LOCAL CHARITY BRIGHTER TOGETHER SHOWCASES ITS AMAZING WORK
The local charity Brighter Together, which brings together children and older people delivered a public session showcasing their work as part of Age UK Richmond’s Dementia Information Day in Twickenham.
For the first time, Brighter Together opened one of their sessions to the wider community—offering attendees a chance to experience the joy and impact of their work first-hand.
Children from Greenwood Nursery, Twickenham, joined older adults, including those living with dementia, in a dynamic mini-session designed to showcase how meaningful connections across generations can benefit all involved.
This week marks Dementia Action Week, a national campaign by the Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness of the importance of an early dementia diagnosis and the support available for those affected.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.facebook.com/BrighterTogetherUK/videos/1784737189120281
The Teddington-based charity’s founder, Polly van Marken, introduced the session and explained the unique power of their approach.
She said:”Our programme is built on research that shows regular, structured contact with young children can support the cognitive function of adults living with dementia—while simultaneously boosting emotional development, empathy and communication skills in children.”
The results speak for themselves. One care home resident who had previously been too withdrawn to leave her room is now up, dressed, and eagerly awaiting her Tuesday morning visits.
“She’s formed strong bonds with the children and says she feels like she has a purpose again,” Polly shared. “It’s this sense of being needed and valued that can be truly transformative.”
The energy in the room lifted the moment the children arrived, with smiles, singing and shared creativity filling the space.
Pairs of children and older adults crafted and decorated paper rockets, culminating in a room-wide countdown and launch—over 30 rockets soaring to cheers and laughter.
One attendee summed it up perfectly: “That was truly wonderful. What a special organisation spreading so much joy. I haven’t even thought about rockets in years—and now I’ve launched one!”
Brighter Together’s mission is simple but powerful: to bring generations together for shared joy, purpose and belonging.
As Polly says: “These moments may look playful, but they’re doing serious good—for memory, for confidence, and for community connection.”
The charity currently runs weekly sessions across the borough and is looking to expand its reach. To support this growth, Brighter Together is recruiting for a new Programme Lead to help shape and deliver its award-winning work.
To find out more about the charity or apply for the role, visit www.brightertogether.org.uk