Our Story
Hi, I'm Karen Verney the founder and CEO of Generations Connect New Zealand (NZ).
I started this non-profit organisation in 2023, because I believe that intergenerational connections can enrich our lives, by providing opportunities for people of all ages to come together to share stories, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships in a range of different ways.
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My inspiration came from a TV program I watched in 2018, when I was a full-time primary teacher. The program was called "Old Homes for 4 Year Olds", and it introduced me to the transformative power of intergenerational practice. This program wasn't just entertaining; it was eye-opening. The show centered around how bringing preschoolers and older adults together could improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
At the time I was so focused on the benefits that the children experienced like, gaining more confidence, empathy, and social skills, that I didn’t fully appreciate that the older adults also gained so much from the interactions as well including feelings of joy, purpose, and reduced isolation or loneliness.
Fast forward to 2023, my dad's health and mobility had declined, and I could see first-hand how these challenges were affecting his mental health.
He lived with my mum in a retirement village and during my visits I could see not only how he, but other residents were affected by loneliness. It was interesting to note how they talked about interactions with younger people, whether it be grandchildren or family friends, and how much this changed their outlook on getting up each day. This got me thinking back to the TV program and how beneficial it would be if older adults had regular interactions with younger generations and what the overall effect would be on their quality of life.
"This ignited a passion in me, and I realised I needed to find out more about intergenerational practice."
I did some research and discovered that this concept had been implemented in various forms around the world for years. I learned that Australia had also run a similar program for teenagers, who like the 4-year-olds were brought together with the older adults and the impact on both generations were as impressive. This made me more curious to know what was happening in New Zealand and started to search for local examples. I could find some small pieces of intergenerational activities, happening around the country in many ways such as school visits, art projects, gardening clubs and even individual programs that matched younger volunteers with older adults, but I felt something was missing. I likened what was already happening to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and could see the need for an organisation that brings all the pieces together, forming a cohesive and impactful picture of community unity and where every piece is able to support each other.
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"That realisation sparked Generations Connect NZ — a vision beyond a mere program but where we aspire to create a community."
It's about building lasting connections that resonate across ages. We're not about reinventing the wheel; but looking to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and intergenerational society, where everyone can learn from and support each other.
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I invite you to join me and Generations Connect NZ on our journey of creating a more intergenerational world. Whether you are young or old, or somewhere in between, you have something valuable to offer and gain from intergenerational practice. Through sharing your time, expertise, or support, every contribution counts. Contact me today to find out how you can get involved with Generational Connect NZ.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Karen
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