Intergenerational Innovators
They say no news is good news but we say good news is fantastic!
Our good news is we have been awarded GrandNanny’s 2023 Intergenerational Innovation award, in recognition of our hard work to reconnect communities across the generations.
GrandNanny’s values, much like ours, are to bridge the gaps across the generations. We were noted for our projects such as Songs and Smiles where parents and carers can bring their 0-4 year olds for singing and music sessions in residential care homes. And Crafting Connections, our intergenerational arts & crafts exchange, where a child is paired with an older person and they exchange monthly themed arts and crafts projects.
“But, what is a GrandNanny?” I hear you say.
Well, they are innovators too. GrandNanny is a childcare company with a twist. They match families with mature childcare providers and they help older people with childcare experience find rewarding and satisfying employment in their area.
GrandNanny is founded by social entrepreneur, Adele Aitchison. Much like our own Founder, Louise Goulden, Adele’s personal experience of witnessing the UK’s childcare crisis whilst volunteering with an intergenerational charity, sparked an idea. Why not bring the proven scientific benefits of intergenerational programmes into a practical childcare service?
It sounds like a win win to us!
One of our Songs & Smiles leaders, Gemma Saunders who was partly raised by her Grandmother said:
“I know how important age and experience and patience can be with young children. Older people have skills and abilities unlike their younger counterparts. I couldn’t always rely on my Grandma to run around the park with a football but she would happily sit for hours playing shops! She taught me to knit, to garden and bake rock cakes. She’s the reason I love singing! I understand not everyone is lucky enough to have a grandparent in their life, my own children never met one of their grandmothers, so other opportunities to bring old and young together are so important. Intergenerational relationships are crucial to families and communities, so let’s celebrate those that help us to find and nurture them.”
So thank you GrandNanny we’re thrilled with the accolade.