Intergenerational Exchange Programme

Stay Updated with Our Intergenerational Exchange Programme

Hello IGEP Community,

We’re thrilled to announce that the  Intergenerational Exchange Programme (IGEP) is now open for new participants – and this year we’re scaling beyond Sussex. Whether you’re a student looking to build connections, or an older adult eager to share your experience and learn from younger generations, this could be the perfect match.

🌟 Why participate?

  • For students: Explore meaningful community engagement while building your skills, expanding your network, and gaining a fresh perspective on how age, experience and wellbeing connect. The programme was initially designed to bring together students and older community-members in Brighton & Hove. University of Sussex
  • For older adults (55+): The IGEP offers a chance to connect, share, mentor, laugh and learn – and to enrich your week with new energy and social connection.
  • For all: It’s not just about “giving” or “receiving” — it’s a genuine two-way exchange of knowledge, stories and community.

“Being part of the Intergenerational Exchange Programme has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned so much from my partner’s life experiences, and it’s helped me feel more connected to my community. It’s not just about giving, it’s been a true exchange.”
— Student Participant

“Meeting with my student partner has brought such joy and purpose to my week. We share stories, ideas, and laughter; it’s amazing how much we learn from each other. This programme has made me feel more connected to youth and the wider community.”
— Older Adult Participant

🚀 What’s new this year

  • Scale-up beyond Sussex: We’re excited to expand our reach — more participants, more locations, broader community networks.
  • New social channels: Follow us and stay connected via our social media! We’ll be posting stories, event updates, testimonials and insights from across the programme. (LinkedIn: IGEP Sussex; Instagram, Facebook – coming soon) LinkedIn
  • Video introduction: Want to see the programme in action?
    Introducing the Intergenerational Exchange Programme
    This short film gives a flavour of the IGEP’s spirit and impact.

🎉 Our Partnership with The Hop50+

We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with The Hop50+, a vibrant community hub offering activities, events, and social spaces for older adults.

In the November programme, The Hop50+ continues to host an impressive line-up of events—many of which naturally complement our intergenerational goals. These include:

  • Climate Conversations Intergenerational Exchange Workshop (Sat 1st, 1:30–3:00pm).
  • Weekly social and wellbeing offerings like Knit and Natter, Sing for Better Health, Tutored Art Groups, and Step to the Beat.
  • Dedicated dementia-friendly spaces, including The Pit Stop café mornings and Hop Stop Fridays designed for individuals in the early stages of dementia.

These sessions provide rich opportunities for shared experiences, creative expression, and compassionate community building, all of which align with our programme’s aims.

If you haven’t visited yet, we encourage you to check out the Hop50+ café, classes, or one of their Saturday activities.

📅 How the programme works

  1. Sign-up as a student or older adult participant.
  2. Get matched one-to-one (or in small groups) based on interests, availability and location.
  3. Meet regularly during term time — through workshops, social visits or virtual sessions.
  4. Join the monthly Hop event to connect with the wider cohort.
  5. Share experiences, reflect, create and grow together.

✅ Who should join

  • Students who want to:
    • Build community-facing skills
    • Expand their worldview and meet older adults from different walks of life
    • Strengthen their CV with meaningful engagement
  • Older adults (55+) who want to:
    • Connect with younger people and share life experience
    • Explore new ideas and perspectives in a friendly, supportive environment
    • Add a new social rhythm to their week and build relationships across generations

🎯 Ready to join?

  • Click here to express your interest: [insert link]
  • Follow us on LinkedIn: IGEP Sussex (search LinkedIn)
  • Stay tuned for our next Hop 50+ Event – details will follow via email and socials

Thank you for your interest in being part of something special. The Intergenerational Exchange Programme is more than a match-making service: it’s about creating connections, building community and learning from each other’s lives. We hope you’ll join us.

Warm regards,
Jessica Hadjis van Thiel
Programme Lead, Intergenerational Exchange Programme
University of Sussex

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