Copyright: John M Fulton Photography
January 2018 saw the end of our intergenerational dance project in the London Borough of Redbridge
The Dance Interlinks project brought together children from Redbridge Primary School and participants of Green Candle’s Remember to Dance in Redbridge group at Elderberries Day Centre from Autumn to Spring 2017/18 to dance together, develop creative stories and choreograph movement all inspired by the borough’s namesake, the ‘Red Bridge’.
The project aimed to:
-Reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing
-Improve physical and mental health and wellbeing through regular dance activities.
-Improve self-confidence and self-esteem of participants.
-Improve relationships within the community between individuals and organisations, break down barriers and dispel preconceived conceptions between older and younger generations.
The project culminated in a day of sharing between the younger and older participants.
When asked what they enjoyed the most about the project, the students replied;
“Making own movements and meeting older people because we all got along and had creative ideas.”
“Working with the older people because it gave us a chance to see what their ideas were. Also making the dance because it was a fun way to express the journey of our movement in dance.”
“Writing the story and performing.”
“Doing the dance and writing the story.”
“Meeting the older people because it was really fun and I liked playing all the activities with them.”
“My favourite part was meeting the older people because I know that it made them very happy.”
The older participants benefitted greatly from involvement in the project and very much enjoyed working with the children. One older participant commented that they don’t have any grandchildren so it was lovely to have younger people around as it made them feel younger and perked them up.
When asked what they enjoy and what benefit they feel they get the older participants comments included;
“We enjoy the company of the group, the exercises, dances and music.”
“It’s stimulating and good fun.”
Susan Wardle, the Operations Manager at Elderberries Day Centre told us:
“Our service users that have attended have always come out smiling, with their spirits lifted and we have been so grateful for the input your sessions have provided. Song, dance and live music is food for the soul and you will be sorely missed from our service.”
Green Candle would like to thank everyone involved in the project – particpants, volunteers, staff, funders and supporters and we look forward to getting involved in more intergenerational projects in the future!
The project was funded by Vision RCL Redbridge Arts Grants and City Bridge Trust. Remember to Dance in Redbridge is delivered in partnership with Elderberries Day Centre, Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering, Redbridge Respite Carers Association, Redbridge Carers Support Service and North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Memory Clinic (MHCOP).
