A pioneering intergenerational initiative between teenagers and residents of a care home to support a local food bank, while also helping to ease loneliness among elderly people, has been launched.

At its inaugural event, volunteers at the Project ImpACT youth kitchen joined forces with members of Jewish Care’s Sunridge Court residential care home to make meals for Clandon House Homeless Shelter in Finchley.

Working in pairs and passing culinary tips down from one generation to the next, the group prepared falafel and salad, using surplus food from Barnet Food Hub.

Jakub Walczak, Social Care Co-ordinator at Jewish Care’s Sunridge Court care home, said: “The project was incredibly worthwhile. Intergenerational initiatives demonstrate how important it is to create opportunities for people of all ages to find purpose and meaning by supporting others as part of the community.

"The Project ImpACT coordinators and youth volunteers interacted really well with the residents helping to make this an enjoyable event for everyone. The session provided a very active and pleasant Sunday morning for our residents, who love good company.”

Different generations volunteering together at Project ImpACT youth kitchen (Photo: Project Impact)

A recent survey conducted by charity Intergenerational England found that 86 per cent of adults agreed that mixing with people of different age groups and generations could generate mutual respect between generations; 81 per cent of adults believed intergenerational connection could reduce loneliness and 76 per cent felt that it could improve our mental health or general health and wellbeing.

Jewish Care’s Director of Care Services, Rachel Jones, said that being involved in voluntary activities enabled older people “to be able to show they care and have an important contribution to make”, adding: “It is so empowering for Jewish Care residents to be involved and to volunteer in community projects, supporting others and making an impact.”

Speaking after the event, Sunridge Court resident Tibby said:"I really enjoyed the outing. I am glad I decided to come after all because I met a person who knew friends of mine from South Africa. It was really worth it."

Fellow resident Paul added: "It was very good and it was nice to be around young people, the activity was also really enjoyable".

Different generations join forces to prepare food for a local food bank at Project ImpACT's youth kitchen

Founder and director of Project ImpACT, Chayli Fehler said: “We are delighted that the pilot intergenerational session was enjoyed by everyone and such a great success. It was wonderful to see our volunteers interact with the residents in such a meaningful way. Not only were they sharing skills and finding out about each other, but they were also using surplus food to cook for those in need.”

Figures have shown that 25 per cent of people in the capital are living in food poverty, and 11 per cent of households are food insecure, where residents have to compromise on the quantity and quality of their food due to financial struggles. Food banks have reported a 40 per cent increase in users compared to five years ago.

Two volunteers at Project ImpACT's intergenerational initiative

Since it started, Project ImpACT’s youth kitchen has delivered more than 25,000 meals to local food banks and shelters, helping to feed some of the most vulnerable members of society.