Favourite Stories From Running Intergenerational Classes
Arthur
I remember when we first heard about Arthur. He was 91 years old when Songs & Smiles started at his retirement home. He was very reluctant to join as he was the only male participant. But after the first few sessions, he came away from Songs & Smiles with a smile on his face and talked about how the children had brought that sparkle back into his life. The classes gave him a new lease of life as his great-grandchildren were now grown up.
Week upon week he would get up every Thursday with the excitement of seeing the children, in his own words:
“I love my Thursdays with the children, it’s the only day of the week I look forward to, seeing the smiles from the babies and how they love the bubbles.”
When Arthur’s health began to deteriorate, he still managed to attend most sessions and interact with all the children. Unfortunately, Arthur sadly passed away at age 93, just before the next term of Songs & Smiles started but even then, he managed to say:
“I’m going to miss the children on Thursdays, tell them I’m sorry.”
Anita his Granddaughter got in touch to tell us Songs & Smiles brought a huge amount of joy to his life. He would always have a smile on his face whilst talking about it.
Ajani
I’ve witnessed some truly heartwarming moments at Songs & Smiles, but one that stands out is seeing Ajani’s transformation over time. When he first joined, he was noticeably shy, especially around adults. He would stick close to his mother, observing everything quietly, hesitant to engage with the care home residents, staff, or even the volunteer.
But as the sessions progressed, we all saw a different side of Ajani begin to emerge. Each week, he grew a little braver. Soon he was confidently walking in, greeting everyone with a smile. Gemma, the leader, Margret, the volunteer, and even the residents. Now, he’s always eager to help, excitedly handing out the shaky eggs, wooden sticks, and colourful scarves to the residents.
And, perhaps the most telling sign of his newfound confidence, he takes pride in tidying up after the session. It’s been a joy to watch him go from a cautious onlooker to a cheerful participant, thriving in the environment and spreading his own positive energy throughout the room.
These kinds of stories are what make Songs & Smiles so powerful. Every session brings new moments of connection, growth, and happiness.
The Benefits Of Intergenerational Classes
Although it’s only an hour long, intergenerational classes pack in a remarkable amount of benefits. As well as reducing loneliness for parents/guardians and older people, the programme incorporates a growing body of research on child development. Bringing together singing, movement, social interaction, and other stimuli (like bubbles!), our sessions are designed to develop rhythm and coordination, build confidence, and stimulate the senses in a way that promotes healthy development in our little humans.
As the person who collates all the feedback from sessions, I have the job of writing impact reports for our funders. I always have a wealth of positive comments. The feedback speaks for itself.:
“We loved getting to know the residents. Finding out about their past and careers and achievements and talking about them was amazing! Building relationships and meeting new people was such fun – and who doesn’t love bubbles!”
– Family member
“Songs & Smiles had a massive impact on Arthur. Not only did it bring joy and happiness, but it also promoted social cohesion. I would like to thank Songs & Smiles for the joy you brought to Arthur, and I sincerely hope others can benefit from the amazing work you do.”
– Family member
“It’s nice to see little children in the home. It gives the place a different atmosphere which lasts even after the session has finished.”
– Care setting staff
How You Can Book A Class With The Together Project
Our sessions are about building community, boosting wellbeing, and creating moments of pure joy that will give you all the feels!
Booking a class is simple. Either head over to our website or take a look on Happity and search for The Together Project. We’ve made our sessions as accessible as possible, with tickets available at different price points—FREE, £3, or £5 donation per session—whatever feels right for you. If you book through Happity and choose to donate, you’ll receive a quick form to Giftaid your contribution, helping us claim an extra 25% from the government.
Together we can make a difference.
Book a class on Happity today!
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
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