Building Respect Between Generations

The year 9 and 10 pupils from Croesyceiliog Comprehensive School will meet with residents at the nearby Woodland Court retirement home for the first time today as part of an initiative which aims to create a better understanding between the generations and breakdown any unhelpful stereotypes that may exist. The young people will be sharing their time and experiences with the residents and the older people will also share some of their life stories and valuable knowledge.

Bron Afon Community Housing, who manage the Woodland Court retirement home, were awarded £2,000 from the Commissioner's Partnership Fund for a project which aims to help them tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Police Commissioner's Partnership Fund was made available in September 2013. Up to £100,000 was made available for projects aimed at helping to prevent crime and address anti-social behaviour.

Twenty five organisations or groups were successful. The projects funded support the priorities outlined in the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.

Outlining the benefits of the initiative, Sam Notley, Bron Afon's Youth Engagement Support Officer, said: "This project provides a great opportunity to bring together the younger and more senior members of the community in order to challenge perceived stereotypes between the age groups. The aim of the project is to deliver fun, interactive workshops which will focus on highlighting similarities rather than difference, and will cover topics such as stereotypes, experiences and respect.

We anticipate that the work will provide learning, while creating opportunities for members of our community to recognise and value each other's contribution to encourage a stronger and happier place to live."

Shelley Bosson, Chief Executive for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, who attended the event, said: "Projects such as this one play an important role in developing mutual respect between different generations in our society. Both the young people and the older people can learn a great deal from each other and learn to respect each others values. We want fewer victims of crime in our communities and we recognise the fantastic role that these projects can play in complementing the work of Gwent Police and other local partners in the community."

The Police Commissioner's Partnership Fund closed for applications on the 18th October 2013 but will be made available again in 2014/15.