THE GENERATION GAP is being bridged in one Moray community thanks to a new joint project involving Hopeman Primary School and the local Be Active Live Long (BALL) group.
From today the project, dubbed ‘Golden Time’, will introduce pupils to games and activities such as indoor curling, French bowls and Botcha – while at the same time they can gain experience and knowledge from older people taking part.
The project is to become an additional option to the Friday afternoon ‘free time’ choices at the school, with P1 pupils taking part in the first session today, and is facilitated by Moray Council’s Older People’s Development Team.
A spokesman explained the concept: “The benefits of intergeneration projects are that both age groups gain a greater understanding of one another and new friendships can be formed, as not every youngster has a grandparent in their lives, and vice versa.
“The interaction helps youngsters to develop soft skills such as team work, conversation and social skills. The older generation can gain a sense of value, whilst being part of the wider school and local community, reducing social isolation and increasing their mental and physical wellbeing.”
The Hopeman BALL group has over 40 active members meeting in the Memorial Hall every Tuesday morning. The school community is looking for volunteers who would want to show the pupils how to knit, sew, play table tennis, story-tell about days gone by, or share any knowledge which could be useful to the younger generation.
Anyone wishing to know more about the inter-generational projects, BALL groups in their area or generally volunteering, can contact the Older People’s Development Team on 01343 567093 or by email to OPDevelopmenTeam@moray.gov.uk.
Those wishing to help at Hopeman can contact the school on 01343 830281 or by email to admin.hopemanp@moray-edunet.gov.uk.