Could babies help heal loneliness?
Wes Streeting thinks so!
At The Together Project, we’ve long known something special happens when little one, their grownups and older people come together. The smiles, the gentle hand-holding, the genuine connection and shared laughter – they don’t just warm hearts. They change lives.
So, when The Telegraph highlighted Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s ideas to combat loneliness by bringing generations together (featuring babies as unlikely heroes) we couldn’t help but smile.
Because this isn’t a far-off idea. It’s already happening.
Songs & Smiles session in a care home - everybody having fun!
Songs & Smiles is proof
We’ve been running our joyful Songs & Smiles sessions in care homes across the country since 2017. Every week, little ones and their grown-ups sing, dance, and play alongside older people living in care.
The result? Magic.
Meaningful social connections can add years to your life
As Wes Streeting rightly points out, loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But meaningful social connections can add years to your life. We see it every week: residents with dementia who light up at the sound of a nursery rhyme. Parents who find friendship and a new sense of purpose. Children who learn empathy, confidence and the joy of community.
From grassroots idea to national example
Our founder, Louise Goulden, shared her story with The Telegraph:
"I chatted to The Telegraph’s Laura Donnelly about the inspiration for setting up what was then a grassroots project and the impact this kind of activity has on the mental health of all generations."
It started with a baby in a sling and a visit to a great-aunt in a care home. What followed was a spark that’s now lighting up 53 care homes (and counting) across the UK.
As Louise said in her LinkedIn post:
"Here’s hoping this new plan unlocks greater support and funding for 'ground-up' initiatives that tackle loneliness directly at a community level, rather than having to fix the well-documented health issues that arise when people are left lacking connection."
It’s not just cuddles – it’s connection
Intergenerational England’s upcoming report calls for intergenerational hubs nationwide – places where young and old come together through music, storytelling, gardening and more. Research has linked programmes like Songs & Smiles with significant cognitive improvements in older people, as well as increased physical activity, well-being and life satisfaction.
Just imagine if there was a Songs & Smiles in every town.
Spread the joy
If you’re a parent or guardian of a 0–4-year-old, a care home manager/activity coordinator, or someone who believes in the power of human connection – come and be part of the magic.
Find your local Songs & Smiles group.
Know a care home or community that could benefit? Let’s make it happen.
Support the cause: We’re a small charity doing big things.
Loneliness is a national issue. But together, we can create little pockets of joy that make a big difference. Let’s keep building a world where generations come together – not just because it feels good, but because it does good.