We are thrilled to be on the shortlist for Burges Salmon ‘Charity of the Year’. Employees of the independent UK law firm can now vote for us to become the organisation’s charity of benefit.
If we are successful with the funding we want to deliver a unique programme of projects and activities to celebrate Young Bristol’s 90th Anniversary in 2018. We particularly want to re-engage with older people who were former members of our community youth clubs or who have benefited from our work over the past 90 years. We would love to bring local young and older people together to share their stories and memories of being involved with Young Bristol and our community clubs, as well as undertaking joint social action projects that will benefit their whole community.
Why Intergenerational Work?
Following the success of our previous programmes, we know how incredibly important intergenerational work is in today’s society. Sadly, there aren’t many natural engagement models for the younger and older generation to get together and both younger and older people can feel isolated from their communities. The effects of isolation and loneliness include depression and anxiety and it has been linked with heart disease and dementia. Over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone. However a study by the Mental Health Foundation found 18-34 year olds were more likely to feel lonely often than the over-55s. Engaging people of all ages in their local community helps them to meet new people, learn new skills, develop new friendships and generates resilience to face difficult times.
What Activities?
We plan to run a varied programme of activities including:
• Intergenerational social action projects such as community garden projects to convert unused land at a community club into a dedicated space for growing vegetables, a reflective garden etc.
• Community-based activities for older and young people such as reminiscence sessions, photography, arts and crafts.
• Intergenerational 121 I.T support sessions to improve skills.
• Community open days in each of our clubs to celebrate each club’s unique local history.
The funding would enable us to run this programme in 8 key community areas and report on our impact.
If you are a Burges Salmon employee or know someone who works for the company please vote for Young Bristol! It will be a tough call so best of luck to all the shortlisted organisations who also provide valuable services across the City.
