'˜Generation Game' challenges stereotypes around young and old

Over 160 people from across Mid and East Antrim Borough have been enjoying their own version of the '˜Generation Game'.
At the 'Generation Game' event in the Loughshore Hotel, Carrick, are Evelyn Jones from MEAAP  (centre) with Gillian Irvine from the Big Lottery Fund, Beata and Maria from Warsaw, Poland and Lyn Johnston from Linking Generations NI. INCT 17-006-PSBAt the 'Generation Game' event in the Loughshore Hotel, Carrick, are Evelyn Jones from MEAAP  (centre) with Gillian Irvine from the Big Lottery Fund, Beata and Maria from Warsaw, Poland and Lyn Johnston from Linking Generations NI. INCT 17-006-PSB
At the 'Generation Game' event in the Loughshore Hotel, Carrick, are Evelyn Jones from MEAAP (centre) with Gillian Irvine from the Big Lottery Fund, Beata and Maria from Warsaw, Poland and Lyn Johnston from Linking Generations NI. INCT 17-006-PSB

The Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership-led initiative saw more than 100 older people enjoying some practical integrating with in excess of 60 young people at the Loughshore Hotel, Carrickfergus.

The project, held between January and May, was funded by the Big Lottery Fund, MEA Council, Linking Generations NI and the Public Health Agency.

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The Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, who opened the celebration, said: “This event highlighted just how important it is to bring all ages together and shows how integral it is to creating a happy and vibrant community overall.”

Noting that it also coincided with the European Union Day of Solidarity between Generations, he added: “This local older people’s charity MEAAP successfully took the lead in creating the Generation Game project.

“Presentations from both young and old, included art pieces, gardening projects, eat ‘n’ mess and even a school taking its own craft projects into a nursing home.”

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Joan Christie OBE, closed the event by congratulating MEAAP on their “vision to bring together the young and young at heart by hosting a celebration event, complete with a huge cake, to help share ideas between communities”.

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Evelyn Jones, from MEAPP, commented: “This has been a really great project for us to be involved in and has challenged the stereotypes around older and younger people in our communities.”

MEAAP also offer a range of other services including Good Morning calls, Handyperson and Benefits advice. For more information on 028 2565 8604.