GrandFriends

GrandFriends (Charity number: 1203669) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to tackling intergenerational loneliness by fostering meaningful connections between older adults, referred to as "Elders," and younger people. Launched in September 2022 in Oldfield Park, Bath, the charity operates innovative programmes designed to benefit both generations and strengthen community cohesion[1][3].

Mission and Objectives

GrandFriends aims to address the growing social divide and loneliness between generations, which has been exacerbated by structural and cultural changes as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation’s mission is to create mutually beneficial relationships through its volunteer-led initiatives, helping to reduce feelings of isolation among both elders and younger participants[1][3].

Terminology and Approach

The charity deliberately uses the term "Elders" instead of "older people" to convey respect for the life experience and wisdom of its volunteers, emphasizing that age is a complex, diverse, and relative concept rather than a uniform category. This approach challenges ageist stereotypes and highlights the active and valued role of older adults within the community[2].

Programmes and Activities

GrandFriends recruits, trains, and supports retired individuals to become GrandFriends volunteers. These Elders engage with children and young people through a variety of structured programmes throughout the academic year. In its pilot year, the charity delivered 377 measurable units of meaningful intergenerational connection, which grew to 1,542 units in the second year, demonstrating significant expansion and impact[1].

The programmes are designed not only to benefit younger participants but also to provide Elders with agency, purpose, and a sense of value, reversing traditional charity models where older adults are passive recipients. Volunteers are considered key community assets whose contributions are nurtured to benefit the wider society[2][3].

Governance and Funding

As of the financial year ending March 2024, GrandFriends reported a total income of £27,057 and expenditures of £25,287. The charity operates with a small team of trustees (four) and approximately 30 volunteers, with no trustees receiving remuneration. GrandFriends does not have any trading subsidiaries and relies on charitable funding and community support for its activities[3].

Geographic Focus and Future Plans

Currently, GrandFriends operates primarily within Bath and North East Somerset. Following the successful completion of its initial programmes, the charity plans to expand its operations within Bath in its third year and aims to extend into another UK region by September 2025, thereby broadening its impact on intergenerational loneliness across the country[1].

GrandFriends represents a socially innovative model addressing loneliness by valuing and empowering elders as vital community members who foster cross-generational understanding and friendship. Through its structured and respectful engagement, it works to build more cohesive communities in the UK.

[1] https://www.grandfriends.uk [2] https://www.grandfriends.uk/about/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5210109 [4] https://www.3sg.org.uk/memberorgs/grandfriends [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5210109/what-who-how-where