At Cross-Culture Hub, we were honoured to be the only community group selected by the Children’s Mayor of Southampton, Zeyno Arabaci, to deliver an Intergenerational Skill Swap Session at Highfield Church of England Primary School on Thursday, 23rd October 2025.

Intergenerational skill sharing is central to the work of Cross-Culture Hub, and this event was a meaningful opportunity to connect with children through creativity, learning, and shared experiences. The session celebrated the value of exchanging skills across generations and cultures, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

Our sewing group led practical, hands-on activities for the children, including learning how to sew a button, attach a pocket to an apron using a sewing machine, and make winter hats with a circular knitting machine. These activities helped children build confidence while learning useful, creative skills.

The session was a true skill swap, and we were equally delighted to learn from the children. They shared their own talents with us through beaded wristband making, origami art, drawing, and creative arts, making the experience enjoyable and enriching for all.

We extend our sincere thanks to Sarah Jane Slark, Inclusion, Diversity and Participation Lead at Southampton City Council, for her continued dedication and support, along with her colleagues who helped make the session possible.

We are also deeply grateful to The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie, for taking a special interest in this project and for joining us in person throughout the session.

Being chosen as the sole group for this Intergenerational Skill Swap was a proud moment for Cross-Culture Hub and a powerful reminder of the impact of learning across ages and cultures. We look forward to creating more opportunities that bring communities together through shared skills and creativity.