Intergenerational Connections Project

Mole Valley District Council

WINNER

Best Arts Project 2022

Nomination

What our judges said:

"I particularly love projects like this that bring generations together. It is widely known that care settings really suffered as a result of the pandemic and this project sounds completely joyful for all concerned. Empathy between young children and older people makes the world a much happier place!"

Andy Dawson 2021 winner, Inspire Youth Arts

"Lovely connection made between the elderly and children in a thoughtful and targeted project, bringing music and singing as part of meaningful interactions between groups who have suffered from pandemic isolation. It is great that these projects are leading to longer term and further partnerships between care providers."

Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason Author, speaker and supporter of music education

"I absolutely loved the focus on forging friendships in this project, especially as so much of it was intergenerational. The emphasis on volunteering too really impressed me as it displayed an understanding it’s the volunteers themselves who benefit as much as the folk they are lending a hand to."

Shaparak Khorsandi Stand-up comedian and writer

"I confess that reading about The Intergenerational Connections Project made me cry. Loneliness is something that we all encountered in some way over lockdown, and I think it’s probably the first time many of us have been able to properly understand what it must be like for the elderly in times of isolation. It’s wonderful to see the Intergenerational Connections Project using music to find common ground between young and old and help establish what will hopefully become lasting relationships. It’s testament to the success of the project that funding has been secured for 60 other projects in Surrey, and I look forward to following their progress."

Anna Lapwood Organist, conductor and broadcaster

"Oh my goodness, I encourage all to watch the online videos about the Intergenerational Connections Project – they are heart-warming to watch. This initiative must have made so much difference to both ends of the age spectrum during the pandemic and, crucially, everyone could join in, with music bringing them together."

Deborah Meaden Businesswoman and TV Dragon

"I love that the Intergenerational Project has steam rolled into something more lasting just out of sheer need and joy. How incredible that a gesture acquires its own power and replicates itself."

Jack Thorne Screenwriter and playwright

"This is a simple, beautiful idea that helps with a real problem: the huge increase in social isolation during the pandemic. Both sides clearly got so much out of the project, finding strength and connection that perhaps they didn't know they had. I'm really pleased that the idea has gone viral; unlike some viruses we could name, I want it to spread everywhere."

Samuel West Actor, director and Trustee of Campaign for the Arts

"It is lovely to hear of a project which has so positively impacted a group of people who are most in need of a lift in your community. A beautiful project allowing some to discover their voice and forge new relationships, to the benefit of all involved"

"We really love this project. It shows the power of social prescription, and all involved have clearly worked above and beyond to make it the success it has been. Congratulations on achieving funding for future projects, and wishing you all the best with those - can’t wait to hear about them!"