NEWS STORY: MAY 2006

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Northwards in the news

Elvis meets the Sugababes as teenagers and older people bridge the generation gap

Elvis and friends

Teenagers in North Manchester have bridged the generation gap after they were challenged to "make a difference" as part of the City's 100 Days Campaign.

The five young people are helping North Manchester Northwards Wardens break down generational barriers by working voluntarily at one of Northwards Housing's sheltered accommodation blocks.

The teenagers were challenged by the wardens' youth strategy officer, Ian Gillett at the Challenge Manchester 100 Days anti-social behaviour roadshow at Harpurhey market recently.

They formed a young people's working party and accompanied by wardens, they have been helping out at Edward Grant Court with garden maintenance, litter picking and talking to residents.

In the first session, after gardening, fence mending and litter picking, Lee Holland and Daniel Chadwick, aged 16, Arran Shaw and Amina Umani, 17 and Sarah Davison, 14 joked and shared life experiences with sheltered scheme residents.

An impromptu sing-along followed, with both sets of age groups entertaining each other with renditions ranging from Elvis to the Sugerbabes, lasting more than an hour.

Northwards Housing's Warden Youth Strategy Officer, Ian Gillett, said: "This was a very worthwhile experience in breaking down the barriers between the generations. Having enjoyed each other's company and learned much about each other's lifestyles and culture, the group was asked to come back again soon and continue this fantastic relationship."

And Manchester City Council's executive member for housing, Cllr Eddy Newman, said: "Everyone involved in this should be applauded. It shows that the vast majority of young people are responsible and respectful and that old and young alike can work together for the good of our communities."

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