When the foundation visits the charity ‘What Really Matters’

“Every Story Really Matters”: young people put pen to paper for our elderly

At the start of 2026, we had the pleasure of visiting the Isabeau care home in Roubaix to interview a young person and a resident as part of the “Every Story Really Matters” project.

Enzo Lézier, a Year 13 student at Saint Rémi High School in Roubaix, and Jacques Van Mullen, a resident at the care home, were delighted to answer a few questions. Through their enthusiasm, we were able to gauge the tangible impact of this intergenerational initiative supported by our On Seniors’ Side Foundation.

Building bridges between generations through life stories

The project offers a unique human and editorial adventure: volunteer secondary school pupils visit care home residents to collect their memories and write their life stories.

Over the course of a school year, with one visit a week, these young people become the ‘keepers of memory’ for their elders. This work of listening and writing culminates in the publication of a real book, which is presented in a formal ceremony at the end of the year. The aim is clear: to break down social isolation whilst restoring a central and valued place for older people in society.

The interview: “Much more than a project, a bond of trust”

During our meeting, Enzo and Jacques spoke movingly about their experience. Here are the key points that emerged from our conversation:

An unexpected friendship: the visits go far beyond the scope of the school project. For Enzo, Jacques has become “a friend, a member of his family”.

Passing on knowledge: for Jacques, Enzo’s presence brings “a touch of youth” and allows him to share precious anecdotes that he might not otherwise have shared.

Mutual enrichment: beyond writing the planned 90 pages, Enzo explains that he has learnt a great deal about life in those days and has developed a deep sense of empathy.

Trust as the key word: when asked to describe their partnership in one word, Jacques and Enzo reply in unison: “Trust”!

A significant impact

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the project is taking on a remarkable scale in the Hauts-de-France region, with 80 direct beneficiaries (40 older people and 40 secondary school pupils) spread across Roubaix, Tourcoing, Lille and Amiens.

Nationwide, 550 pairs are being formed this year, proving that the need for recognition among older people and young people’s search for meaning are major issues.