This week marks Global Intergenerational Week 2025 (GIW25), a celebration of connections across generations. Today’s theme, Let’s Develop Intergenerational Workplaces, highlights the value of combining experience with fresh perspectives in professional settings. With a 40+year age gap, Audrey and Ramona’s story is a perfect example of how such connections can thrive in the workplace.
Audrey’s journey with Homeshare began in 1999 when she wanted a new challenge. “In June 1999, I applied to Homeshare (formerly The Community Care Trust), which was opening a branch in Bristol/Bath,” she recalls. With a background as a state-registered nurse, running an employment agency, and working as a senior training advisor and consultant, Audrey brought a wealth of experience. After being made redundant from Homeshare in 2001, she continued running the service on a voluntary basis as Homeshare West while working part-time for The Care Forum, Age UK Bristol, and West of England Care & Repair.
Ramona joined Homeshare after years of working in community engagement. “Although I’m a trained linguist, I’ve always been passionate about supporting people’s wellbeing and fostering positive change,” she says. Before Homeshare West, Ramona ran Homeshare Gloucestershire and served as the national Homeshare representative on the Shared Lives Plus Board for three years. “I’ve also recently joined Homeshare International as a board member,” she adds.
Their paths crossed when Ramona invited Audrey to present about Homeshare to a community group she ran. “When I became Homeshare Manager for Gloucestershire, Audrey was key in helping me launch the pilot,” Ramona recalls. “Our collaboration grew, and Audrey later invited me to join her as Co-Director of Homeshare West.”
Mutual respect
Despite the age gap, Audrey and Ramona’s working relationship thrives on mutual respect and their shared passion for Homeshare. “We’re both strong-minded, but we share a love for the Homeshare living model,” says Ramona. “Our work ethic and resilience help us through challenges, and the feedback from our matches makes it all worthwhile.” Audrey adds, “We’re both dedicated to ensuring Homeshare West thrives. Our experience in running Homeshare services means we can bounce ideas around together.”
While the age gap presents some challenges, they manage them well. “We come from different backgrounds with different life experiences,” says Audrey. “I’m not convinced about the value of social media, but Ramona fully embraces it.” Audrey also mentions, “I focus on details and presentation, which can be irritating, but the respect we have for each other means we talk things through and resolve any issues.” Ramona agrees, “Sometimes, the speed at which I talk or do things can be a challenge. I’ve learned to slow down, which helps with communication, especially with our older householders.”
“Good communication is key,” says Ramona. “We’ve adapted our working methods to ensure transparency and accountability. Our different styles work as long as we stick to the same principles.”
Learning from each other
Audrey and Ramona complement each other perfectly. “Audrey is the ‘Holy Grail’ of Homeshare. Even before we worked together, she was incredibly supportive and generous with her advice and time,” Ramona says. “She’s made a huge impact, not just in Homeshare West but across the UK’s Homeshare community.”
Audrey adds, “It’s great working with Ramona – she’s full of ideas. Our different strengths contribute to the success of the business. With no funding or back-up support, we work in a cost-effective way to make the best use of our resources.”
Ramona explains, “Audrey has more ‘hands on’ experience while I bring energy and technical skills. I tend to look at the bigger picture, and Audrey focuses on the details. Together, we cover all aspects of running a successful social enterprise.”
“Ramona is brilliant at networking and raising awareness, which helps increase referrals,” Audrey adds. “Our combined experience helps us make better decisions.”
Advice for developing intergenerational workplaces
Audrey offers practical advice:
“You need integrity, strong relationships, high standards and clear communication. I enjoy working with Ramona – it’s a breath of fresh air. While we sometimes have to work through our differences, it keeps us on our toes. And I love working with our clients – I’m from their generation so it’s easy to relate.”
Ramona concludes,
“Our work requires resilience and persistence, but we’ve shown it can succeed. Keep an open mind. Despite many years of working with a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds, I am constantly learning – both about others and myself. Life is a lot more fascinating and enjoyable when we celebrate our similarities and embrace our differences.”
If you are interested in Homeshare and based in Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset or Gloucestershire visit https://www.homesharewest.org/