Harmonious Connections: The Brilliant Benefits of Intergenerational Choirs
Since first meeting in 2023, Sydenham High's Lower Prep Choir and Lewisham charity Ageing Well's 'The Befrienders' Choir have had a deeply enriching collaboration, with benefits for both groups.
The benefits of intergenerational choirs, where young and old unite through song, continue to flourish, as demonstrated by the latest deeply enriching collaboration between Sydenham High's Lower Prep Choir and The Befrienders.
The Befrienders is a choir established by the Lewisham charity Ageing Well, an organisation dedicated to combating loneliness and isolation among older people by promoting creative and social opportunities. This partnership is a fantastic, hands-on example of the positive impact these shared musical ventures have on both generations.
Since first meeting in 2023, where Sydenham High Prep pupils joined The Befrienders at the Grove Centre Church, where they meet on Tuesdays for their Choir practice, they have had regular meet ups to work on a shared original composition, “Happy Place”.
Collaborative Creativity and Wellbeing:
The group's most recent session in the Prep School Hall focused on collaborative songwriting, with the children and older adults focusing on the following:
- Singing and Socialising: The choirs spent time singing together, immediately reinforcing the social bonds that are vital for wellbeing at all ages.
- Original Verse Writing: Working in mixed-age groups, they wrote an original verse for “Happy Place”. This was a continuation of a work in progress, showcasing the sustained nature of the collaboration.
- Fostering Creativity: The event brilliantly showcased the enthusiasm, creativity, and spark of the Lower Prep girls, who actively contributed to the artistic process alongside their older peers.
The collaborative effort highlights the importance of strengthening intergenerational connections to foster wellbeing for everyone involved. For the children, it’s a powerful lesson in empathy and teamwork; for the older adults, it provides vital social interaction and a renewed sense of purpose.
Looking ahead, Sydenham High's Lower Prep Choir is hoping to host again in the Summer term to get the singers together and create graphic scores and sound scape inspired by their work-in-progress.
This ongoing project ensures the valuable connection between Lower Prep Choir and The Befrienders remains strong and mutually beneficial.
What the girls thought:
'My favourite part was when everyone came in, talking and saying hello because I never get to see my grandparents from my dad’s side so it’s nice to see someone like my granny'.
'When someone is sad, singing is like a medicine. It feels more connected. I felt like part of a community'.
'It was great singing with the befrienders choir because I love how their voices sounded together with us'.
'It was very joyful and fun because it makes people who feel lonely feel better and I felt very connected'.
What The Befrienders thought:
'It was a lovely time – the energy in the room was palpable. It was very uplifting for all of us but especially so for those who have little contact with younger children. We all had such fun. Before the girls returned to their classes it was great to see them practising the amusing song we taught them – so they could share it with their friends.'
'7 year olds and a group of oldies unknown to them – can it work? Music and love can do anything.'
'The girls’ enthusiasm crept into my being. I felt elated and energised.'
'We all pretended to walk in mud, move, and freeze – all of us losing our inhibitions in the process. They sang to us, we sang to them , we worked on our shared song started last term. We had a sharing session in groups to gain fresh thoughts on emotions and activities. This will give us another verse for our shared song. Joy, sharing and love – how blessed we are.'
For a child in Year 2 or 3, joining an intergenerational choir is a fantastic experience that supports their development in multiple ways.
Communication and Empathy: Singing alongside older people encourages seven-year-olds to listen, communicate clearly, and adapt their behaviour. They learn to be patient and helpful, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of people who are very different from their usual peers. They see past stereotypes and learn to value the wisdom and experiences of their elders.
Confidence and Social Skills: In these choirs, children often take on roles as ‘teachers,’ perhaps demonstrating a new song or helping an older person with an action. This sense of purpose and responsibility is a powerful confidence booster. They get comfortable interacting in a diverse social setting, which is brilliant for their overall social development.
A Living History Lesson: The repertoire often includes songs from different eras, bringing history to life through melody. Older adults may share stories connected to the songs, offering the children a vibrant, first-hand account of the past.
The benefits for the older generation, particularly those who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation, are profound and well-documented by organisations like Age UK.
Improved Mental Wellbeing: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has highlighted that activities like singing in a professionally led community choir can significantly help to maintain mental wellbeing in older people. The creative outlet and routine of weekly rehearsals provide structure and joy.
A Renewed Sense of Purpose: The simple act of spending time with energetic, curious children gives older participants a vital sense of purpose. They are valued not just for their ability to sing, but as mentors, storytellers, and friends. This feeling of being needed combats the isolating effects of later life.
Physical and Cognitive Stimulation: Learning new songs, remembering lyrics, and following the flow of the rehearsal provides a gentle but effective form of cognitive exercise. The physical act of singing is also great for lung capacity and encouraging movement, which contributes to maintaining an active lifestyle.
Community Cohesion: These choirs act as vital social hubs, creating a true sense of community cohesion. They break down age-related barriers, allowing both young and old to form genuine, meaningful friendships they might not otherwise have had the chance to forge.
The harmonious connection forged is mutually beneficial, where the older person offers patience and life wisdom, and the child offers youthful energy and boundless curiosity. It’s a win-win for everyone involved and a fantastic example of community spirit at its very best.
December 2025