We are Friends

Bridging the age gap in Waltham Forest

We are Friends was funded by Waltham Forest Council in collaboration with Chit-Chat Pitter-Pat (their virtual home learning project for under 5’s).

In 2022, The Together Project and Chit Chat Pitter Pat linked 65 children in Early Years Foundation Settings (EYFS) with 52 older people living in some of the borough’s care homes. The project fostered connections through the exchange of activities and built long lasting, meaningful intergenerational friendships. Little ones got to know of the joy older people can bring - the stories, the wisdom, the fun. And older people got the pleasure of regularly interacting with the children (bringing joy, just by being themselves). Our participants ranged in age from 1 to 104, and together they exchanged three activities.

Discover the magic of intergenerational friendships!

Due to the success of We are Friends, Waltham Forest decided to fund an additional programme in 2023 as part of their Best Start in Life offer. Alongside Chit-Chat Pitter-Pat, The Together Project created ‘We are Friends in Libraries’.

We developed the 8 week programme and trained library staff to lead intergenerational story and rhyme sessions.

There were puppets, instruments, colourful scarves and bubbles, and everyone got a chance to create new friendships across the generations.

The sessions were designed to: address the isolation and loneliness that so many of us have experienced, provide a fun way for children and parents to link up with older generations and celebrate the simple, restorative power of human connection.

Nurturing lifelong friendships

We united older residents, young children and their parents/guardians in libraries across the borough through the magic of storytelling and song. Initially launching in four libraries for an eight week spring term, the programme was again so successful that it was extended to a further four libraries in the autumn, leaving a joyful intergenerational legacy as several libraries have continued with the programme.

Community connections

We experienced the power of community as we bridged the age gap and celebrated the richness of our diverse neighbourhood. We Are Friends isn't just about storytelling and song—it's about fostering a sense of belonging, where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced for who they are.

Read about Winnie our storytelling hero and delve into the impact we have made on our local community.