Generations Together · A Little Lights CIC project
A little time together.
So much to share.
A smile. A story. Someone who stays to listen. Little Lights CIC wants to bring older adults and young people together, creating space for friendship, creativity and the simple joy of being seen.
Every story deserves someone to listen.
Behind every older person is a lifetime of moments: people they have loved, challenges they have faced, skills they have learned and stories worth hearing. Growing older should never mean feeling forgotten.
Sometimes, connection begins with something small: a friendly smile, a shared game or someone asking, “Tell me about your life.” We want older adults to know that their presence matters, their experience has value and they have a place in our community.
Young people have something to share, too. Their curiosity, ideas and energy can begin a conversation; an older person’s advice or memory can offer a new perspective. Each generation can find encouragement and inspiration in the other.
One person has a story to tell. Another has a world to discover. Together, they can find a connection.
Different generations. Shared moments.
Generations Together is a project Little Lights is developing to connect older adults and young people through welcoming activities. Both generations take part as people with something valuable to give.
- Make something together.
Painting, drawing and simple crafts, with time to share ideas and enjoy the process. - Play, think and laugh.
Board games, puzzles and gentle team challenges that invite conversation and mental engagement. - Share a story or a song.
Favourite music, memories, anecdotes and life lessons, alongside young people’s hopes and interests. - Learn from each other.
Older adults sharing practical skills and advice; young people offering help with simple digital activities where useful.
A welcome for every generation.
We propose starting with a small pilot of three shared sessions, shaped around participants’ interests and the resources we secure.
- Listen before we plan.
Understand what participants enjoy, their access needs and the support that would help them feel comfortable. - Create a relaxed space.
Offer a choice of activities, clear guidance, comfortable seating and opportunities to take a break. - Make connection part of the activity.
Encourage conversation and collaboration, with facilitators helping people join in at their own pace. - Let their voices guide the next step.
Gather feedback and explore further sessions if participants want them and resources allow.
This is a proposed project. Dates, participant arrangements and activities will be confirmed once resources and delivery partners are agreed.
We bring people. Your kindness brings possibilities.
Little Lights contributes community outreach, participant communication, planning, promotion and volunteer coordination. Funding and contributions in kind can help us create accessible, well-supported sessions.
- A welcoming venue
Accessible space, suitable tables and seating, toilets and room for conversation and creative activities. - Materials to share
Art supplies, board games, puzzles, craft materials and suitable equipment for music or digital activities. - People who can guide and support
Facilitators and volunteers who enjoy listening and bringing people together, alongside safeguarding arrangements, insurance and access support. - Help getting there and feeling at home
Transport or travel support, refreshments and resources to address participation needs. - Local connections
Community groups, organisations supporting older people, youth groups and businesses interested in helping us reach participants or provide resources.
Please arrange donated items or volunteer involvement with Little Lights before delivery.
Feeling heard is a meaningful beginning.
We want participants to feel welcomed, valued and more connected. Shared games, creativity and conversation also provide opportunities to use skills, explore ideas and keep learning.
What difference do we hope to make?
More opportunities for companionship, less isolation, greater understanding between generations and the enjoyment of trying something together. We want older adults to feel heard and young people to recognise the value of their contribution, too.
How do the activities engage the mind?
Games, puzzles, art and storytelling invite attention, imagination, conversation and learning. Meaningful activities and social engagement may support cognitive wellbeing, although research is still developing. Our project focuses on participation and connection rather than promising to prevent cognitive illness.
Further reading: National Institute on Aging: Cognitive Health and Older Adults.
How will we understand the impact?
We plan to record participation and gather accessible feedback on enjoyment, feeling listened to and connection with others. Participants can also tell us what they would like to do next. For funded sessions, we can agree progress updates with supporters.
How can an organisation or business help?
Offer a venue, contribute materials, help with transport, support delivery costs or share relevant staff expertise. Local groups can also discuss how to introduce interested participants. We will agree roles and arrangements before sessions begin.
Help turn a quiet day into a shared moment.
Your support can help create a place where someone’s story is heard, a new friendship can begin and two generations discover what they have in common.
Everyone is welcome to support Little Lights. Donate an amount that feels right for you, offer suitable resources or share your time and skills. For Generations Together partnerships or project support, email info@littlelightscic.co.uk.
For a donation intended specifically for this project, please contact us to agree the arrangement before donating.
