News and Events
Windrush Elders Project - Impact Report
The Windrush Elders Project was created to honour and preserve the stories of the Windrush generation, the Caribbean men and women who arrived in Britain between the late 1940s and 1970s to help rebuild the country after the second world war. Too often, their voices are left out of the mainstream narrative. This project set out to change that by connecting young people in Hackney with elders who lived through that era, offering space for dialogue, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
Over several weeks, young people aged 15–19 were trained to carry out interviews and then paired with elders from local lunch clubs. Through careful listening, shared meals, a group beach trip, they built relationships rooted in curiosity and respect.
Full Impact Report:
A1. Project Summary
The Windrush Project connected over 40 Windrush-generation elders from local lunch clubs with young people aged 15–19 from Hackney. Young people conducted interviews, bonded with the elderly by cooking for them and attending a beach trip together, supported photography and documentation, and helped publish a Windrush commemorative book.
The project culminated in a launch event held at the Museum of the Home, where young people hosted, presented, and celebrated the completion of the publication alongside elders.
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A2. Project Outcomes
Elders interviewed and recorded - 40+ elders
Elders interacted with at events - 100+ elders
Young people involved - 22 young people
Windrush book produced and launched - Published June 2025
Elders who felt highly respected (rated 9/10 or above) - 95%
Elders who felt proud to be included (rated 9/10 or above) - 98%
Elders who felt comfortable sharing experiences (rated 9/10 or above) - 100%
Why This Matters
Elders consistently told us that this project made them feel valued and respected. Many had never shared their story in this way before. For some, it was the first time young people had taken the time to ask. They emphasised how meaningful it was for them to be in dialogue with engaged young people.
Emelda - “It made me feel important, thank you.”
Patricia - “It was great sharing with the young people, they were keen to learn and we were happy to tell them the story.”-
“Thank God for the young who help the elderly, and I hope they continue to show love and care.” - Marion
Marsorie: “Continue to do what you are doing because it is wonderful.”
How did this benefit young people?
Elders believed this project had great value for young people who could help to uphold their legacy whilst having the rare opportunity to understand their roots. They saw the experience as a powerful educational opportunity for the young people. It’s vital to preserve these stories, as Marilyn says, “We will go down in history”
Doreen didn’t hold back: “There were no Blacks, no Irish, no dogs. I want the young people to know what we went through, so they respect education and respect their elders.”
"It's good for them to know what the elders have gone through because it wasn't easy, but this generation still made it." - Eliza
Speaking to the youth, there was clear passion about this project, one of our young people echoed our elders and said:
“In the project, I got the pleasure to assist and interview the Windrush generation. I enjoyed the project thoroughly because I learned more about my own culture and heard a lot of compelling and passionate stories. I think the best moment was doing the activities with the elderly; they were very competitive and fun. “ Setyra“