Local high school pupils in Larbert have been helping the local community to get more active, thanks to a project that brings generations together.
The ‘Generation Project’ aims to bridge the gap between generations through the use of sport and physical activity. The initiative is run by pupils from Larbert High School and supports young people from local nurseries as well as those residing in care homes.
The project is supported by the Tryst Community Sports Club, which is part of the national sportscotland community sport hubs network, bringing sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland, by linking the pupils with the various organisations and training needed for the young people to deliver the sessions.
The pupils then go out and deliver tailored sessions to the groups to not only get them active, but to build social interaction and engagement between the generations who otherwise wouldn’t interact.
Rebecca Lonsdale, community sport hub officer for Tryst Community Sports Club said:
“A big part of our project is not just helping both groups to be active, but it encourages social interaction and engagement between groups that wouldn’t necessarily get together.
"Intergenerational activities allow everyone involved to improve their confidence, cognitive skills, and physical development as well as challenge assumptions and prejudices.
“Through communicating with lots of people from a variety of different age groups, participants are able to build important relationships which help battle against isolation and loneliness as well as introduce younger children to how enjoyable being active really can be.”
The sessions include a variety of different activities tailored towards the groups they serve. For example, the sessions delivered by the pupils to the care homes include chair yoga, target practice, Boccia, and balloon games! Meanwhile the nursery children enjoy traditional playground games, parachute games, and arts and crafts.
Another outcomes of the project is helping to develop the pupils social and delivery skills, as Rebecca explains: “Due to the strong links with Larbert High School a lot of the hubs focus is on young people as we hope to give the young people of Larbert a great sporting experience and create opportunities for pupils to develop. The intergenerational project gives young people not only the opportunity to develop their skills in an environment that is not their norm but allows for new social engagements.
"These young people love interacting with a range of different people, helping them to get more active more often, and ultimately improve their wellbeing.”
Gabrielle, a pupil from Larbert High School who is part of the project said:
“Being able to get other individuals active has allowed me to appreciate and understand the many benefits physical exercise can have on elderly individuals.
“With every visit you can see the strength increasing within residents. This made the time I spent with the residents so worthwhile, and I felt like I was making a huge difference to their lives.”
Fellow pupil Euan said: “I think it’s important to get as many people active as possible due to the positive impact that it has. I think it’s especially important to do so with older people as that could be one of very few interactions they would have with other people and I quite enjoy knowing I’ve had a positive impact on that person.”
The project is perfectly summed up by Mary (91), who resides in one of the care homes, who said: “You’re never really too old to try anything. I love the sessions as they help get me moving and make me feel better about myself.”
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