Young people from our NCS project bring Christmas cheer to elderly residents

As Brentford FC celebrated its 1-0 win over Fulham before Christmas, young people from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s National Citizen Service scheme were also recognised for their intergenerational Christmas cooking project. The match, which was sponsored by United for all Ages, highlighted how intergenerational community projects can help tackle social isolation and loneliness in people – particularly around Christmas time.

A group of youngsters on the NCS project cooked up a storm when they rustled up a festive Christmas dinner for elderly residents at Brooklands College in Weybridge. The students cooked a meal for two groups from Age UK in Hounslow.

The youngsters are part our football education programme that combines classroom-based learning with a rigorous football training schedule. To complement the learning, students are also taking part in the government-backed NCS programme with the English Football League Trust. The programme aims to provide young people with important life skills, and students earmarked a cooking project as their chosen social action project.

Hansa Darbar, Events, Community and Business Development Officer for Age UK Hounslow, said:

“The students were so friendly and made our members feel very welcome and special. They enjoyed the delicious lunch prepared by young chef.”

With over half of all people aged 75 and over living alone, this project illuminates how food can help fuel social connections.

Stephen Burke, Director of United For All Ages, said:

“This Christmas cooking project is a great example of bringing generations together – mixing really matters! By enabling different generations to mix and share experiences – we can tackle loneliness and ageism – improving health and wellbeing.”

Founded by lifelong Bees fans, Stephen and Denise Burke, United for All Ages is celebrating its tenth year bringing together young and older people to create stronger communities.