A PROJECT to break down barriers between the generations in north Durham has been hailed a success.

Organisers of the scheme for teenagers and pensioners in Stanley are now planning two further ten-week courses.

As part of The Ageless Project, young and old people discussed wide-ranging topics including money, jobs, housing, relationships, values, communication, food and diet.

Residents of Oakwood Court in Stanley, a scheme for the over-55s run by Derwentside Homes, took part with North Durham Academy students studying Health and Social Care.

The Ageless Project which was delivered by the CONTiNUUM CIC social enterprise and housing provider Derwentside Homes.

Jeanette Harold, director of CONTiNUUM CIC, said: “It’s been quite a journey for everyone taking part and the feedback from participants has been incredibly positive.

“The course’s biggest success has been to generate empathy and understanding between the older and younger people taking part.

Students and older people who completed the course have taken part in celebration event in Stanley to receive attendance certificates and reflect on what they learned.

Michelle Graham, employment initiatives officer at Derwentside Homes, said housing was a major talking point, as well as the increased pressures on younger people in terms of exams and job prospects.

She said: “The project also demonstrated how much times have changed, with major shifts in attitudes and in how we view the value of money and the things we buy.

“For all young people a mobile phone is now a necessity, while for older people that’s still quite a strange concept.

“Some of the young people were also quite shocked to learn that most of the older people didn’t have a television when they were children.”

The next project, funded by the Stanley Area Action Partnership, will start at Stanley Young People’s Club later this month. Young people are currently leafleting the area to recruit older people to take part and it is hoped the project will help to address anti-social behaviour issues in the area.

For more information about The Ageless Project, including future projects, contact Jeanette Harold on 07872-058-175.