The group is called ‘Generations’ and holds meetings in Ebenezer Methodist Church in Trinity.
The idea was inspired by the Channel 4 television programme ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ which explored the social and health benefits of older people making friendships with very young children. Experts claim there are benefits for both age groups.
Community lay worker, Amy Britton, who started the group said the five-year-olds are already making positive friendships with some of the older generation.
“There’s a young man called Ethan who’s six and he is incredible,” she told Premier.
“He doesn’t have elderly relatives in his life. And his mum said to me at the start ‘I don’t know if he’ll enjoy it. I don’t know he’ll behave.’
“And he holds the most incredible conversations with people who maybe adults would find quite austere or intimidating. And he makes one particular lady smile like you just can’t image.
“It’s a magical thing to see – it really is.”
Inside the church, children and older people gather alongside each other with tables set out with building blocks, paints and craft materials.
Britton said everyone gets involved: “I learnt early on that what five-year-olds enjoy, elderly people enjoy more. So, Lego, absolutely.
“The most popular thing we’ve done is getting the Play-Doh out.
“It’s things that either…
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