WELCOME to East Lothian Intergenerational Network
Intergenerational work has relationships at the core. Regardless of the catalyst used to make connections, the benefits come through ensuring there is time, a conducive environment and appropriate support to develop meaningful and positive relationships.
Know that
Intergenerational Good Practice and projects / approaches are identified as one of 3 key ways to break down Ageism (which affects us all) according to WHO Global Report on Ageism.
Ageism is an often ignored or 'unseen' form of discrimation that has very negative effects, but is largely overlooked in comparison to other forms of discrimination ('intersectionality* refers'). In reality, it exists alongside all the others and compounds them, but also is a form of discrimination known to impact on every one of us at some point in our lifespan.
Know that
intergenerational opportunities are diverse and can cover all areas of development, interest and life journeys, so there is always a way to connect and build relationships to maximise impact.
Intergenerational work has relationships at the core. Regardless of the catalyst used to make connections, the benefits come through ensuring there is time, a conducive environment and appropriate support to develop meaningful and positive relationships.
Know that
everyone plays a part..
Co-design, collaboration and connection are key aspects for best practice.
Intergenerational groups and projects can be facilitated by particular individuals who initiate, engage and develop work, but all should be working towards the participants being the driving force towards best outcomes and progression of the group's work.
Know that
sharing your stories, experiences and journey matters - with those involved, their wider networks / families, with local network and national networks. Monitoring and evaluation shapes your story and helps others on their journey.
(Lots of support and info can be found on Evaluation Support Scotland website) or GWT e-module.
Sharing Intergenerational development work, engaging in, or supporting, wider research and IG networks, alongside celebrating positive outcomes, is good for everyone. This also supports applications for funding support, as the evidence of benefits and achieving, or exceeding outcomes, gives confidence to Trusts / Charities and supporting bodies.
Know that
IG working is inclusive -everyone can engage. It is about attitude, enthusiasm, open-mindedness, interest and engaging with intergenerational networks / leading agencies to understand IG practice and ensure it develops well.
Training is available and is suitable for practitioners / managers / policy leaders - and individuals / volunteers alike. It can vary from e-modules and self study, to introductory sessions, one-day training and a more advanced international course, hosted online. Joining Generations Working Together SCIO gives access to free online short modules and reduced cost for all the other training opportunities. Bespoke workplace training is also available.
TOP TIP:
Consider linking with others in local network, or across your workplace, to complete the introductory e-modules as a great starting point to
a) understand IG practice better and
b) help to start planning and decisions around roles and responsibilities for starting your own intergenerational project.
*Intersectionality: Intersectionality merges many identity markers, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, and more, to create a more truthful and complex identity.
Why is it important?
Intersectionality is directly tied to oppression. Oppression is the force that allows, through the power of norms and systems, the unjust treatment or control of people. Intersectionality shows us that social identities work on multiple levels, resulting in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers for each person. Therefore, oppression cannot be reduced to only one part of an identity; each oppression is dependent on and shapes the other.
Understanding intersectionality is essential to combatting the interwoven prejudices people face in their daily lives.
This information has been shared from here, but there are many other explanatory sources also.