Knitting together different generations

A special handmade LFC inspired banner was unveiled at the Museum of Liverpool, which has been created by local children and older persons from the areas surrounding Anfield Stadium, as part of an LJMU intergenerational project – the Sustainable Skills Café.

The project, funded by the LFC Foundation, has been developed by Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Education, with contributions from Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, Riverside Housing, Regenda Housing and the Museum of Liverpool.

The sustainably-made 8ft banner which shows interpretations of the city of Liverpool and LFC, made using old LFC Foundation t-shirts, has been created by children from Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, who were taught to sew by older adults from nearby retirement housing schemes.

During the six-week project - which aims to break down barriers between generations by bringing them together - both generations have been learning about the history of Liverpool FC and its connections within their community, while taking part in physical activity sessions, including chair-based exercises, delivered by the LFC Foundation coaches.

The older participants have shared useful ‘forgotten’ skills and resources, which can considerably benefit younger generations, like weaving, knitting and sewing.

They have also enjoyed a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, healthy cooking, football sing-a-longs and a trip to Anfield Stadium to experience the LFC Stadium Tour and museum.

Dr Cheryl Bolton, Director of the School of Education at LJMU, commented: “Not only is our initiative a great way of bringing members of the community together, it improves their health and wellbeing and gives them a practical platform to develop feelings of self-worth and confidence, while also instilling fundamental values and behaviours towards the environment and sustainability. I am delighted at the response it has received and look forward to supporting its growth across the city region in the near future.”

David McParland, LFC Foundation project lead, said: "Communities are changing, and statistics indicate that older and younger people are becoming increasingly disconnected; which is why we need intergenerational activities like these, which are proven to reduce stereotyping and ageism between generations, and help to reduce loneliness and social exclusion, particularly amongst the elderly.”