Sparkle Expands its Work with Older Residents

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Putney home to London's first intergenerational community centre

Sparkle is based at St Stephen’s Church Hall Putney

May 1, 2026

Putney is home to London’s first dedicated intergenerational community centre, where older and younger residents meet each week to share activities, conversation and connection. Sparkle, the charity behind the project, runs its local hub two days a week from St Stephen’s Church Hall on Manfred Road, East Putney, bringing together older people, nursery children and pupils from local primary schools.

Sparkle’s mission is simple: to create meaningful contact between generations for mutual benefit — reducing loneliness among older adults while giving children the chance to build confidence, empathy and social skills. Sessions vary each week and can include games, crafts, singing, gardening, storytelling and visits from guest speakers or performers. The Putney site partners with the on-site nursery as well as Brandlehow and St Joseph’s primary schools.

In addition to the intergenerational sessions, Sparkle offers seated exercise classes and a warm, nutritious lunch. There is no charge to attend, though a £2 donation towards lunch is welcomed.

Since launching in 2022, Sparkle has grown rapidly from a single weekly session in Putney to four locations across Wandsworth, reflecting rising demand for community-based support for older residents. The charity — officially registered as Sparkle Together CIO — was founded to address social isolation and to create spaces where older people can build friendships, stay active and feel part of local life.

Any older person is welcome to join, though pre-registration is required for safeguarding and planning purposes.

A spokesperson for Sparkle said the Putney centre has become a “joyful, lively place where age barriers melt away,” adding that the charity’s model is based on evidence showing that intergenerational contact improves wellbeing, reduces loneliness and strengthens community ties.

Sparkle’s work has been supported by local volunteers, schools, churches and community organisations, and the charity continues to seek new partners as it expands.

For more information or to register, residents can contact hello@sparkletogether.org, visit www.sparkletogether.org, or call 020 8877 3003.

Sparkle is held in St Stephens Church Hall, Manfred Road, SW15 2RS and the nearest bus stop is EC/ED for the 337 bus.

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