Thanksgiving service brings generations together in Bala

Intergenerational activities are an important part of building resilient and age-friendly communities across Wales. Bringing children and older people together can help create a stronger sense of community and reduce isolation. Intergenerational projects, supported by age-friendly leaders funded by the Welsh Government, provide opportunities for people to learn from each other and form meaningful relationships.

This community spirit was evident during a thanksgiving service at Grŵp Cynefin’s extra care housing scheme, Awel y Coleg, Y Bala, this week. The residents of Awel y Coleg welcomed children from Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn and had the opportunity to share stories, sing, and enjoy each other’s company. This is part of a longstanding relationship between Awel y Coleg and the neighbouring school.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, attended the event, and later said:

“We have a proud tradition in Wales of communities supporting each other, and it was wonderful to see the generations coming together for the thanksgiving service.

“We need space to build intergenerational relationships and knowledge sharing to ensure we have vibrant, supportive communities where people can feel positive about growing older.

“Intergenerational activities like these can change the way children see older people and think about ageing, which is so important in making our communities stronger.”

Awel y Coleg, which contains 30 independent living flats, was built by Grŵp Cynefin in partnership with Gwynedd Council. It is one of five extra care schemes that the housing association has across Gwynedd, Denbighshire, and Anglesey, and provides opportunities for older people to live completely independently while remaining in their local communities.

Noela Jones, Head of Neighbourhoods at Grŵp Cynefin, said:

“A lot of consideration is put into activities that take place within our schemes which bring older people and younger members of the community into regular contact with each other. It’s an opportunity to share life experiences, encourage respect, enjoy each other’s energy and fun and create wonderful connections between the older and the young.”

Mirain Llwyd Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Age Friendly Leader, said:

“We are proud of all the intergenerational work taking place across Gwynedd. It’s one of our top priorities in our age-friendly efforts to work and support partners to be able to provide opportunities that bring people of all ages together to build stronger, more resilient and, over time, more age friendly communities.”

Dilwyn Morgan, Gwynedd Age Friendly Champion and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Awel y Coleg and Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn are a fantastic example of the possibilities by bringing people together. It’s an opportunity for the children to get to know the older people and learn more about the history of the area, and an opportunity for older people to continue to be an integral part of our society.”