Intergenerational England focusses on inclusion, every day of the year, so we were naturally delighted to be celebrating National Inclusion Week and the theme Impact Matters.
As we reflect on National Inclusion Week, we believe it is also the perfect opportunity to unveil our new branding, which is built on the principles of inclusion, connection, and creating a society that works for all ages.
Intergenerational England is committed to creating a more age inclusive nation. Our work aims to transform the social fabric of our society, by bridging the intergenerational divide across people, sectors, and government.
Through intergenerational collaboration across housing, workplaces, and health, we are driving change to ensure that everyone - regardless of age - feels included and valued.
By breaking down barriers and fostering solidarity between generations we will build a more connected, resilient, and inclusive society.
By addressing age-related challenges and building bridges between generations, we’re creating innovative solutions that empower workplaces and communities to thrive.
To bridge the gap between practice and policy we have launched dedicated taskforces across the workplace, health and housing sectors. The task forces are made up of cross sector experts and representatives and will be drawing on global and national learning to develop innovative research, advocacy campaigns and programmes that embed an ethos of Intergenerational understanding.
Workplace:
Our newly launched Intergenerational England Business Taskforce brings together organisations and leaders to champion inclusion in the workforce.
Amongst the those involved are: Pfizer, Phoenix, Make, bank of England, Virgin Media, CIPD Trust, Cohesion Recruitment.
A survey conducted by Intergenerational England with YouGov found that the most common place adults in the UK mix with someone from a different generation is at work. (47%) The workplace is therefore a crucial area to address age inclusivity and tackle age discrimination.
A workplace today can include a workforce that spans five generations. This wealth of life experience and skill needs to be harnessed and celebrated.
Programs that actively dismantle age-based stereotypes and negative attitudes can create internal cultures that lead to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, retention and improved recruitment efforts.
Workplace stats:
There are currently approximately 857,000 job vacancies in the UK
New data from the Centre for Ageing better revealed that half of adults aged 50 and over in England have experienced age discrimination in the last year.
There are almost one million more workers aged 65 and above in the UK labour market than at the beginning of the century and more than one in nine people are working past their 65th birthday.
Ageism in the workplace is not just an issue for the over 50s. 48% of 18–34-year-olds employed in the UK reported that they had experienced ageism (Glassdoor)
Health:
We believe that Sir Keir Starmer’s “biggest reimagining of the NHS” can only work by valuing the needs and input of people of all generations.
Intergenerational strategies offer a unique lens to understand and enhance healthcare in a vast variety of ways, emphasising the connections and interactions between individuals across all life stages.
The social intergenerational approach is positioned to compliment medical interventions offering holistic and inclusive practices that addresses both physical and emotional health, prioritising early intervention and prevention, joining up services to make healthcare more effective for the long term.
Health stats
A record 1.4 million children and young people sought NHS help for mental health problems last year.
Ageing population amongst the top three contributions to the pressures on the NHS
Around half of UK adults admit to feeling lonely. This growing problem all around us risks millions of people suffering social isolation, mental health problems and an alarming 26% increased threat of early mortality
Despite the misconception that loneliness is most common in older people, 16–24-year-olds are the loneliest age group, with many leaving the family home and their support network.
Housing:
Finding suitable housing for Britain’s rapidly expanding ageing population is an unmet challenge
The housing crisis is a crisis for all generations. With more and more younger people living in towns and cities and an increase older people living in more rural areas children have only a 5.5% chance of living near someone aged 65 or over and retirees have become increasingly segregated from both children and younger adults Intergenerational Foundation:
Intergenerational housing models can reduce social isolation, support independent living and empower communities. Introducing Intergenerational considerations throughout the design, planning and building and operations, can create a foundation for stronger, more resilient societies.
Intergenerational England is currently working with a team of industry experts to create a social value framework for intergenerational housing.
The steering group made up of Intergenerational England, HACT, Clarion Housing Group and SNG believe that intergenerational practice in the housing sector can unlock a multitude of social value outcomes for communities and are investing in a research and network project to delve deeper into the potential of this approach.
Housing stats:
The UK currently has a shortage of over 4 million homes
There were 8.4 million people living alone in the UK in 2023 which was was 30% of all households
By 2039 one in seven of us will live alone
Nearly nine in 10 people aged 65-79 live in under-occupied housing, with over 50% living in homes with two or more excess bedrooms.
40% of the 75+ population live alone
We know that England faces many challenges that have led to rising social disconnection, division and loneliness across our communities; we believe that intergenerational connection is a solution to meet this worrying trend and are keen to bring more partners together who are interested in and inspired by this work.
The vision is to provide the foundation that enables everyone, whatever their circumstances, to benefit from intergenerational experiences. Intergenerational England will champion people and organisations to become more intergenerational.
Through our initiatives, we are taking action to break down age-related barriers and foster environments where collaboration between generations can thrive. From advocating for inclusive housing solutions that serve both younger and older generations, to championing healthcare systems that recognise the diverse needs of all age groups, we are committed to creating sustainable change.
As we move forward with our rebrand, Intergenerational England remains dedicated to making a measurable impact where it matters most—creating spaces where every generation can thrive together. Shaping a society for all ages!
This National Inclusion Week, join us in building a future where all generations can connect, contribute, and make a lasting impact. Together, we can ensure that inclusion is not just a goal but a reality for everyone, everywhere.
Charlotte Miller & Emily Abbott
Co-founders of Intergenerational England
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