Our journey with Intergenerational Music Making began in January 2025, when GCSE Music students from Amersham School were invited to collaborate with two local dementia cafés. It was through these cafés we first encountered the powerful concept of bringing together different generations within the local community through music. 

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The primary goal of these sessions was to bridge the gap between age groups using music—a universal and inclusive language. The dementia cafés provided a weekly support system for adults living with dementia and their carers, offering them something to look forward to and helping to combat loneliness and isolation. Many of the activities led by IMM focused on collaboration, allowing us, as students, to actively participate and build meaningful connections within our community. As our confidence grew over the course of the three sessions, we even had the opportunity to lead some of the activities ourselves. 

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Through our involvement, we developed a deeper understanding not only of the IMM programme, but also of the value and impact of intergenerational relationships in everyday life. We found it incredibly inspiring to see how music could help those experiencing memory loss. However, we also came to realise that music is just one of many powerful tools to bring generations together in today’s fast-paced society. 

The impact of our visits became clear during our final session, when some of the adults began to recognise and remember us. This was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. It highlighted how important it is for our generation to take an active role in fostering intergenerational connections. 

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We now believe, more strongly than ever, schools should engage within their local communities to support those who have contributed so much to society, and who have made it possible for us to enjoy the opportunities we have today. We are incredibly grateful for the work that Intergenerational England is doing to support communities in an ever-changing world. We firmly believe more schools should work across generations to build a more connected, supportive society and to create a lasting sense of belonging.