Text Box: Sefton Opera’s latest project, which has the full support from local schools, Education Departments and Older persons establishments, brings the young and not so young together, to benefit both age groups, by braking down barriers and false perceptions, through the use of basic massage techniques. Comments from all concerned with the project, (students, staff from the school, parents, the older persons and staff from David Brown Centre and the Opera team) have been very positive. Opera volunteers train 13 to 14 year old students from local schools in basic massage skills. The students then visit the older people to deliver these therapies. The students are then able to assist in the training of younger students, enabling them to becoming their mentors. Students benefit from personal development (meditation and relaxation techniques), experiencing the therapies, learning new skills, building confidence, and knowing that they are helping others provides a sense of achievement. Older persons gain from experiencing the therapies, enjoying communication with the pupils and have become less apprehensive of contact with the younger generation. To find out more about the project - click here The Future - to find out how the project is to develop - click here

 
Text Box: Sound bites Students - I thought it would be good but it turned out better. Would love to do it again. It was great. It was fun to learn better. Older Persons - I thought the young people might be rude but they were so caring and polite. This is a wonderful opportunity. This is a great way to get over my fears of younger people. David Brown Staff - The students would be welcome at the centre. Opera - It was great to see the positive interactions between the groups. The students are a credit to the school and community.

Strong communities encourage and value active participation of all its members, including young people and older persons.

 

 It is really important that intergenerational work continues and grows.

 

The skills and knowledge from both generations will break down barriers and will contribute to a community that is a safe and happy one.

 

Independent Assessor

These are the thoughts of a young teenager after her experience of working on an Intergenerational Project with Sefton O.P.E.R.A. Older Persons Project

 

 

Older Persons’ Project

Pupil from Bootle High School providing therapy

Intergenerational Projects