9 March 2016
A unique intergenerational event will take place today, March 9th, in the Senedd.
Visiting the Senedd will be Clwb Ni, a group from Aberystwyth that brings together the younger and older generations in a partnership to share experiences and activities. Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Plascrug and residents from two Tai Ceredigion sheltered housing projects in Aberystwyth are members of Clwb Ni. The club was the very first of its kind to be established in Wales. Since its inception it has gone from strength to strength with members meeting regularly to learn from one another, share experiences and have fun participating in a range of activities.
Both the Children’s Commissioner, Sally Holland, and the Older Person’s Commissioner, Sarah Rochira, will be meeting the group at the Senedd to hear more about what the children and older people gain from the Club activities. The session is being hosted by Elin Jones AM.
The Older Person’s commissioner and the Children’s Commissioner issued a joint statement in advance of the visit:
‘We are pleased to have the opportunity to meet this innovative group. Wales has a culture of strong bonds between the older and younger generations but in today’s society there are sometimes fewer opportunities for different generations to socialise, have fun together and learn from each other. Older people living alone can become isolated and loneliness is often a problem, yet our oldest generation have much to contribute. Children and young people can be subject to unhelpful stereotypes of being selfish or even presenting a threat to older people. Clubs like ‘Clwb Ni’ break down barriers and stereotypes and allow older and younger generations to contribute positively in their local communities as active citizens. We would like to see more clubs like this throughout Wales.’
The Children’s Commissioner Sally Holland will also be attending another inter-generational event the same morning. Wa Wa Ltd. are hosting a story telling exchange between pupils of Kitchener and Ninian Park primary schools in South Riverside, Cardiff, and partially sighted and blind adults. This, too, presents an opportunity for different generations to contribute positively, using innovative methods. Sally Holland said, ‘I am looking forward to meeting members of this project and hearing some of the stories. This is an exciting project that opens up new worlds for children and for partially sighted and blind adults, both socially and in their imaginations.’