This award-winning initiative, delivered through our Driving Digital Locally initiative, brings generations together to improve digital skills among older adults while helping young pupils develop vital communication and social skills.

Over the course of the four-week project, the tenants and pupils engaged in weekly sessions using iPads, empowering older residents to navigate the digital world with confidence.

The pupils, in turn, gained valuable experience in patience, and interpersonal communication, learning how to teach and support the senior tenants in a respectful and engaging way.

The pupils who took part said of their experience: “It was amazing as we really enjoyed teaching and helping the residents understand the concepts within the new technologies and teaching them how to use the different apps. We would do it again, it was nervous talking to the residents at first but then we got used to it, they made us feel very welcome.”

Class Teacher Melanie Nicholls, Victoria Primary School, said: 'It was lovely to be part of something within the school community. Seeing the children engage with the residents of Victoria Gardens and seeing the impact it had was worthwhile and a positive experience for our pupils.”

One of the elderly participants, Ronnie Morgan, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed recent visits from the school children from Victoria primary interesting and informative.”

The project has not only bridged the digital divide but also fostered friendships and mutual respect between generations. Plans are already underway to continue and expand the initiative in future sessions.

Two of the senior tenants who took part are now looking to continue with their digital learning and enquired about more structured digital training.