Buddies target generation gap

Teenagers are teamed up with pensioners in the scheme

The generation gap between pensioners and teenagers on an estate in Cardiff is being targetted by a new scheme.

Young people are often blamed for vandalism and crime on large estates, and are seen as rude, untrustworthy and threatening by older residents.

Now a project run by children's charity NCH Cymru is linking under-18s with individual pensioners in a so-called buddy scheme.

The youngsters can help run errands, do shopping or just chat and get to know them.

Aaron Morgan believes the scheme is helping

"We are getting young people to visit the old people to get to know them and help them out," said 15-year-old Aaron Morgan.

Aaron visits 72-year-old John Cox, who lives at an old people's home in Llanrumney.

"Young people think old people are useless - old people think young people are a pain - we are trying to stop that," added Aaron.

"All kids aren't the same - we are not all vandals."

"Some of us are actually nice - give us a chance.

He said the scheme was helping him and his friends see the problems of the generation gap from both sides.