Volunteer Centre Western Isles
People: Helping older people feel connected
We encourage intergenerational practice which brings pupils and the elderly together, where they can learn from one another, promoting greater understanding and respect between generations.
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About this cause
We are an independent local charity with offices and staff in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra. We provide information, advice and support to individuals interested in volunteering, volunteer managers, voluntary groups, clubs and organisations, private and public sector organisations and companies. We offer free, confidential support to people who want to volunteer and groups/organisations who involve volunteers by providing a brokerage service, matching volunteers to volunteer roles in hundreds of local and national organisations. We support community events that are often run entirely by volunteers and facilitate adult and youth volunteer awards that recognise the achievements of volunteers. We are passionate about volunteering; we support and encourage it in all forms.
How this cause brings people in the community together
The intergenerational project will share horticultural and life skills across generations by planting bulbs and growing seeds in pots which the pupils will decorate. The project will also build on other skills such as knitting and sewing that are no longer provided in the primary curriculum. We will have drop-in sessions to encourage the use of the Gaelic language between primary pupils and the elderly. We believe that engaging in intergenerational work can help to support young people to improve their attendance and attainment at school, reduce loneliness, isolation and ageism for the elderly and build more cohesive communities where both groups learn from one another. We also wish to encourage volunteering and show the benefits of this in improving health and wellbeing.