A GOVERNMENT minister has visited a community centre on the South Acton Estate to see first-hand the benefits of a project bringing together older and younger people in the area.
Dawn Primarolo, Minister of State for Children, and MP for Bristol South, visited the Oak Tree Community Centre to hear about the 'Generations Together' project, a swap shop of skills for older and younger people living in Acton.
Teenagers have taught pensioners how to use computers, keep fit and dance while learning how to cook healthy meals, sewing and growing vegetables on allotments.
MP Dawn Primarolo, said: "The Generations Together project in Ealing is inspirational, bringing together local communities and involving both young and older people from diverse cultures.
"It shows what can be achieved by communities working together to break down barriers between young and old and helping to improve their quality of life. I am really encouraged by what I saw in Ealing. We are committed to supporting similar projects across the country which will make a real difference to local communities."
Ealing Council was one of only 12 across the country to receive funding for the project by the Department of Children, Schools and Families, and has worked in partnership with Acton Community Forum since September 2009.
The project aims to bridge the gap between the generations, reduce the fear of crime and prejudice and create an environment for older and younger people to learn together.
For more information, visit http://generationstogether.co.uk/ or call Acton Community Forum on 020 8993 6158.
