St George’s House at Windsor Castle is set to host a landmark event next week as leaders from the public, voluntary, and private sectors gather to address the pressing need for intergenerational connections in Britain. Lack of multi-generational connections has been identified as a major contributor to many of the nation’s challenges ranging from political intolerance and loneliness to health issues, ageism, and the housing crisis.
Commencing on Monday November 27th, the two-day event will support the development of Intergenerational England, a new charity aimed at fostering an ethos of unity and integration across generations, sectors and government. The objective is to unlock the power of community collaboration, transcending barriers that contribute to societal challenges.
Dame Julia Cleverdon DCV CBE, known for her dedication to connecting the unconnected, will join other experts in fields such as policy, healthcare, and diversity to discuss and navigate the multifaceted aspects of intergenerational engagement.
This Intergenerational England event has gained support from influential figures such Jane Falkingham, Professor of Demography and International Social Policy at the University of Southampton and Lord David Willits, President of the Resolution Foundation. The discussions will also feature contributions from Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, and Professor Claire Fuller, GP and Chief Executive of the Primary Care. A performance by Edith WeUtonga, President of Zimbabwe Musicians Union and Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians, will add a musical dimension to the event.
Intergenerational England aims to address challenges posed by an aging population, combat ageism, and promote mental and physical well-being. Health in an aging society was also the focus of The Chief Medical Officer for England’s annual report for 2023
The charity aims to integrate not just the young and old, but also mid-life, emphasizing the need for engagement and support in both the workplace and the community. Intergenerational England’s focus is to connect generations now to align future generations.
Co-founders of Intergenerational England, Charlotte Miller and Emily Abbott will conclude the event with an action plan outlining the course for future intergenerational engagement. Key initiatives include cross-sector collaboration, government policy advocacy, research and analysis, funding for intergenerational programs, and a public-facing awareness campaign titled 'Talking Generations.'
Lord Syed Kamall, Member of the UK House of Lords, and Trustee of the new charity expressed support for Intergenerational England as a champion of connecting individuals and communities across generations.
“Intergenerational England will take intergenerational thinking to new levels, recognising the importance of local communities, charities, businesses, local and national government working together to create transformative change.”
More on Talking Generations, public campaign:
The #TalkingGenerations campaign encourages intergenerational dialogue, challenging age barriers and promoting joy, empathy, and mutual learning. Ambassadors Jess and Norma, a grandmother and granddaughter TikTok duo with 1.1 million followers, will drive the message.
Inspired by organizations such as Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), Generations Working Together in Scotland, Bridging the Generations in Wales, and Linking Generations in Northern Ireland, Intergenerational England aims to be a transformative force in societal well-being.
Various organizations, including NHS England, British Red Cross, Age UK, Care England, DCMS, NHS England, Greater Manchester Authority, HACT Housing and Historic England
have provided advice and endorsement for the initiative with representatives attending the event.
The event will be attended by representatives from many of the below organisations who have provided advice and endorsement for setting up Intergenerational England:
Age Irrelevance
Age UK
Ageing Better
Better Communities Consultancy
British Red Cross
British Future
Care England
Charity Trustee
Clarion Housing
Co-op
DCMS
Fair Education Alliance
Flourishing Lives
Greater Manchester Authority
HACT Housing
Historic England
Housing LIN Ltd
International Longevity Centre
iWill
NHS England
NHS Improvement
Public Policy Projects
Rayne Foundation
Resolution Foundation
Royal Albert Hall
SharedLivesPlus
Surrey Heartlands Health
The Scout Association
UK Music
United for All Ages
University of Southampton
What Works Wellbeing