University helps Buxton Café Club connect older and younger generations

The University of Derby Community Fund, now in its fourth round for 2014/15, has awarded a grant to The Dome Café Club project in Buxton.

The project, which has been run by Voluntary and Community Services Peaks and Dales (VCSPD) since September 2014, was awarded £900 from the University.

VCSPD introduced the weekly Café Club to bring older people together with 16 to 18 year-olds from Buxton and Leek College. The Café also allows service users a chance to interact with other older people and meet, chat and enjoy being with younger people.

The £900 grant will be used to purchase three Android tablets with Skype capability to help visitors keep in touch with distant family or friends and to help older people connect with what is happening in the wider world.

Eight ‘memory scrapbooks’ will also be purchased with the money, providing the clients with an opportunity to record their memories and talk about these with the younger generation.

Gill Geddes, Chief Executive Officer at VCSPD, said “We are thrilled to receive this grant for resource materials for our Café Club project as it enables older people to mix socially, over a cup of tea and slice of cake, with local students.

“It helps reduce the loneliness and social isolation that older people often experience and gives young people the chance to learn about their lives and experiences, leading to a greater appreciation of older people. Similarly, our older service users develop a better understanding of the issues and challenges that young people face today.”

Rosie Marshalsay, Head of External Relations at the University of Derby, added: “With campuses in Buxton and Derby it’s fantastic that we’re able to support local projects within the two communities.

“The Dome Café Club project really stood out for its inter-generational element, allowing older and younger people to engage and share experiences in a relaxed community environment.”

Other winners in the fourth round of funding included The Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club, Sunnyhill Community Centre and Spondon Cricket Club, all based in Derby.

The Community Fund is just one of the ways in which the University of Derby hopes to give back to local people by handing out grants to inspiring projects that seek to benefit the community in some way.