This is a sporting reminiscence project (with Beth Johnson Foundation and RSVP) aimed at expanding the social lives of older people at Summerdale Close, Tonteg. It aims to improve quality of life for older people using sporting memories and heritage and to break down barriers between old and young. Pupils from Llanilltyd Fardre Primary School produced a film about the history of Pontypridd Rugby Club and interviewed tenants from Summerdale Close to record their memories of the club. The film features interviews with former players, supporters and tea ladies. Volunteers are now setting up regular sporting reminiscence sessions at the scheme to talk about their memories of sport.
Why we liked this project
This project, with a particularly local cultural focus, has developed out of a common interest in rugby amongst both the young and older people. We liked the way the project was effectively structured around the children’s film and interviews. Clearly there are benefits of helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness but also in building positive relationships between local school children and scheme residents. Residents have also been involved in the making of the DVD and its screening, and in planning further sporting reminiscence sessions.
Go back