The Intergenerational Exchange Programme offers the opportunity for students from the University of Sussex and older people from the Sussex community to meet on a regular basis, to exchange, spend time together and learn from each other. The project has the objective of combating loneliness for two vulnerable groups who were significantly affected by the pandemic. It is an opportunity to regularly meet with someone of another generation to learn from each other and provide a sense of purpose while, in many cases, building a lasting friendship.

This project is unique and important in that it addresses a broad range of issues including healthy ageing, well-being and mental health within the framework of youth civic engagement. It is different from other befriending programmes in that volunteers contribute to a mutually beneficial experience through knowledge exchange. An interesting finding observed in the first phase of the research is that many of the student participants reported being disconnected from their phones during their meetings with older participants. This was unusual for them as they were generally (almost always) connected to their phones. They described this disconnection as being a liberating feeling. This is important as the meetings could provide a safe environment for both generations to explore issues directly related to their wellbeing, which they otherwise would not experience.

On the other hand, the findings observed informal help with digital tasks for older participants. For example, one older participant explained that in the first phase of the project her student partner showed her how to program contact details in her mobile phone. Simple tasks like this or more detailed if desired, learned in a safe environment, and could be a way to make digital communications more accessible to an older population. This is just one example of how the programme is addressing longstanding and significant communication issues which were exacerbated by the pandemic.

Dr. Jessica Hadjis van Thiel – Programme Director

Jessica leads the Intergenerational Exchange Programme, bringing people of all ages together to learn from one another and build stronger, more connected communities. Alongside her role at IGEP, she is a researcher at the University of Sussex and Founding Partner of PATHFINDER, a social enterprise for sustainable development. Her work focuses on translating sustainability and social policy into real-world impact through collaboration with universities, governments, and NGOs around the world.  

Dr. Vicky Bromley – Researcher & Workshop Facilitator

Vicky’s career has centred on community work and social care, spanning roles with older adults, youth, and families, as well as mental health and residential settings. As registered social worker with a PhD in Social Work and a Master’s in Wellbeing, Vicky has taught on the Social Work BA at the University of Sussex. Her doctoral research examined the representations, views, and experiences of homeless lone mothers, with a focus on housing and welfare policy in England. Vicky believes academia has a responsibility to drive positive social change by challenging power structures and reducing social division. In her current role, she researches, designs, and facilitates intergenerational workshops that foster meaningful connections between students and older adults—promoting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and inspiring shared learning and community mobilization.