A new way to connect: Our teen podcasting project brings generations together
At The Together Project, we’re all about building joyful, meaningful connections between generations and this spring we launched something brand new!
We piloted our first-ever intergenerational podcasting project in partnership with Creative Engagement Services and it was amazing.
With the support of Haringey Council, we brought together young people aged 14–18 from Bruce Grove Youth Space and local older residents aged 72–85. Over eight creative weeks, they swapped stories, learned from each other, and recorded powerful podcast episodes that captured laughter, insight and friendship.
Teen voices took the lead
Young people stepped into the spotlight as interviewers, sound engineers and storytellers. They asked thoughtful, often moving questions, gaining technical skills and, more importantly, confidence. For many, it was their first time sitting down with someone in their 70s or 80s. By the end, they weren’t just learning, they were leading!
Wayne George, Creative Engagement Services:
“We saw real growth in confidence, speaking and listening, as well as presentation skills. There is clearly a need to have something where both age groups can be together.”
Active discussion within one of the podcast recording sessions
Older people shared wisdom and life stories
From growing up in wartime London to migrating from Jamaica in the 1960s, the older participants opened up about the lives they’ve led, often sharing stories they hadn’t told in years. The young people were captivated, and the conversations flowed both ways. It wasn’t just history; it was human connection in real time.
“One of the young people involved in the project saw me in the street the other day and came up to me and we engaged in a lovely conversation!”
New friendships formed, and stereotypes broken down
What began as a group of strangers ended as a group of friends. Barriers dissolved, assumptions were gently unlearned, and laughter became a regular feature of the sessions. Some participants now recognise each other in the street and stop for a warm hello. Something that would never have happened without the podcasting project!
Sonny, one of the older participants:
“I enjoyed meeting the young people, it was a bit of an adventure for me. I hadn't heard of Bruce Grove Youth Space (even though it’s just around the corner). It was lovely to be part of a different activity in the community. I learned about some of the young people who live locally and there was a young woman who shared a similar interest in acting and singing. I also played dominoes with some of the club members which I really enjoyed."
He added:
“Young people are so much more creative these days, you just need to believe in yourself. ”
Here’s what Almaz had to say:
“That’s something every young person needs to hear, we have so much doubt in ourselves. We’re not listening to friends and family telling us we’re good at something, it doesn’t mean as much as it does coming from someone who has lived their lives and has the experience.”
Sonny (85) middle, Almaz (18) on the right
The future
This is a brand new project for us and one we’re really excited about. It’s the first time we’ve worked with teenagers in this way, and it’s opened the door to a whole new format of intergenerational connection.
We’re now exploring opportunities to roll it out with other councils across the UK, bringing even more young people and older adults together through the power of podcasting, storytelling and shared experience. With the right support, we’re confident this pilot can become a national programme, tailored to each community’s unique needs.
Stay tuned… and if your child ever gets the chance to join one of our future podcasting projects, we highly recommend it.
It’s fun.
It’s empowering.
And it helps create a more connected and compassionate community.
For more information
Read the impact report
Watch the podcasts: