Let’s celebrate intergenerational practice in befriending! #GIW25
24th April 2025
Join us as we celebrate Global Intergenerational Week, when partners from across the world come together to celebrate the power of intergenerational working.
Befriending is built on human connections, so it’s a great area to explore activities that connect different generations.
In this blog post, we’ll give you an introduction to intergenerational practice, a taster of what we’ll be sharing and how you can get involved in Global Intergenerational Week. We hope the campaign gives you some ideas and inspiration, wherever you are on your intergenerational journey.
What is intergenerational practice?
The world is undergoing a drastic demographic change. Between 2015 and 2050, it’s predicted that the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22% (World Health Organization). While much has been said about the challenges associated with this change, it also presents fantastic opportunities to explore new ways of building connections and mutual support across the generations to combat social problems.
Intergenerational practice is about more than bringing younger and older people together. It is a systemic approach to community development and wellbeing that recognises and values the contribution of all generations who live there.
It can take many forms, with incredible creative approaches happening in communities all over the world, from schools and colleges, care homes to nurseries, sports groups to housing providers, local to national governments. An intergenerational project might look like:
- Care homes working in partnership with nurseries
- Community centres with creative skill-sharing activities for young and old
- Community-oriented multigenerational housing schemes
- And of course, intergenerational befriending matches!
You can search #GIW25 on social media to see lots of examples of inspiring intergenerational projects in action. Follow us on social media and let us know what gets you thinking!
#GIW25 at Befriending Networks
Throughout Global Intergenerational Week, we’ll be sharing stories and ideas to help you dive into the world of intergenerational practice. You can look forward to:
- A guest blog from Rohini at Befriending Networks member VASL, whose innovative intergenerational projects have been adding value to their befriending service for older people
- An infographic of top tips for intergenerational working
- Information about our upcoming Intergenerational Research Event on Tuesday 20th May
- Information and ideas to kickstart your intergenerational practice
Got an intergenerational befriending story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!
Get involved
Want to join the Global Intergenerational Week campaign? There are lots of ways for you to get involved. Head to the campaign website to:
- Register as a supporter
- Download your Supporters’ Pack and other resources
- Attend events and training to boost your skills and knowledge of intergenerational working
We look forward to celebrating with you.
