Pupils from a Cardiff primary have been swapping the classroom for altogether different lessons recently in an intergenerational project that is bringing the community together.

Putting aside their exercise books and pencils for an hour each Monday morning for the past 10 weeks, six pupils from Bryn Deri Primary School in Radyr have made their way down to Radyr Library for the regular Knit and Natter group there, where they join the local ladies for a spot of ‘knit one, purl one', to pick up new skills and learn from one another.

The sound of laughter and chatting from voices young and older resound around the library while the children and ladies get to work on their latest woolly creations and now, as the end of the school year approaches, the project is being hailed as a success and a new group of pupils can look forward to joining the group in September.

Bryn Deri Headteacher, Claire Davies, said: "We were approached by Radyr Library to get involved with this intergenerational project which we thought was fantastic.  The children are learning good social skills and are having some time and space to take part in something that is potentially therapeutic andpromotes positive wellbeing.

"The ladies here are getting something back as well by having young people to discuss things with, and to learn about. They've spoken about their lives now and then, as well as the skills that are involved with knitting and crocheting  - they are passing on some of their expertise. It's all about sharing because we're all part of the same community."

Knit and Natter group member, Diane Page, said: "The children are very entertaining. It's lovely to hear the things that they have been doing and I think we have benefited as much as they have. We learn from them which is lovely."

The project is a good example of the community inclusion work being carried out by hubs and libraries across the city, to benefit the health and wellbeing of communities by getting people involved with activities and thereby combating loneliness and social isolation.

In addition to the successful network of community hubs that serve as one-stop-shops for council, partner and community services across the city, the Council is developing new wellbeing hubsto serve communities in the northern part of the city. The wellbeing hubs are being developed with a focus on an increasingly older population in these areas and a need to focus on social wellbeing, healthy and active lifestyles, community engagement and independent living. 

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "Our community and wellbeing hubs and libraries are real focal points for their local areas. They are not just libraries, or somewhere to go to get some help with council services, they are real community spaces where people can get together for events and activities that will benefit their wellbeing.

"It's great to hear about the success of Radyr Library's scheme with Bryn Deri primary and the Knit and Natter group, and that members of the group, whatever their age, are helping each other and building a strong sense of community spirit at the same time."

The Knit and Natter project supports the Council's work to attain Unicef Child Friendly City status and its five clear goals around children's rights:

• Every child and young person is valued, respected and treated fairly.
• Every child and young person has their voice, needs and priorities heard and taken into account.
• All children and young people grow up in a safe and supportive home.
• All children and young people access high quality education that promotes their rights and helps them develop their skills and talents to the full.
• Children have good physical, mental and emotional health and know how to stay healthy.

To find out more about events and activities at your local hub or library, visitwww.cardiff.gov.uk/libraries