Magic Me

Intergenerational Creativity & Joy – Big Give Younger and older people will build bridges across the generations. Working together with artists, they'll create inspirational projects that bring joy, banish loneliness, break down barriers,…

If you'd like to show Tower Hamlets some love, donate this week and have £1 become £2! We've been bringing older and younger people together through the arts in the borough for more than 30 years - help us carry on in 2026 buff.ly/pYnSIaf

The @biggive.bsky.social Christmas Fundraising Challenge is in full swing! And what a start we've had, in our first day generous supporters have raised an incredible £5,400 which will be doubled and used for next year's community arts projects! A huge thank you to anyone who has given so far ✨ 🤩

Discussions throughout the day were shaped by those in the room from across the arts, heritage and health care sector. Questions were raised about climate change, health inequalities and how to bring lasting change in big institutions. A very thought provoking day!

Last Thursday, Project Manager Audrey attended DISRUPT: Are we building community power or just co-opting it? It was an event hosted by @guildhallschool.bsky.social that looked into the layers behind the buzz-phrase “community empowerment”.

Thank you Susan, for everything you've done. Your vision has helped young and old, partners, artists and participants to flourish!

A new chapter for Magic Me as Susan Langford, our Founding Director, announces her retirement. We're glad to have her with us till late Autumn, and then a new story will begin. Find out more at buff.ly/TqtwU3k

Thank you to all the brilliant participants, artists & partners who made this possible—and to InCommon for recognising the power of intergenerational storytelling.
More on the project here: buff.ly/L7TQO8w

Together, they explored the stories and legacies of inspirational women, co-creating a moving short film led by filmmaker Chuck Blue Lowry & poet Laila Sumpton.
The result? A joyful celebration of creativity, connection & women's voices across generations.

We’re absolutely delighted to have won the InCommon’s Age Friendly Award for Best Intergenerational Project with Under 20s for our film Her Story, Our Inspiration!
This powerful project brought together girls from Mulberry & Connaught Schools with older women in Tower Hamlets.

Thanks so much to Audrey & Priyanka @magicmearts.bsky.social for a great session today! And thanks as always to everyone who could join the discussion & who help to make this forum such a rich & supportive space! 🙌 #intergenerational #artsandwellbeing

Intergenerational Forum: Mutual Exchange ‘Inside’ and ‘Outside’ the Room - Flourishing Lives Join us for a free online gathering, in partnership with Magic Me. The Intergenerational Forum is an informal space for arts & wellbeing providers to meet and share ideas around developing…

This is an informal, welcoming space to learn, share, and refine your intergenerational practice.

If you work in arts, culture, or wellbeing and want to explore new ways to connect generations, join us!

🔗 Sign up here: buff.ly/KpsB074

In this session, we’ll discuss:

✨ How intergenerational projects create mutual exchanges inside the room
✨ The barriers to building equal collaboration outside the room
✨ Learnings from Magic Me’s 30+ years of intergenerational work in Tower Hamlets

Led by Magic Me’s Project Managers, Audrey Aidoo-Davies & Priyanka Chauhan, we’ll explore how creative projects bring older and younger people together, fostering connection, understanding, and joy.

We’re teaming up with @flourishinglives.bsky.social to co-host the Intergenerational Forum, a free online space for arts and wellbeing providers to share ideas, challenges, and successes in intergenerational practice.

🗓 Tues 25th March 2025
⏰ 11:00am – 12:30pm GMT
📍 Online

Visit our website to watch the full story unfold. Let’s keep sharing and celebrating women’s voices. buff.ly/j4QILEU #IWD2025 #HerStoryOurInspiration

“You are more than enough. You are powerful. And you are helping the generation to come.”

Through art and storytelling, students and older women reflected on the women who shaped their lives - activists, writers, mothers, and mentors. Their conversations remind us of the power of intergenerational connection.

Her Story, Our Inspiration is a Magic Me film celebrating the legacies of inspirational women across generations. This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re shining a light on their voices.

Tues 25 March, 11am-12.30pm
Mutual Exchange 'Inside' & 'Outside' the Room:
Join us w/@magicmearts.bsky.social
hosting the next FREE online #intergenerational forum meeting: a great space for peer sharing & learning in #arts & #wellbeing settings
Sign up now!
shorturl.at/lULRS

Are you passionate about the future of ageing? Drop a comment - what inspires you about age-friendly communities, and what role can creativity play?

We’re inspired to think bigger at Magic Me - how can we continue to foster connections and support age-friendly spaces? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Ageism remains endemic. Tackling it requires structural change and government policy. Social mixing projects like Magic Me’s can help bridge generational gaps and build trust, but systemic shifts are crucial for lasting change.

Data-driven prevention could help future-proof the NHS. Despite rising chronic illnesses, our health system spends just 1/3 per capita compared to Germany. Using AI & data to focus on prevention could improve long-term outcomes for everyone.

The UK workforce faces a digital skills gap. An estimated 52% of people lack the digital skills required for today’s job market. By 2030, we could have a 2.4M-person work skills gap. Addressing digital inclusion is essential for economic stability.

Inequality remains a driver for many issues - from health outcomes to work opportunities. The conference highlighted the importance of addressing structural inequalities and improving financial inclusion to manage vulnerability across long lives.

Mental health is a growing focus. 1 in 5 people took time off work for mental health in 2024, and rising rates of mental health issues among children are linked to technology. Norway’s school phone ban reduced mental health issues by 60%. Prevention & education are vital.

Housing quality must support ageing communities. A 51% increase in people over 55 requesting homelessness assistance since the pandemic highlights the need for age-inclusive, dementia-friendly housing and policies like rent control and anti-displacement.

Intergenerational connection is making waves. 7 in 10 Boomers say life is harder for young people today. Multi-generational marketing (like Airbnb & Premier Inn) is picking up, showing businesses recognise the power of intergenerational collaboration.

Prevention is key. There’s a big push to move from treating illness to preventing it. Think community-based care, flu jabs, & healthy lifestyle initiatives. Chronic disease is rising (1 in 5 have diabetes or pre-diabetes). Shifting to prevention could transform public health.

This month, our Programme Director Kate and Head of Operations Ben attended the @ilcuk.bsky.social #FutureOfAgeing 2025 conference! Here’s what’s trending in the future of ageing - and what we’re reflecting on for our work at Magic Me.