and in this issue there are updates on our
European project (EMIL), the Local
Authority Development programme, and
intergenerational
mentoring
and
befriending training course; developed
alongside the Mentoring and Befriending
Foundation.
Centre for
Intergenerational
Practice
Newsletter
Beth Johnson Foundation
Parkfield House
64 Princes Road
Hartshill
Stoke on Trent
ST4 7JL
T: +44 (0) 1782 844036
F: +44 (0) 1782 746940
E: generations@bjf.org.uk
www.centreforip.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1122401
In this issue:
 News
 Events
 Resources
 Projects
Editorial
Welcome to the summer issue of the
newsletter, we hope you have been
enjoying the lovely sunshine over the past
few weeks!
Here at Beth Johnson Foundation we
have created a new short report to update
you on all of our areas of work, which we
hope you will find useful; Creating
Change: Improving Lives.
The
Beth
Johnson
Foundation’s
intergenerational work is wide and varied
UK Older People’s Day will soon be upon
us again, and with a theme of ‘getting and
staying active in later life’ we know that
there are lots of intergenerational projects
going on that will be able to use the day
as an opportunity to celebrate the great
work they are doing: check out the article
below for information and materials.
People have been good enough to share
with us information and updates on a
wide variety of projects from across
England, Wales and Northern Ireland in
this issue. So if you are stuck for ideas
check them out from page 7 onwards.
Working with Older People, a social care
journal has put a call out for papers on
intergenerational working as they will be
publishing a series on intergenerational
practice over the next eight months. It
would be great to see some of your
projects being included.
In view of the Government’s aim to
“review the criminal records and vetting
and barring regime and scale it back to
common sense levels” the Vetting and
Barring Scheme has been halted. We
have provided links in an article below so
that you are aware of the changes and
can
keep
up-to-date
on
current
legislation.
Please keep us updated on your
intergenerational projects so that we can
continue to pass on ideas and good
practice. Our special thanks to everyone
who has contributed to this issue.
Best wishes
Louise & the CIP team
Louise Middleton
Centre for Intergenerational Practice
Manager
News and Events
Beth Johnson Foundation Report 2010
The Centre for Intergenerational Practice is an initiative of the Beth Johnson Foundation,
you can find out more about the Foundation’s work in its new report Creating Change:
Improving Lives and by visiting the website: www.bjf.org.uk
Beth Johnson Foundation: Local Authorities Intergenerational
Development Programme
Regional Learning and Development Programme
Arrangements are now in place for local authorities to participate in learning and
development workshops. Whilst this support will focus on those local authorities who
applied but were unsuccessful in gaining Generations Together funding we would be
delighted to hear from other local authorities interested in participating in the programme.
15 Local Authorities are now participating in the Learning and Development programme
through workshops hosted by Hampshire CC, Nottinghamshire CC and Bradford Council
Follow up workshops are planned in the following locations:
•
Southampton 7 September
•
York 24 September
•
Wolverhampton 6 October
If you are would like to know more about this programme please contact Clare Batty
The CIP Development Team works with local authorities and their partners to plan and
develop intergenerational working that is customised to their own needs. This includes
integrating projects and approaches into mainstream services. If you would like further
information on bespoke work with local authorities please contact Patrick Hanfling.
EMIL launches its innovative new website!
2012 has been designated as European Year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational
Solidarity and developments are taking place across Europe as people engage in planning
and thinking about how our societies will support and engage with citizens of all ages in
the future. In support of this, EMIL (the European Map of Intergenerational Learning) –
funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, launched its website on April 29th at the
International Consortium of Intergenerational Practice conference in Singapore, to
celebrate the 2nd European Day of Intergenerational Solidarity. Press release
To find out more about the network and how you can become part of this exciting new
initiative, visit www.emil-network.eu
Vetting and Barring Scheme halted for review
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme, which was due to be phased in from next month
has now been halted by the government and will be re-modelled. Please be aware that
the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form is changing and any applications on the current
form received by the CRB after 20 July 2010 will be rejected. To read in more detail go to
the Independent Safeguarding Authority website or view Home Office statements.
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 2
UK Older People’s Day
The Full of Life Team has announced the theme for this year’s activity will be ‘Getting and
Staying Active in Later Life’. It’s time to get involved and celebrate the day in 2010 making
the most of the opportunity to put the spotlight on older people. The new materials and
activity pack full of ideas will be developed to bring this theme to life; use the Full of life
2010 Visual Assets on all materials you are producing in conjunction with Older People’s
Day. For queries email dwp.fulloflife@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or contact 020 7449 5987.
Bringing Generations Together: Leeds Intergenerational Approach
This new publication was launched at the Leeds Green Generations Intergenerational
Festival on 26th April 2010. It’s hoped that this document will raise the profile of the
effectiveness of intergenerational approaches, providing examples that identify how
intergenerational practice can meet key existing objectives, targets and priorities both local
and national, and highlight the benefits of intergenerational work across Leeds.
To receive a copy of the document contact Sufia Khan: Sufia.khan@leeds.gov.uk or
download www.leedsinitiative.org/generations
A call for papers on intergenerational practice
Working with Older People is calling for papers on intergenerational practice. From June
2010 to Feb 2011 they will be publishing a series on intergenerational practice with
examples of national and international good practice.
Working with Older People is
published by Pier Professional. It has a strong practical focus and encourages innovative
service development in implementing the later life agenda.
The journal welcomes articles that give practical examples of how services are making
social inclusion and choice and control a reality for older people at a time of demographic
change. The journal aims to provide a forum for those involved in the field, service
providers and service users to share experiences and ideas, show case new approaches
explore difficulties and dilemmas and suggest solutions with the overall goal of enabling
older citizens to enjoy a full and active life and to experience good health and well-being.
To submit a paper, please contact the editor Deborah Klee at dkconsultancy@aol.com.
Hearing Unheard Voices Website Launches
Developed with young people from the Hearing Unheard Voices (HUV) Steering Group
and UK Youth Voice, the site showcases the current campaigns that the HUV local
influence groups are campaigning on in their regions and at a national level, some of
which have already influenced decision makers and shaped the services that they access
as young people to make changes!
Check the campaigns out at www.ukyouthhearingunheardvoices.org
Events
Training course - Intergenerational Mentoring and Befriending,
16th September 2010, Bristol & 14th December 2010, London
There is an increasing recognition of the value of programmes that bring younger and
older people together for their mutual benefit, but what is the relevance and impact of such
approaches to mentoring and befriending? This course aims to provide you with an the
opportunity to explore what is meant by intergenerational mentoring and befriending; how
it can help you achieve national and local priorities and how to introduce this model within
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 3
your own work. Training provided by Alan Hatton-Yeo, Chief Executive of Beth Johnson
Foundation, Alan is an intergenerational expert recognised for his knowledge and years of
experience in the field of intergenerational working. This course has been developed in
partnership with Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
16th September 2010, Bristol Read event details and book your place
14th December 2010, London Read event details and book your place
The Big Lunch, 18th July 2010
The Big Lunch is an Eden Project initiative supported by the Big Lottery Fund. The aim is
to get people together on Sunday 18th July across the UK enjoying lunch, getting to know
each other and bringing communities together. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring your
community together and could be used to launch a new project, celebrate achievements or
raise awareness of good work that has been happening in your area. Contact the team on
0845 850 8181 or email info@thebiglunch.com for more information.
WRVS Heritage Plus Conference - 'Living Memory' 17th September 2010
This conference exhibits the work of WRVS Heritage Plus and highlights outcomes from its
social impact evaluation on social inclusion and heritage engagement.
Be a part of the Exhibition ‘Finding and Photographing Bolton’s Face’
Photographing Bolton’s face’ is part of a yearlong program funded by The Paul Hamlyn
Foundation called Future Fires. Future Fires gives 12 Manchester based artists the
chance to develop and produce a community project. The search is on to find the identity
of Bolton today and celebrate it, the project will involve documenting your existence by
offering you free writing workshops, taking photographs of you, your family or your work
place and hearing your thoughts, beliefs and experiences. To participate valid inhabitants
of Bolton need to contact Sophie Willan. For more details contact Sophie direct on
07805751397.
Wales
Introduction to soft outcomes and distance travelled
A one-day course facilitated by Children in Wales - 14 September 2010, Rhyl
This course is relevant for managers and practitioners who want to demonstrate that their
intervention has really made a difference to the people they are supporting. The course
will look at the importance of measuring the soft outcomes that your intervention has
achieved for the people you work with.
International
Intergenerational Perspectives from Hawaii 2010 A Two Island Tour
Oahu and Maui, October 17-23 2010
This study tour is offered to professionals, educators and students of any age. See how
you can incorporate intergenerational approaches into your organisation or practice.
Tours provide opportunities to meet practitioners involved in the implementation of
intergenerational programmes. Hawaii's programs offer an opportunity to explore
approaches that meet the diverse needs of Hawaii's multi-ethnic society. Create your own
programmes and receive credits from The Pennsylvania State University:
http://www.travellearnstudy.com/signuphi.asp
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 4
Resources
NFER Intergenerational practice: outcomes and effectiveness
This research looks at what works in intergenerational practice. Five intergenerational
projects were selected to cover a range of foci and target groups. Proformas, semistructured interviews and discussion groups were completed with younger and older
participants, providers and relevant local authority staff.
Grandparents in Europe Report June 2010
Britain’s grandparents are undervalued and overlooked compared to those in a number of
other European counties, according to Grandparenting in Europe, a groundbreaking new
study by charity Grandparents Plus, the Beth Johnson Foundation and the Institute of
Gerontology at Kings College London.
This scoping study reviews the evidence from academic literature on the role of
grandparents in Europe. Findings show that grandparents continue to play an important
role in family life, providing help and support to children and grandchildren and also
becoming primary caregivers when parents are unable to fulfil this role. Relatively little is
known about the demographic structure of grandparenting across Europe, or about how
policies in different European countries support different types of grandparental roles. This
report addresses these issues. Read the press release and download a copy of the full
report or executive summary here
Older People and Ageing Bulletin, Welsh Local Government Association
May 2010 edition
International Consortium for Intergenerational Programmes Conference
Presentations and Conference materials from the 4th ICIP Conference are now available
to download. ICIP invite you to browse the sketches of intergenerational concepts
generated during the interactive lunches, and leave comments on your thoughts or ideas
to further enhance the concepts: www.icip.info
Journal for Intergenerational Relationships
The Journal is the only international journal focusing exclusively on the intergenerational
field from practical, theoretical, and social policy perspectives. This unique global forum
features information about the latest research and program development on
intergenerational aspects of a range of global social issues and frontier topics in family
studies
from
the
United
States
and
countries
around
the
world.
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/WJIR
Intergenerational Directory (England & Wales)
Updated and accessible!
The Directory has been completely updated our vision is to give practitioners access to
those working in the intergenerational field. Our aim for the directory is to lead you directly
to whom you need to liaise with, we hope that this version meets your expectations.
Intergenerational Directory July 2010. To be included please contact Nasreen.
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 5
Funding
Please find below some possible funding options for intergenerational projects:
Grants for the Arts - Individuals and Organisations (England)
Grants are available to individuals and organisations for up to five years for arts-related
activities across a variety of sectors and community groups. Applications can be
submitted at any time. http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/gfta2006.php
Paul Hamlyn Foundation Education and Learning Programme (UK)
The Foundation is looking to fund projects that address supplementary education and
develop speaking and listening skills for 11-19 year olds. Eligible organisations that
demonstrate benefits to the wider community and include partnership working that results
in increasing access to education and learning to all communities and age groups.
Applications can be submitted at any time: http://www.phf.org.uk/page.asp?id=85
Philip Lawrence Awards (UK)
Local groups that are making a real contribution to their local community; and promote
respect and understanding of faiths, culture and communities are invited to enter the Philip
Lawrence Awards. Winning groups receive cash awards of up to £1,000 to invest in
sustaining or developing the award-winning activity. Groups made up of any number of
nominees aged 11 to 20 years are eligible to enter. The closing date for nominations is
the 15th September 2010. http://www.philiplawrenceawards.net/home
Tudor Trust Grants Programme (UK)
The Tudor Trust has announced new funding guidelines for the period 2009 – 11, the
Trust’s established funding areas include; youth, older people, community, relationships,
learning, and criminal justice. The Trust aims to support smaller VCS organisations.
Applications can be submitted at any time. http://tudortrust.org.uk/Default.aspx
Reaching Communities (England)
Reaching Communities provides grants of 10,000 - £500,000 for projects that help people
and communities who are most in need, and can really make a difference. Applications
can be made at any time. http://www2.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities
Heritage Grants over £50,000 (UK)
To be eligible for funding a project must help people to learn about their own and other
people’s heritage, conserve the UK’s diverse heritage for present and future generations to
experience and enjoy, and help more people, and a wider range of people, to take an
active part in and make decisions about heritage. 2010/11 deadlines are August, October
and December http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/heritagegrants.aspx
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 6
Projects
England
Pieces of Sky in Ledbury
by Chris Smith, Piece of Sky CIC
In October last year Pieces of Sky ran an opportunity for one intergeneration project to
build photography into their activities as a way of engaging with people more creatively.
The opportunity was circulated widely by CIP and we received an overwhelming response
from projects up and down the country. After much deliberation the Ledbury Library
Intergenerational Project in Herefordshire was chosen as the successful project.
The concept was simple. Ledbury library is due to move to a new purpose built premises,
providing wider services, better access and serving more people in the community.
However, during the consultation phase it became apparent that older members of the
community weren’t sure what the younger people wanted or
needed, and visa versa. It was the first time the library had
come up against this divide (for want of a better word) within
the community. Previously it had been the case that a young
person came into the library, chose the books they wanted
and off they went, and in the same way, an older person
would come into the library, get their books and go away as
happy readers. The library just needed to make sure that the
right books were on the shelves and they had been doing it
very well for generation after generation, but now there was a
call for greater understanding between people to ensure that
the library was better informed about local need.
A project idea came together in the mind of the Library
Learning Officer and soon a partnership was formed between
Ledbury Library, Herefordshire Vinvolved, Age Concern, John
Masefield High School and an expression-of-interest was
whisked over to Pieces of Sky in the hope for some creative input into an intergenerational
project that would bring people together and inform local decision making.
It wasn’t long before Chris from Pieces of Sky was sitting in an inception meeting in the
library with a mix of new partners who had never worked together but all had common
goals. Before long the project had gone from an idea to becoming a reality. Age Concern
and the school agreed to ask for people who they had links with to step forward and join
the project and there was a will to further widen interest out into the broader community
too. In stepped Pieces of Sky. Chris set off with camera in hand to run a little ‘pumppriming project’. Ledbury is one of those towns that oozes distinctiveness, with little family
run shops and a high street that would be difficult to age. To conjure up more interest in
the intergenerational project Chris asked local shopkeepers to be photographed as part of
a project that would celebrate Ledbury and its people as it is today. We called it ‘I’m
Ledbury’ and it proved to be very popular. During the course of the photo-shoot Chris got
talking to the shopkeepers about the intergenerational project and the rest is history as
they say. Quite literally in this case, as the images from ‘I’m Ledbury’ are to be entered
into the library archives for generations to come.
Once people had come forward to be a part of the intergenerational project Vinvolved
facilitated sessions to break the ice and get people talking. Alongside Vinvolved Pieces of
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 7
Sky also facilitated photography sessions with young and old together. The participants
were asked to choose any book from the shelves that they would normally read and then
be photographed with it. You are what you read so to speak. Standing side by side and
choosing individual books together, an amazing thing happened. Irrespective of age,
people began to talk to each other and what’s more they noticed that they loved to read
the same kinds of books. Age gap, what age gap! And that set the tone for the rest of the
project.
As a group the participants sat down to look at
photographs of Ledbury over the decades and
look for a common theme that interested them
all. It didn’t take long before transport around
the town became a common denominator and
the focus of the project. It didn’t take much
more
time
than
that
before
the
intergenerational group were getting organised
to visit the classic Morgan car factory in
Malvern and going to vintage car rallies and
having a wail of a time in the process. All the
time the generations were learning a bit more about each other, building understanding
and bridging the divide. The ‘divide’ being the interesting bit. In no time at all the project
participants and indeed, the project organisers began to see that in actual fact, everyone
had far more in common with each other than had ever set them apart and the whole
project suddenly transformed into a kind of celebration of age and community.
So often, projects are driven by misunderstandings, disadvantage, ageism and other
negative drivers. Here was a project that had been born out of a need to consult on library
services but became something more. It has become deep-seated friendships, common
bonds, active involvement in local decision making, and just as importantly – great fun.
The core project came to an end in April but it’s testament to the success of the project
that everyone still meets up at the library for a chat every so often and a second project is
now being worked up.
Outputs are always an important part of any project and the Ledbury Library
Intergenerational Project has bucket loads of them. Influencing of local decision making,
stimulating community cohesion, two photography graduates mentored by Pieces of Sky,
an archival photographic record of Ledbury for generations to come, a forthcoming
photography exhibition at the Hereford Photography Festival, new partnerships and of
course a whole group of people who have become friends. Library staff also attended an
intergenerational practice training day run by CIP and it needs to be mentioned that CIP
supported the project all the way from the running of the initial advertisement for the offer
by Pieces of Sky through to the completion of the project too. A great project and a great
outcome!
There was another outcome for Pieces of Sky too. In March of this year we became a notfor-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) and Ledbury became our celebration project.
For more information about this project and others like it e-mail Pieces of Sky CIC at:
info@piecesofsky.com or telephone them on 01785 663331
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 8
Philosophy for Children is better than botox, say volunteers
By Michelle Whitworth, Age Concern
Age Concern North Tyneside runs a project called “Thinking for Change” which brings
older volunteers into primary and secondary schools to take part in Philosophy for Children
(P4C). Starting from modest beginnings in 2003, the project gained local authority funding
in 2006, now has more than 40 volunteers aged over 50 and is currently running weekly
sessions in 4 primaries and one secondary school. The authority recognises that this
project not only enhances children’s thinking but has an impact on community cohesion.
This year, the project received a number of awards. First, it improved its standing from
highly commended to “outstanding” (the highest category) for its contribution to North
Tyneside’s Healthy Communities. Even more excitingly, it gained a NIACE national adult
learner’s award from a highly competitive field (there were more than 100 entrants in this
category from the region alone).
14 volunteers and their relatives travelled to Alnwick Gardens for the regional NIACE
ceremony and a silver service lunch in “Hogwarts Hall” in Alnwick Castle. Two more
volunteers attended the national ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Centre in Westminster,
where they saw videos of all winners in action before receiving their award from TV
presenter Phillippa Forester.
Meanwhile, at the invitation of Joseph Rowntree Foundation, four volunteers helped to
promote community philosophy by joining projects from Sunderland, Oldham, York and
Liverpool in a philosophical enquiry at the House of Lords (question chosen from the
stimulus: What’s the point of civilisation?) before enjoying a guided tour and tea with Lord
Best and other luminaries.
These accolades are the reward of much hard work carried out by the volunteers. Not
only have they advanced their own learning through classroom sessions but many have
requested training to further their skills and knowledge. With the help of grants, Age
Concern has put on courses in level 1 (the oldest participant being 86) ethical dilemmas,
Outsmart (how to coach children using outdoor activities), and children with special needs.
Recently, 13 of them attended a specially commissioned workshop in how to use thinking
through music, which we also opened up to teachers.
The effects of P4C on children are well documented but the rewards for older people are
equally valuable. Many volunteers had no idea at the start how much learning there would
be for themselves. Additionally, friendships have been forged among several volunteers
and a strong sense of camaraderie has developed across the group. All agree that
learning, particularly when undertaken with young people, is highly rejuvenating – its
“better than botox” they say.
For more details, see the 3 page article in the May issue of Adults Learning or visit the
NIACE website on www.niace.org.uk to see a write-up and one minute video of us in
action (look for the section on Adult Learners Week 2010). Alternatively, feel free to
contact Age Concern’s LifeLink Co-ordinator Michelle Whitworth tel: 0191 234 7200 x 213,
email michelle.whitworth@googlemail.com
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 9
Bridging the Generation Gap in Derbyshire
The Improvement and Development Agency are showcasing Derbyshire County Council’s
intergenerational programme of work. Involving a wide range of activities this programme
includes book and drama groups, as well as gardening and fishing sessions to bring older
and younger people together. The information offers key learning for local authorities and
outcomes and impact. Check out the full case study on the IDEA website.
OneFathom scales new heights bringing Generations Together
OneFathom has developed a programme embracing the values of Intergenerational work
conceived and tailored to the ‘Olympian’ themed requirements of Portsmouth City Council.
Last year over the course of a five days, water and shore based activities were offered on
board two identical ocean racing yachts and participants of different ages were split
between the two vessels. Activities encouraged a can-do attitude within the crew of each
yacht and also the group as a whole.
With involvement from all participants existing skills sets were encouraged with younger
crew members using modern technology helping their peers with blogs, digital
photography and video, while showing their skills they were at the same time learning
others. The cooking challenge for example had pairs of older and younger crew members
working together with one half of the partnership learning that there was more to food than
Turkey Twizzlers!
The programme provided for a healthy lifestyle, fitness and team spirit which encouraged
healthy competition. The inter-yacht dinghy race was a great success, with everyone
getting a taste of autumnal sleet and warm showers with shore comforts greatly
appreciated by all.
Taking pride within themselves an incredible sense of camaraderie between all team
members became apparent and perhaps best illustrated by the pole climb, a ten meter
‘spinnaker pole’ suspended over the water. With participants safely fastened on it took
nothing from the steely nerves required to step up and attempt the challenge, no matter
how nervous everybody attempted to reach the end of ‘the pole’ supported and
encouraged by the rest.
Events like these will always have an emotional element and these emotions were shared
in a circle of trust in the corner of a homely waterfront bar. For some, the prospect of
speaking to a group of people proved not a problem but for others it was a task more
daunting than climbing out on the pole or boarding a small dinghy, needless to say all part
of character building.
Out on the water all crew members got involved with sailing the yacht, seizing the
opportunity to take the wheel and steer the magnificent ocean racing yachts that served as
their home. There were also timed exercises in raising sails to keep the competitive spirit
alive, providing some great sea faring tales for all to share.
OneFathom takes great pride in delivering the highest-quality product; we value our teams
and the people that make it. Our attention to detail combined with our forward-thinking
approach ensures every participant receives the best experience possible. If you would
like more information about the variety of schemes and projects we are able to offer,
please contact us at: info@onefathom.co.uk
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 10
Wales
Intergenerational Activities in Denbighshire
By Frederick Evans, RSVP Wales
Students from Rhyl Community College have been involved in two intergenerational
activities in recent months. In the first activity, which took place just before Easter, RSVP
(Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme) members from the Prestatyn area and
members from the 50+ aged group from the South West Rhyl Communities First area
spent a day in the College. As a “getting to know you” exercise all the participants were
engaged in “People Bingo”. This exercise brought the generations together as the
challenge was to find some one in the room to whom sixteen statements could apply; for
example “someone who can play the piano, someone who can speak Spanish.” It
certainly was an exercise that was enjoyable and got all present talking.
For the rest of the day the students has organised two
workshops for the older people: an introduction to the
Wii and an introduction to the internet. It was obvious
that all who participated thoroughly enjoyed the
workshops. The students, many of whom had failed to
complete their courses at the local high schools – and
this primarily because they were “problem” students
who saw themselves as failures – felt that they were
making a worth while contribution by helping their
guests. And they (the guests) enjoyed the experience of using modern technology.
At the end of the afternoon the guests were invited to the
shop that the students organise and they happily and
readily bought what was on offer.
It was obvious from the comments overheard -“What lovely
young people” “Well the old’uns are not that bad are they?”
- that all had enjoyed the day at the College.
The second activity was held just after Easter and this time the students accepted an
invitation from the residents of Llys Erw, a housing association in Ruthin. On this occasion
a “skill swap” had been planned. After the “People
Bingo” ice-breaker, young and old were introduced to
something that was new to them; for the old it was the
Wii and for the students it was Indoor Bowls. Recently
the residents had been involved in fund raising: to
support the British Heart Foundation and to purchase a
Wii for residents’ use. There was no doubt that many of
the residents had not wanted to invite the students from
the Rhyl College but by the end of the afternoon they
were full of praise for the students. And again the young
people were impressed by the welcome that they received.
There has been a very significant follow up to this Rhyl students – Llys Erw residents
relationship. The residents responded to the invitation from Ruthin Town Council to enter
a Scarecrow competition in the town. The set task was to build a scarecrow in the likeness
of a character from fiction or a real person, dead or living. The residents chose to build
four one of which was Dr Who. When the students heard of this they offered to build a
Tardis and Dr Who and his Tardis was judged a winner.
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 11
Furthermore the students are now busy building planters
and raised flower beds for the garden at Llys Erw. A real
success story resulting from an intergenerational activity
day and I have no doubt that the relationship between the
student community and the residents, although they are
twenty miles apart, will go from strength to strength.
Northern Ireland
Linking Generations
Linking Generations is the Northern Ireland (NI) intergenerational initiative managed by the
Beth Johnson Foundation and funded regionally by the Community Safety Unit, Atlantic
Philanthropies and locally by Belfast City Council and Belfast and Ards Community Safety
Partnerships.
Launched by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Naomi Long on the 15 th December 2009 this
initiative builds on past and continuing intergenerational practice in NI. Some of the
milestones include the success of the Millennium awards through Age Concern NI in 1999,
the formation of the NI intergenerational steering group in 2002, funding from BCSP in
2006 for the development of the City for All Ages programme and a similar programme in
the Newtownards area in 2008 funded by Ards Borough Council and the local Health
Trust. To date the development of intergenerational practice in these areas alone has
enabled approximately 40 intergenerational projects.
Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) is currently funded until July 2011 and has
four members of staff Dr David McConnell (Local Advisor), Vicki Titterington (Full Time
Regional Development Worker), Lyndsay Donly (Part Time Regional Development
Worker) and Emily Park (Administrative Worker). The initiative aims to promote the
development of intergenerational practice and solidarity across Northern Ireland by
creating opportunities for interaction, learning and mutual exchange between people of
different generations. LGNI promotes the concept of intergenerational practice regionally
by providing advice, support, funding, training and also presenting at relevant events.
This year LGNI is funding 21 intergenerational projects across NI through their regional
grants scheme and also a further 13 in through the Ards area grants scheme. The
variance of groups and organisations involved and also the focus of projects and
programmes is an indicator of the scope and applicability of intergenerational practice
across the sectors and to social and public policy agendas.
The delivery of training and support for those wishing to engage in intergenerational
practice and in preparation for undertaking projects/programmes has become an important
part of the Linking Generations in Northern Ireland initiative. The training is delivered
through free one day interactive seminars which will be geographically spread across
Northern Ireland until July 2011. LGNI has delivered 5 seminars to date and plans to
deliver a further 3 before the end of 2010. Feedback from participants has suggested that
this preparatory training is essential for the planning and completion of a successful
intergenerational project offering advice regarding good practice, planning, evaluation, and
an opportunity to discuss ideas.
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 12
The 29th of April European Union Day of Solidarity and Cooperation between Generations
provides a good opportunity for LGNI to promote intergenerational practice and its
success. On the 29th of April 2009 LGNI held a showcase event in the Ards Town Hall to
celebrate the success of the Ards area grants scheme. The event was attended by over
100 people from involved groups and also guests with both younger and older participants
presenting their projects to the audience. A showcase event was also hosted in Belfast by
the Older Peoples Advocate and the Commissioner for Children and Young People
showcasing projects supported through the LGNI initiative. LGNI also raised awareness of
the day by contacting NI MEP’s, making suggestions on involvement to Council’s, Schools
and churches and by providing MLA’s with written information. Plans for next year are
currently underway with hopes for a larger event focusing on the success of all elements of
the LGNI initiative.
All LGNI staff will be happy to provide any additional information regarding our work and
also advice regarding intergenerational practice. The website hosted by the Beth Johnson
Foundation also has updates on training and events as well as offering information on past
and current project and programmes.
To access the LGNI website visit
www.centreforip.org.uk (click on the LGNI logo to right).
LGNI contact details –
Linking Generations in Northern Ireland
40 West Street
Newtownards
BT23 4EN
Telephone –
Office
Mobile (Vicki)
Mobile (Lyndsay)
02891813022
07732875409
07904817032
*Don’t forget! *
If you would like to contribute an article or would like information promoted in the
newsletter or on our website, we will be pleased to hear from you.
People reporting on their projects and experiences of intergenerational practice add value
to our work and publications.
Please note the deadline date for inclusion in the next edition of the newsletter is:
24 September 2010
Centre for Intergenerational Practice Newsletter
page 13