'Nurturing Individuality, Growing Together, Embracing Community'

Responsible, Caring, Fearless & Secure

At Roehampton Church Forest School, we have introduced the 'SPARKLE' project with different classes taking part termly.

What is Sparkle?

Sparkle is an intergenerational community project which aims to bring younger and older generations together for mutual benefit. Sparkle has been open since June 2022 and has 4 venues in Wandsworth, the newest being in Roehampton! The older members of the community are known to the children as ‘GRANDFRIENDS.’

Why intergenerational?

There are proven benefits for older people, from tackling loneliness and isolation to improving health and wellbeing, but also big benefits for young people too, in terms of building confidence and empathy, developing communication skills and even reducing ageism.

What happens at Sparkle?

Sparkle runs from 10.30 to 14.30 and within that time Sparkle offers two intergenerational sessions, both with primary age children from RCFS, usually a younger aged class and an older aged class. The younger sessions vary each week and include singing, reading, craft, gardening and games. Sometimes at the sessions there may also be guest speakers and performances. In addition, a seated exercise class is offered to start the day together with a warm, nutritious lunch.

How do the sessions fit in with the school day?

This project is organised and supervised by Emma Chisholm, the founder of Sparkle, and Olivia Wood. They are supported by Kumba Ngegba, who is the community worker for Holy Trinity Church. The younger children have a session with their grandfriends before lunch. The children then return to school for lunch, while the grandfriends are prepared lunch by Emma, Olivia and Kumba in Holy Trinity Church. After lunch, an older class of pupils attend their session with their grandfriends.

The video link below gives you an idea of what the project is about.

https://youtu.be/vHy4keClHPo?si=XmAJynYN-jbOVod9

How you can get involved.

Sparkle are always looking for volunteers. There are two types of volunteers:-

1) Sessional volunteer - this role involves coming to the Sparkle sessions and supporting the activities, chatting with Grandfriends, setting up/clearing lunch. Volunteers can either come for the whole session or a part of it. Volunteers can come weekly or fortnightly. Volunteers must be over 18 and a DBS check will be carried out.

2) 'Souping' volunteer - there are a team of Sparkle volunteers that meet monthly to batch cook soup for the Grandfriends to eat at lunch. This is done in a professional kitchen but no cooking experience is required as the team leader can instruct.

For more information please contact Emma Chisholm at hello@sparkletogether.org, call 020 8877 3003 or visit sparkletogether.org

If you live in the Roehampton area and are keen to become a GRANDFRIEND, please also register your interest with Emma Chisholm at hello@sparkletogether.org, call 020 8877 3003 or visit sparkletogether.org

Sparkle location and timing

Sparkle Roehampton is based in Holy Trinity Church, 7 Ponsonby Rd, SW15 4LA. The session runs from 10.30-14.00 every Tuesday.