"It's reassuring to know we're not just a bunch of older people lumped into a building - that we've got young people around if we need to call on them for help,"
"who are isolated and are not seeing anyone apart from the doctor and hospital - to be able to see people, it's lovely. "We're respectful of each other but also looking out for each other. The students bring an injection of youth,""
"To have my own front door and in a secure block has made all the difference,"
"Every night it was like batten down the hatches and try and stay safe - it was hard. "I feel like I've died and gone to heaven.""
A Phoenix Community Housing and University of Goldsmiths partnership created intergenerational blocks in Lewisham with 30 affordable homes for residents aged 55+ and two four-bedroom homes housing eight postgraduate students. Students pay lower rent in exchange for being "good neighbours", providing companionship, practical help and organising activities like walks and group-stretching. The scheme aims to reduce isolation among older adults; research shows one in 14 people aged 65+ in the UK often feel lonely (940,000), rising to almost one in 10 in London (110,000). Residents report improved safety, independence and social contact compared with previous hostels or supported housing.
Read at www.bbc.com
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