Where generations shine together

Sparkle is an intergenerational community concept that brings younger and older people together for mutual benefit.

A typical day will include seated exercise, two intergenerational sessions, a warm nutritious meal and an optional age-appropriate church service – Sparkle Saints.

We have four venues across the London Borough of Wandsworth, each working with on-site nurseries and local primary schools. Our older guests (or ‘Grandfriends’ as we call them) all live locally and come independently or with the help of a carer.

Sparkle is free to attend, although we do appreciate a £2 donation towards lunch.

More about us

Why Intergenerational?

Intergenerational activities bring together young and old for a shared goal. They use the strengths of each age group so everyone can give and receive, feeling valued and purposeful. Most of all, they bring joy.

Research shows benefits for both generations. For older people, it reduces loneliness and isolation, supports physical and emotional health, helping them live independently for longer. For children, there are improvements in empathy, communication skills and confidence. For both generations, there is increased understanding and integration which can tackle big societal issues like ageism.

The report ‘A Divided Kingdom’ (Intergenerational England, 2025) highlights the UK's increasing age segregation and its negative impacts on social cohesion, mental health, and overall wellbeing. The report calls for action across various sectors to foster stronger connections between generations. Sparkle is actively meeting this call to action.

What does a day at Sparkle look like?

A typical day will include seated exercise, two intergenerational sessions, a warm nutritious meal and an (optional) specially designed church service – Sparkle Saints. Sparkle is free to attend, although we do appreciate a £2 donation towards lunch.

Half an hour of gentle seated exercise designed especially for mobility and strength.
We serve a warm home-made soup and bread lunch at each session, followed by hot drinks and home-made cake, giving a brilliant opportunity for conversation after an active morning.
We offer two intergenerational sessions each day, one with nursery and one with primary children. The sessions are different every week and can include games, craft and movement. Fun guaranteed!
Each of our sessions includes an optional short church service especially designed for our Grandfriends.
We often have guests from local organisations such as the police, NHS falls prevention & oral hygiene and crew energy advice.
We love an excuse to have a party! We have celebrations at Christmas and on our Birthday. In the summer holidays we run a summer programme which is open to local families.