Intergenerational Mentoring to Reduce Loneliness and Improve Well-Being
Official title: Creating Encounters: Generations in Action - Together Instead of Alone (GemsE)
Run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT07581171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests intergenerational mentoring between seniors 60+ and youths aged 12–21 in Hamburg to see if it reduces loneliness and improves mental well-being and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07581171 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Hamburg residents aged 60+ and youths aged 12–21 with at least one parent who has a mental illness, who are willing to participate and speak German.
✕Probably not a fit
Some participants may not experience measurable benefit due to individual differences in engagement or support needs.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The GemsE study investigates whether structured intergenerational sponsorships between older adults and children or adolescents from families with a mentally ill parent can reduce loneliness and enhance psychosocial health. About 40 seniors and 40 youths will participate for six months, with relationships supported by a sponsorship framework. Outcomes will be measured with validated questionnaires assessing loneliness, psychosocial well-being, and health-related quality of life. The study aims to identify how such intergenerational encounters can be effectively designed and integrated into psychosocial care services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced loneliness and improved mental well-being and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests mentoring and social support can improve psychosocial outcomes, but this specific intergenerational sponsor model is relatively novel in this context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults aged 60 years and older who are residents of Hamburg * Children and adolescents aged 12 to 21 years with at least one parent with a mental illness and who are residents of Hamburg * Sufficient German language proficiency * Ability and willingness to provide informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Children and adolescents with severe acute psychological symptoms requiring inpatient treatment, including acute suicidality, acute substance use, or acute psychotic symptoms * Older adults with acute psychological crises or untreated severe mental illness preventing reliable participation * Older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia preventing reliable participation in the intervention
Where it's running
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University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Silke Wiegand-Grefe, Prof. Dr. — Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Study coordinator: Silke Wiegand-Grefe, Prof. Dr.
- Email: swiegand-grefe@uke.de
- Phone: +4940741053603
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.