Pots, Seeds and Small Acts of Kindness at Alyn Waters
Plant pots, handmade cards and an intergenerational silent disco brought people of all ages together at Alyn Waters for an afternoon of creativity, kindness and fun.
2 min read
Some events need a packed timetable. This one needed plant pots, seeds, card-making materials and enough headphones for a silent disco.
As part of Intergenerational Week, Done Together CIC brought people of different ages together at Alyn Waters for an afternoon of planting, creating, talking and dancing.
The aim was simple. We wanted children, parents, grandparents, young carers, dementia carers and older people to spend time together without it feeling forced.
Putting different generations in the same room does not automatically create a connection. People need something relaxed to do together, preferably something where there is no right answer and nobody needs to be particularly skilled.
Decorating plant pots worked brilliantly.
Creating side by side
Children and adults chose their colours, decorated their pots and planted seeds to take home.
Some pots were carefully planned. Others became brighter and more colourful as the afternoon went on. There was no pressure to create anything perfect, which made it easier for people to settle in, share materials and talk while they worked.
It was busy, relaxed and a little bit messy. Exactly what we had hoped for.
The pots were donated by Wrexham University’s Civic Mission team, with Wrexham Council supporting the event with seeds and the venue. This meant everyone could take part for free and leave with something they had created.
The activity also carried on after the event. The pots and seeds went home to be watered, watched and, hopefully, encouraged to grow.
Kindness that left the room
Alongside planting, people made greeting cards to give to a neighbour, friend or family member.
The cards were not linked to a birthday or particular celebration. They were simply an opportunity to make something kind for somebody else.
There was something lovely about watching people create something they had no intention of keeping.
A handmade card may feel like a small gesture, but receiving something unexpected can mean a great deal, particularly to someone who is lonely or going through a difficult time.
Then came the silent disco
Planting and card-making might sound like obvious choices for an intergenerational event.
A silent disco probably does not. That was part of the appeal.
Credu Young Carers facilitated the disco, with Leanne and Lucie taking charge of the playlists. Young carers and dementia carers joined in, creating another mix of ages and experiences.
Everyone could choose their music, control the volume and take part in their own way. Some people danced properly. Others moved in their seats, listened quietly or watched what was happening.
Nobody had to join in exactly the same way.
Seeing young carers and dementia carers sharing the space was a reminder that intergenerational work does not need to involve sitting in a circle discussing differences. People can connect by painting, laughing, helping one another or dancing to completely different songs through identical headphones.
Small activities, real connections
The activities were simple, but they offered different ways to participate.
People could talk or work quietly. They could dance, listen or watch. Families and carers could join in alongside the people they supported rather than standing at the edge.
We did not expect one afternoon to solve loneliness or create lifelong friendships. That is not how community work usually happens.
What we created was a shared space where different generations could make something, have fun and spend time together.
Sometimes that starts with nothing more complicated than paint, seeds and a pair of headphones.
Done Together CIC | Contact Us
Registered in England & Wales Company Reg no. 16676524
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. View our cookie policy.