Generation Game: Macclesfield’s Young and Old Come Together for Fun

Generation Game: Macclesfield’s Young and Old Come Together for Fun

Intergenerational relationships in Macclesfield are flourishing thanks to a weekly playgroup initiative designed to promote relationships between young and older people.

Generations of Fun sees children up to the age of five years (and their grown-ups) sharing in experiences with older people residing at Belong, the not-for-profit dementia specialist on Kennedy Avenue. The quality time features interactive storytelling, singing and making music, and arts and crafts. Many have embraced the simple pleasures of playing together with toys, enjoying snacks and getting to know one another.

Elaine Beckingham, Belong Macclesfield customer, said: “I love the sessions because I like meeting people with children and spending time with the little ones – it's nice to borrow them for a little while.”

Leading the gatherings, Anna Seaton, experience coordinator at Belong Macclesfield, said: “Generations of Fun is proving to be a real hit – we've had much laughter and creativity, and our customers have loved spending time with our little guests. Some of them don’t have grandchildren and vice versa, and so everyone is really benefiting from being in one another’s company, interacting and learning. It’s been wonderful to see.”

It is Belong Macclesfield’s latest venture welcoming local people, complementing its popular B’s Memory Cafe service. The sessions take place on the third Friday of every month, inviting older people living with dementia and their loved ones for an activity or entertainment and the chance to speak with a Belong Admiral Nurse for free expert dementia support.

Anna continues: “We’re pleased to offer this invaluable support network to the community, especially given the current cost of living. Our guests have also been making use of other facilities such as the bistro and salon, which are also open to the public. We’re always happy to welcome the community here.”

Generations of Fun playgroup takes place weekly at Belong Macclesfield, Kennedy Avenue, SK10 3DE. For more information or to book a place on an upcoming session, call 01625 508700.

Pictured: Belong Macclesfield's Elaine Beckingham makes friends with young Omari.