How to have the best intergenerational approaches

Relationships ~ Relationships ~ Relationships

Good practice is always evolving, but intergenerational work is blessed with wonderful international and national partnerships, meaning research and developments are enthusiastically shared. In Scotland, Generations Working Together is the national centre for excellence in intergenerational practice and supports with training, networks, resources and its partnerships as well as ensuring key information is shared to Scottish Government, from both research and grassroots basis. 

The developments in many countries are celebrated and shared through research papers, conferences, seminars, webinars and sharing of resources - which has led to the development of the Global Intergenerational Week, hosted by GWT but involving global networks. It is also a wonderful opportunity for those of us engaging in Intergenerational work to contribute locally and nationally to the collective swell, highlighting the benefits and necessity for this work and these approaches to be embedded into communities, learning institutions and opportunities, our care sector and our workplaces. 

On a very simple basis - collaboration and co-design are key principles.

"The Do"s

DO be inclusive, creative, curious and explore ideas with those who are participating. 

DO watch out for unconscious bias - it affects all of us and can mean we hold back from embracing opportunities and ideas without fully exploring them - e.g. making errors in our judgement about capability or interest. This means we can hold others back too. 

DO work with others and make sure everyone understands what intergenerational good practice is - so that everyone starts off on their journey on the right path. 

DO get their feedback regularly - it's so valuable - and then tweak and plan for more, with your group and partners. 

DO have fun...connecting across the generations should be enjoyable for everyone. 

DO share and showcase positive benefits. Celebrate your IG journey.

DO communicate 1. with your co-facilitators and make time to discuss things together regularly 2. with the participants so everyone has chance to contribute and know what is happening and why 3. with 'community', both large and small 4. the local IG network.

DO be proud of being an intergenerational advocated. Remember that Intergenerational work is Rights-Based and empowering; it fulfills human needs and tackles ageism while building community cohesion.

"The Don't"s

DON'T try and do everything alone.

DON'T try to start with huge groups of people.

DON'T exclude people from being participants because others would be easier to work with - instead consider how to adapt your plans, perhaps start small and grow the opportunities to build the relationships more effectively or also plan for 1:1 also then expand / integrate with others appropriately. (Extending it can happen once you have a good start.)

DON'T think you can't do it. If you care, have interest and can work with one group, you can extend this to bring in partners who have knowledge and experience in working with another group - or share your ambition and bring in other individuals who love the idea. 

DON'T rush - give those meeting the gift of time to get to know each other.

DON'T think it will go perfectly all the time or that it will always progress to a next level. It doesn't need to and should be considered as a journey. 

Relationships ~ Relationships ~ Relationships