The young people who are aged between 16 and 25 years planted a series of over one hundred apple trees alongside Whitehead Primary School, Brighter Whitehead, Conservation Volunteers NI and Carrickfergus Community Cultivators.
‘Growing Together’ is an environmental based intergenerational project supported by the European Union’s PEACE 111 CAN Partnership, to carry out community activities in Whitehead. The project aims to bring different generations together and actively encourages the breaking down of barriers between older and younger people, while challenging negative stereotypes and behaviour.
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of Carrickfergus Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside Sub Committee said “In the busy society of today, young and old are often strangers to each other as they don’t have the same opportunities which existed in the past to communicate and participate in activities together. The ‘Growing Together’ project demonstrates that older and younger generations have a great deal to offer each other in terms of knowledge and experience. The benefit of working together on this project gives them a better understanding and tolerance of other age groups, with the local community gaining from the apple tree planting.”
Gerry Drake NRC Programme Co-ordinator commenting on the success of the project said “As part of the Prince’s Trust 12-week course at the College, students complete a community project which develops their team and employability skills and at the same time, it allows them to give something back to their local community. This intergenerational project, in partnership with Carrickfergus Borough Council, provided an ideal opportunity for the young people to communicate and work alongside other aged groups.”
