Case Study: Swadlincote Debating Group
Project Location: Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.
Partner organisations/groups: Swadlincote 50+Forum and Year 9 students from
William Allitt school.
Date of case study: July 2009
Contact details of lead organisation
Name: David Edwards
Organisation: Swadlincote 50+ Forum
Role within project: Group Organiser
Telephone: 07768 178386
Work email: daveedwards@bretbycc.co.uk
Home email: davidedwards494@btinternet.com
Previous experience
The project developed from an idea generated by the IG Co-ordinator as a way of
building rapport between generations, and responding to local concerns. Discussion
and debate seemed to provide a good framework for developing contact between the
generations.
About the people:
The project involves the Swadlincote 50+ Forum and Year 9 students from the
William Allitt School. Each session is attended by between 6-8 participants from each
contributing group.
About the project:
Aims
The project aims to break down some of the barriers between younger and older
generations, making it easier for them to communicate.
Context and evidence of need
The inter-generational dimension was seen to be crucial in responding to the feelings
of mistrust, and in some instances fear, which existed between different generations
in the locality.
Description
The project began in February 2008 and is an on-going debate and discussion group
involving members of the 50+ Forum, and Year 9 students from the William Allitt
School in Swadlincote. The co-ordination of the project is shared between the
Swadlincote 50+ Forum and the Head of Year 9 at the school.
The location of the project is a neutral environment - a local chapel which offers
facilities to different community groups. The students come along with their Head of
Year, and she also takes part in the discussions. The sessions start with drinks and
© Beth Johnson Foundation
biscuits. The chairing of the discussions is shared across the two groups of
participants and each week the chair and/or members bring along a list of possible
topics as well as materials which might start discussions (e.g. newspaper articles).
There is an informal approach to facilitation, but negotiated ‘rules’ ensure that only
one person speaks at a time, and everyone gets the chance to contribute. Some
topics may be discussed at greater length than others, and in some circumstances
the discussions may lead to suggestions for further action, but there is no formal
requirement for members of the group to follow these up.
How was the project funded?
Funding has been obtained from wherever possible. Sources have included input
from Derbyshire County Council’s Intergenerational Co-ordinator, and significant
funding has also been received from the Safer Neighbourhoods fund.
Has the project proved to be sustainable?
The fact that this project has continued for 18 months, is ongoing, and now being
replicated in other areas provides some evidence of sustainability
Project Developments
Swadlincote 50+ Forum and DCC are working together to roll this type of project out
to other schools/areas within South Derbyshire including the two other Secondary
Schools, The Pingle and Granville Community School.
Was the project evaluated? If so,how? The project has not yet been formally
evaluated.
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