The Big Sneinton Link Up was part of the SMILE project, aimed at building bridges between young and older people. This project has now come to an end however we know during the 7/8 months that we've been out listening to both young and old, we've only just scratched the surface. Building bridges between different generations, different communities takes time and great commitment. It also takes a lot of trust.

Each and every person we have met throughout the project has shown us just how unique they are. Not all young people are the same, just as not all old people are the same. Some older people told us that they don't go out after 4pm, whilst other older people told us how much they enjoy a disco and will happily dance the night away... till 10:30 anyway!

Alongside my colleagues I've learnt so much along the way. The best advice I can give (which I too received) is when working with any group of people 'just shut up and listen'. Never assume you hold all the answers.

This project may have come to an end however, there is still much that is needed to be done. We have shared our findings with the Muslim Community Organisation who are interested in continuing with this much needed work. They are currently working on developing a befriending scheme with Nottingham Age UK. We hope that other organisations that we have worked with will also continue to build on the legacy of this project.

If you, or anyone you know is interested in finding out more about the work we've undertaken on this project then please get in touch. We'd love to share more with you and perhaps you/your organisation can take this work to the next level.

Thank you to Nottingham Academy, Muslim Community Organisation, Sunflower Cafe at St. Christopher's Church, Carlton Folds, Greenway Centre, SEND Project and the Hermitage Community Centre for supporting our work.

A heart-felt thank you to all the following organisations for supporting our event through donations of food items and raffle prizes.

- Georgio’s Plaice 
- Colwick Racecourse 
- Two-J’s
- Pak Foods 
- A. & G. Bredice, Home Furniture Shop
- Boots UK
- Gary’s barbers 
- Chick Chick 
- Papas Grill 
- Calm Inside Out 
- Grill Town 
- Charlotte, Therapist 
- Eco print 
- Growing spaces 
- Tesco

- Sneinton Bikers

Thank you to Willmott Dixon for sponsoring The Big Sneinton Link Up.

As our projects continue to grow, support from local businesses and services in the area are vital to the success of our events. You are truly appreciated.

Last but not least thank you to Deborah Eustace, Zayne Reast, David Thomas and Charlotte Christine for all your hard work on this project.

Signing (and smiling) out... 

Shabana :-)