Bringing the generations together with Sparkle

Sparkle is an intergenerational community project that brings younger and older people together for mutual benefit. Having launched in 2022, Sparkle is now active in four churches in Wandsworth with over 100 older people (we call them Grandfriends) registered.

Intergenerational practice is a win-win for everyone. There are obvious benefits for the older people, from tackling loneliness and isolation to improving health and wellbeing, but also big benefits for the young people too in terms of building confidence and empathy, developing
communication skills and even reducing ageism. Importantly Sparkle creates community where one did not exist previously. It is a restoration of how God intended us to live, and it happens in church.

A typical day will include seated exercise, two intergenerational sessions (one with the on-site nursery and one with primary), a freshly prepared meal eaten together and an optional age-appropriate church service for Grandfriends and volunteers we call ‘Sparkle Saints’.

No two days at Sparkle are the same and we have great fun coming up with new ideas for our intergenerational activities. We have done everything from gardening to gnome-making, poetry to pirate-week! The most important thing is that the children and their Grandfriends do the activities together and, in so doing, form meaningful relationships.

Intergenerational practice is experiencing significant growth across the UK, driven by innovative programs, supportive policy initiatives, and a growing recognition of its benefits for both older and younger generations. In the last two years Intergenerational practice is professionalising with the establishment of national bodies such and Gen-all (of which Sparkle is a Steering Group member) and Intergenerational England. Local councils and funders like it as it impacts multiple demographics and schools like it as it meets Curriculum citizenship and PSHE objectives.

There is huge societal need for intergenerational practice.

By 2039, the number of people aged 75 and over is expected to double from 5 million to nearly 10 million (1) . With the increased demand on adult social care and council budgets, there will need to be more community provision for older people.

In parallel, society is becoming more divided. Children now have a mere 5% chance of having someone aged over 65 living in their area compared to a 15% chance in 1991 (2) . This statistic perhaps explains why ageism is extremely prevalent in the UK – in fact, a higher proportion of British adults have reported experiencing prejudice based on their age (26%) than on any other characteristic (3) .

Intergenerational practice in a Christian context supports the five principles outlined in ‘Care and Support Reimagined’ as published by the Archbishops Commission in 2023. It can provide universal, inclusive access to care and support, delivered with loving kindness and empathy, based on mutuality rather than dependence, enabling people to flourish.

Churches are perfectly placed to host intergenerational community centres.

• Many churches rent space to nurseries as a form of income but there may be little or no
  interaction between the church and the nursery.

• Many churches have empty spaces midweek so the venue is readily available

• Many churches have a cohort of older people who can be the seed group of ‘Grandfriends’

• Many churches will have servant-hearted people who could volunteer.

• Many churches have a school in walking distance but (unless they are a church school) there will likely be little interaction.

• Every community will have older people who will benefit from a local holistic provision

Sparkle generates connections beyond those that attend

The children come to Sparkle because their school or nursery understands the importance of intergenerational connection in the development of children and the wider societal benefits of conscious citizenship. In addition to the intergenerational benefits, Sparkle offers a positive relationship with a vicar/church which may de-mystify any learnt perception that church is ‘boring’, ‘scary’ or not inclusive.

As children and adults build relationships, these connections naturally extend to families, friends, carers, teachers and volunteers creating a ripple effect of community engagement. This broader network means that our positive, inclusive environment is experienced by a much wider group than those who attend directly. Even those who may be un-churched or de-churched are able to see and experience the benefits of a supportive, faith-inspired community.

Through these trusted relationships, and being in a ‘faith adjacent’ community, people are more open to exploring faith pathways. By sharing our kingdom values and demystifying faith, we can invite curiosity for Jesus.

Sparkle Saints

Older people come to Sparkle for several reasons. They might be lonely and isolated, seeking connection. They might appreciate having a home-cooked meal and eating with company. They might have become inactive and feel they need to ‘join something’. In Wandsworth, social
prescribers in GP’s surgeries refer people to Sparkle as do other partners in social care.

Sparkle is able to meet all of these needs and in so doing generate trust, engagement and community. But this is a community with a difference, it is modelled on our belief that everyone is a ‘gift’ and Jesus’ command to ‘love one another’. We show this love in the services we provide and, in the invitation, to join our special service ‘Sparkle Saints’.

Sparkle Saints is a special midweek service which happens either within or after the other activities. It is positioned as optional, but everyone is warmly invited, and most accept that invitation. The service offers sung worship, reflection on a Bible passage and contemporary theme and prayer. It is a place where mutual learning and vulnerability are respectfully encouraged and could happen with authenticity in any church tradition. It is as important as any Sunday service. Holy Communion is offered regularly and for a good proportion of the Grandfriends and volunteers it is their church. The services are planned for the needs of older people first and it is here where we can nurture, re-awaken and even ignite faith. It is here where we deepen discipleship.

We have seen so many beautiful relationships form at Sparkle and we are so excited for what the future holds. Our vision is to see more intergenerational communities form across the country and, in so doing, help restore kingdom living.

Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
Psalm 148:12-13

References

1 ONS – Future of an Ageing population
2 Generations Apart – Intergenerational Foundation
3 Ageism, what’s the harm? 2023 Centre for Ageing Better

Find out more:

https://sparkletogether.org

Facebook and Instagram @sparkleststeves