Intergenerational Integration: Insights from the House of Lords Roundtable
- Rose Hill
- May 1
- 4 min read
Yesterday, during Global Intergenerational Week, we had the privilege of joining a powerful conversation about the future of intergenerational integration at the House of Lords, hosted by Intergenerational England. The roundtable brought together voices from across sectors - housing, community organisations, government, Co-Creative Connection and beyond, all driven by a shared goal: to foster deeper, more meaningful connections between generations.
Art as a Catalyst for Connection
One of the points we brought to the conversation was the powerful role of art in intergenerational connection. At Co-Creative Connection, we’ve seen time and again how creativity can break down barriers. Art gives people something to work towards together, a shared goal that allows different ages to contribute equally and meaningfully. As Rose shared during the session, when you co-create something like a mural or a storytelling project, it provides a natural space for dialogue, mutual respect, and joy. It’s less about age and more about contribution! Everyone has something valuable to offer, and that’s where the magic happens.
More Than Helping - It’s Reciprocal
One of the most powerful moments from the event was a reminder that intergenerational work isn’t just about one age group supporting another. Both younger and older people bring valuable perspectives, energy, and wisdom. Shifting the narrative from "giving" to mutual exchange is critical if we want these relationships to be seen as essential, not optional.
As Lord Syed Kamall noted during the session, communities thrive when they’re inclusive of all ages. In his words, “Just bringing people together to listen and learn from each other’s point of view is hugely valuable to us as individuals and as a society.”
Space Matters and So Does Design
Designing or adapting spaces to be welcoming to all ages was another key theme. Whether that’s transforming an old butcher’s shop into a vibrant community café (as shared by Andrew Cooper) or ensuring new developments include shared spaces for connection, the physical environment plays a big role in enabling intergenerational activity. But it’s not just about bricks and mortar. These spaces need activating, and that means investing in high-quality, community-led work that brings people together meaningfully.
Housing Associations: A Hidden Powerhouse
Housing came up again and again, and for good reason. Housing associations are not only the long-term custodians of homes and communal areas, but they’re also deeply embedded in communities, with connections to both residents and supply chain partners. This makes them uniquely positioned to lead on intergenerational approaches if given the right tools and support.
That’s why it was exciting to hear about HACT’s new research and framework: The Social Value of Intergenerational Approaches in Housing, developed in collaboration with Intergenerational England, SNG (Sovereign Network Group), and Clarion Futures. The report offers both inspiration and practical guidance, including:
Key insights from research, policy, and frontline practice
Case studies showing intergenerational approaches in action
A new impact framework with outcomes for both individuals and communities
Recommendations for the housing sector and its partners
It’s a valuable resource that could help unlock more intergenerational thinking and investment across the sector. We’re excited to read the full report when it launches on May 12th, and we’ll be writing a follow-up blog to share our reflections once we’ve had a chance to dive in.
Check out HACTS most recent report here: https://hact.org.uk/publications/the-social-value-of-intergenerational-approaches-in-housing/
Why This Matters to Us
At Co-Creative Connection, intergenerational values are embedded in the way we work. We’ve seen the transformational impact of bringing people from different generations together! Whether through arts, storytelling, community action, or mutual care for the same cause. It strengthens identity, reduces isolation, builds empathy, and unlocks shared creativity.
This event felt like a powerful call to action. It left us asking: How can we, and others in our networks, push this work forward? The answer lies in partnership, creativity, and listening, especially to those with lived experience. It also means continuing to tell the stories of intergenerational connection and advocating for their value in systems that don’t always make space for them.
Looking Ahead
The energy in the room at the House of Lords highlights that the momentum is here. What we do next, how we activate our spaces, how we centre community voices, and how we collaborate across sectors will shape how this movement grows.
We’re proud to be part of this conversation and even prouder to continue taking action. As Lord Kamall put it, “Engaging, being interested, genuinely respecting, teaching and learning from people older and younger than you, gives you a far more rounded view of the world.” That’s the kind of world we’re working toward.
At Co-Creative Connection, we’re committed to continuing these conversations and, more importantly, turning them into action. We’ve seen the power of intergenerational approaches through our work and know there’s so much more potential to explore.
👉 If you’re working in housing, education, health, or community building and want to explore how intergenerational connection could strengthen your work, get in touch. We’d love to chat.
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