£5.5 million to help close the widening generation gap

On 20 April 2009, the Government launched a £5.5 million programme to bring older and younger generations together in their communities.

The pot of money will fund 12 intergenerational projects across the country where young and older people can engage with each other on equal terms, break down barriers and challenge negative stereotypes.

We know that different generations are spending less time together due to changing family patterns and living arrangements – in a survey of 3,500 people last year respondents raised concerns about a “growing gulf between the old and the young, and the negative attitudes this can encourage between generations”. And in our Time to Talk consultation we heard that people want more activities to unite the community and more places where people of all ages and races can meet.

That is why we are calling on local authorities, in partnership with their local voluntary organisations, to apply for the funding to develop intergenerational projects across the country.

Full details: www.dcsf.gov.uk