Autumna increases support for Adopt a Grandparent charity

Autumna is pleased to announce its continued support for Adopt a Grandparent (AAG) – a pioneering technology-led charity that facilitates intergenerational friendship bonds by connecting care home residents with young volunteers across the world.

What started as a local community endeavour to help counter the debilitating effects of loneliness amongst older adults, Adopt a Grandparent transitioned online with a bespoke app designed by software company, Ugenie, and has quickly become a global hit with volunteers as far away as Hawaii connecting with ‘adopted grandparents’ in the UK.

Speaking of the new sponsorship deal, Autumna Founder and Managing Director, Debbie Harris said:

“Autumna first recognised the benefits such a fantastic initiative could have on residents in care homes back in 2019.  With the introduction of specific search filters on the Autumna website, we were able to help prospective ‘grandchildren’ and ‘grandparents’ connect through ‘virtual visits.’ This proved so valuable particularly during the isolating effects of the Covid pandemic. 

“It’s really heartening to see how the programme has flourished since then, and how it has helped bring laughter and happiness to so many older people. We are therefore exceptionally pleased to be able to contribute to the campaign’s continued success.”

Adopt a Grandparent Founder, Shaleeza Hasham said:

“We’re immensely grateful to have Autumna supporting us. They were with us when everything went online at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and now, as we near 100,000 volunteers registered to participate in 2024, we really look forward to celebrating that achievement with them. All care home providers that partner with us receive an AAG accreditation badge on their Autumna profile.”

The impact of loneliness and social isolation cannot be underestimated with research showing links to coronary heart disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.

The Adopt a Grandparent programme uplifts the older and more vulnerable in society by improving their mental and emotional wellbeing through reducing social isolation and loneliness.

Intergenerational companionship also contributes significantly to the personal and educational development of young students who can gain first-hand insights into history, culture, and life experiences.

Through these encounters they learn compassion, patience, and communication skills. The exchange of knowledge between students and older individuals creates a dynamic learning environment, fostering a culture of continuous learning and mutual respect.

This positive impact ripples through the broader community, promoting a supportive and caring atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.

Learn more about Adopt a Grandparent sponsorship here.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Autumna

Autumna is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive later life living and elderly care directory. Specialising in the self-funding market, it helps families and individuals make informed choices and access higher standards of care.

Proudly independent, Autumna provides completely impartial advice and does not take referral fees from providers. It aims to improve transparency and standards across the entire elder care sector.

Following its establishment in 2019, more than 2.5 million care seekers each year now access Autumna’s directory of over 26,000 care and retirement living providers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION including interviews:

Mark Foxwell, mark@sharpminds.agency , 01892 570863, 07796 473020