Building stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities across generations is key to local wellbeing. To explore new possibilities, Generations Connect NZ is undertaking a feasibility and co-design project exploring how intergenerational initiatives can support diverse communities. Focusing initially on the Whau area, in partnership with the Whau Ethnic Collective, leveraging their deep community connections, the project aims to gather learning and insights that will help inform future intergenerational approaches and initiatives, with the potential for a flexible framework to develop over time.
Generations Connect NZ will focus on listening to and understanding what already supports intergenerational connection, hearing perspectives from younger and older generations, identifying barriers to connection, and exploring what communities would like to see in the future. These insights will later inform co-design sessions and potentially small prototype activities. Supported by the Your West Innovation Fund, this work lays the groundwork for stronger social connection and belonging across generations.
Generations Connect NZ Director Karen Verney says co-designing the project alongside the community is essential. “Bringing different generations together can be really powerful, but to do it well, we need to listen first. Support from The Trusts is giving us the opportunity to work alongside the Whau Ethnic Collective and hear from communities about what already works, what matters to different generations, and what they would like to see in the future.”
The Trusts CEO Allan Pollard says fostering connection across all ages is key to community wellbeing. “Bringing different generations together helps build stronger, more connected, communities. What makes Generations Connect’s approach so special is that they aren’t assuming they have all the answers but are taking the time to listen to locals to discover what works, and we are really proud to support them.”
Learn more about Generations Connect NZ at genconnectnz.org or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
