Generations Together
Duncan Smith, Service Manager, Wakefield Council
Lisa Spivey, Generation Xchange Project Manager
Generation Together
A district wide strategic and sustainable
approach
Project Partners:
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Age Concern Wakefield District
Groundwork Wakefield
Voluntary Action Wakefield District
Developing Initiatives, Supporting Communities
Wakefield Council
NHS Wakefield District, Public Health Service
Generation Xchange
Building on Success
• Existing successful intergenerational projects:
• Older people lunching with children in 50 of
district’s schools - around 500 people benefiting
• Silver Surfers
• Extra Care Housing - Computer suites/Wii
fit/sports
Wakefield’s Project - Generation Xchange
Generation Xchange
• An innovative and creative intergenerational skills
exchange scheme developed by a voluntary sector led
partnership, supported by the local authority
• Delivering targeted intergenerational volunteering
opportunities where individuals are supported and
facilitated to exchange life skills
•At least 1,700 additional volunteers working on
intergenerational activity
Generation Xchange
Aims
• address widening gaps in understanding and
tolerance, to build stronger and more confident
communities
• an increased opportunity to make a positive
contribution through volunteering
• develop a practice model that could be replicated and
developed in schools and community settings
Generation Xchange
Five main work streams:
• Life skills
• Literacy
• Sport & Physical Activity
• Conservation and Environment
• Innovation and ongoing development
Generation Xchange
Targeted activity:
• areas of deprivation and improving life chances of
vulnerable younger and older people
• Specific groups include:
• ‘NEET’ young people and at risk of ‘NEET’
• care leavers and young offenders
• socially isolated older people
• Accreditation opportunities
Generation Xchange
Headline Outcomes
5% (52) NEET young people involved in project
100+ projects delivered; 39 in most deprived areas,(743 people)
75% of young people stated they have improved life skills
Over 2,200 younger and older volunteers recruited to project
98% would like to participate in further intergenerational projects
25 projects developed involving 321 socially isolated older people
94% had developed a better understanding of other generation
40 of Wakefield’s Schools have taken part in the project
35 smaller organisations benefitted from grass-roots funding
4 larger community based innovation projects
Generation Xchange
Legacy and Sustainability
Training Resource Packs - How to Guide and DVD
Intergenerational Toolkits:
- Cooking Clubs
- Lunch Clubs in Schools
• Reading Mentoring
• Silver Surfers
• Accreditation opportunities
• Expert Volunteers
Generation Xchange Website
Generations Xchange
Legacy and Sustainability
• Wakefield District Intergenerational Network
• Age UK – Fit as a Fiddle Funding
- Boccia Bowling
- Healthy Living
• Online Centres – Silver Surfers Clubs
• Reaching Communities Funding Bid
Positioning for the Big Society
Area based working localising delivery:
- 7 Area Forums
- 12 Priority Areas (10% most deprived IMD)
- Integrated Networks
A First rate third sector:
• Over 1,600 organisations,
• A diverse, extensive and active voluntary and
community sector
• Third Sector Development Plan
Positioning for the Big Society
• Projects developed within localities and communities
have a greater impact on outcomes
• Use existing structures and networks; linking schools
with community organisations can help develop
sustainable models of intergenerational practice
• A district wide strategic and sustainable approach
involving all stakeholders is needed to embed
intergenerational practice
• Harnessing the talents and contributions of all our
communities, across all ages
Generation Xchange
Thank you