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WELCOME to East Lothian Intergenerational Network
To be invited to network meetings either
Email IntergenerationalNetworkEL@gmail.com with JOIN in subject line and send from the email you would like used. Write your name in the text area or the subject line. You are very welcome to also share a little about your interest in IG approaches too.
or
Let Sue (Northrop) or Loreen (Pardoe) know you would like to be added, if you meet either, in other local meetings. Although not local to E. Lothian, Pat Scrutton also supported this development and work with Dunbar Buddies and has recently joined DFEL Board! Caroline Davis (Connected Communities) has recently retired but will continue to work with ELIGN as much as possible - and we have interest from a colleague in retaining the CC links.
2024 Calendar
2024 Calendar
Next ELIGN network meeting.
Next ELIGN network meeting.
Tuesday 5th June. 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Online (Zoom)
with PLAYLIST FOR LIFE
- The power of music to connect, intergenerationally.
Tuesday 3rd July. 1 .30- 3.30 pm Online (Zoom)
with Lorna Bellany
Community, place and IG working.
Our early July meeting will be easing us into summer break - Lorna Bellany (NHS Lothian Population Health Project Manager, East Lothian Partnership and Place Team) will share key insights into health approaches, communities and why intergenerational working is so important.
Generating ideas.....what would you like on the agenda for the network?
In Planning - Ideas to date
Global Intergenerational Week (last week of April). - What plans do you have? Please sign up to #GIW24 with GWT and get involved
Themes:
Intergenerational Lens - opportunities around us.
Coorie in and Living Well - tackling the Cost of Living Crisis the community way.
Digital Delights
Connecting the dots - physical exercise, speech and language development and enhancements, accessibility and sustaining ability.
Book Club / Learning Group - eg The Connected Community, The Good Life / e-modules on GWT website.
Intergenerational Spaces, Places and Housing inspiration
MAGNIFICENT MAY
ELIGN's May network meeting became a wonderful conversation around connection, kindness and caring. And the value of FUN in our lives.
GWT programme of thematic meetings had a "Let's Talk About Ageism" session which also generated meaningful conversation from Orkney to Ayrshire (and E. Lothian of course!).
Intergenerational National Network has a super event coming up on 29th May. Although it will be held in Aberdeen, it will be possible to join online too. The Agenda topics include Employment, Food and Outdoors. (Email Pat to be included in the circulation list).
We hope to have a new recruit from Connected Communities team join our core group.
Achievements.
Achievements.
Loreen and Fiona (Musselburgh Meeting Centre) received their ICIP certificates having completed the ICIP course Jan - April. This is Loreen's 2nd time around having been one of the earliest students along with Sue - when we helped to pilot the course. Loreen notes the improvements to the course (now Edition 5) and recommends registering interest in the course, which runs several times each year.
Top Tip: Choose a time when you can do the study, assignments and engage as much as possible with the live sessions too. The course runs over several weeks but IG work is fascinating and the number of links shared mean the time required can quickly expand.
Fa'side Women and Girls Group have been shortlisted for an Excellence Award with GWT so we wish them all good luck and look forward to hearing more over the coming weeks.
Keep an eye out for VCEL's Inspiring Volunteer Awards too - and again, good luck to the nominees shortlisted to the final stages and evening of celebration. Announcements will be made on VCEL's social media.
LOOKING AHEAD
LOOKING AHEAD
We can also look ahead to June - the month of community! We'd love to hear of any plans - Volunteer's Week, Carer's Week, The Big Lunch, the Great Big Green Week, the Big Help Out, Loneliness Awareness Week, Refugee Week, The Great Get Together and Small Charity Week. There is also Care Home Open Week, so something to check into with care homes around the county. Eden Communities are great to connect in with to keep up with all the above - and share activities, but we would love to share stories and experiences too!
#GIW24 Reflection
#GIW24 Reflection
Well, with #GIW24 concluding on 30th April, it's good to have a look at what learning was shared, connections made, support highlighted - and work was recognised.
So many countries took part. Charities, groups, individuals, academics, organisations and IG beneficiaries got involved and of course, some of this certainly happened in East Lothian!
Our Facebook post:
Just sharing a little feel-good post to 'fill your boots’ with following Global Intergenerational Week, from here in E. Lothian.
Bringing generations together is ESSENTIAL for so many reasons of-course. You can join local networks to find out more from Generations Working Together and East Lothian Intergenerational Network - ELIGN
During #GIW24
Dementia Friendly East Lothian ran a Co-Production workshop, hosted by Musselburgh Meeting Centre with a focus clearly emerging around Intergenerational work. Co-production is an essential element of IG work and it was wonderful to hear members of the Meeting Centre talking so enthusiastically about their experiences to date.
There was also a training day with GWT, Generations Connecting & Growing Together - East & Midlothian IG Network. & Support from the Start - hosted by Musselburgh Grammar School with teachers from MGS and Compass School, 2 senior pupils - also Ambassadors with Bridges Project - Dementia Friendly East Lothian, Fantoosh Sketching, ELCAN and others from E. Lothian and Edinburgh, learning more about IG practice together.
It was a wonderful opportunity to really dive into what good #intergenerational practice is and think about ways we can get involved.
Pencaitland Community Choir - an intergenerational choir - met for their weekly session and practice before singing at Pencaitland Primary School Spring Fayre this weekend, so bringing some musical delight to the wider community too.
Our Community Kitchen and Compass School, Haddington started their first face-to-face intergenerational session, co-creating a garden space in the playground area. Of course OCK is already intergenerational with both the OCK community garden and it's core work around eating lovely meals together and making friends!
"Dunbar Dinners" at Dunbar Grammar School meet every Friday for fun, food and friendship, our longest running sustained intergenerational project.
AND ..... Young Carers East Lothian and Carers of East Lothian
Adults and children / young people who have unpaid Caring Roles came together to share another Alpaca Walk and Talk during #GIW24.
To read more about this pop over to the blog shared by Marie Prior and link to CoEL post.
#GIW24 Catch up
#GIW24 Catch up
There were webinars and engaging session shared from across UK - and the globe!
To catch up with those you missed, recordings are now available on GWT website.
You can find them here - and watch at a time that suits you.
Each day had a theme - so easy to create your personal list of key interests.
Day 1: Let's Raise Intergenerational Awareness.
Combatting Ageism
WHO recommendations / guide for IG contact
Intergenerational Funding
Day 2: Generational Misunderstandings.
What to do when things crop up that could cause discomfort or distress?
Day 4: Lives Well Lived - a Q&A session with filmmaker Sky Bergman around her inspiring film.
Day 6: Creating Intergenerational Communities (CIC project)
Raising the Quality of Intergenerational Practice - a UK wide project with international connections. [OCK and Compass School in Haddington are partners in this project for E. Lothian. ]
Day 7: Let's Build Intergenerational Workplaces.
The benefits of applying an IG approach to the workplace
The importance of intergenerational learning - Putting knowledge into practice. t
Other partner countries also hosted events which you may be able to access through their programme of events / social media.
AMAZING APRIL
YAYYYY - what plans do you have?
Have you/your org joined as a supporter?
Have you got the hashtag at the ready?
✴️ Join other Intergenerational advocates across Scotland - and the World.
✴️ Check out the programme of events and ways to get involved - from as simple as sharing a social media post to engaging with a session online - or running your own intergenerational event.
✴️ Remember to share with the network too!
👇 👇
GLOBAL IG WEEK 24
GLOBAL IG WEEK 24
Get set - GO!
East Lothian hosts GWT Training Day for a very VERY VERY special price as part of #GIW24 - book through GWT (Make sure you sign up / sign in as a member first to get the discounted price).
Plant and Share Month
Plant and Share Month
And there's a toolkit to help run yours!
Check out Food for Life Get Togethers for inspiration, enthusiasm and practical tips for your community - then add an Intergenerational Lens for this Community-minded, Climate-Action Activity. How can you add the relationship-development. What is your "What Next?"
World Autism Awareness month
World Autism Awareness month
Inclusion is something we need to live and breathe. That can be easier said than done - it takes learning, understanding, relationships and connection - and truly embracing our differences and our gifts as well as what clearly binds us together.
And - Not just for APRIL.......
This World Autism Month and throughout the year, Autism Speaks is urging schools, teachers and kids to recognize their own potential as superheroes by championing inclusivity and standing up against bullying for a stronger, more accepting world.
Studies show that more than 2/3 of autistic students experience bullying – let’s change that!
Helping students understand the unique characteristics of their autistic classmates and the importance of making all children feel included can make all the difference. Establishing a sense of camaraderie and inclusion in your school can foster a healthy and supportive atmosphere for all.
Join our Fearless Kids Project and ask kids to Take the Pledge to be fearless for difference and inclusion!
Connected Communities
Connected Communities
Our huge thanks to Caroline Davis were shared as she retired from East Lothian Council in April - and Loreen was honoured to attend her farewell lunch representing the network and other roles.
Caroline's wealth of knowledge can't be replaced - but one of her colleagues is very interested in the network and we hope to welcome her along to the core team in the very near future!
MARVELLOUS MARCH
QMUs - the official launch of The Howff and outdoor learning campus
QMUs - the official launch of The Howff and outdoor learning campus
Many of us have enjoyed a tour of the outdoor campus at QMU under development. Patrick Boxall has lead on this work and it was a delight to see the partnership work and vision being celebrated in the formal launch and opening of the campus for community both within, and around, QMU. Many groups were represented, including Dementia Friendly East Lothian / ELIGN.
Planet Youth in Scotland - our communities matter
Planet Youth in Scotland - our communities matter
Winning Scotland hosted a National Day of Learning with guest speakers - March 2024
Exploring the success of Planet Youth in Iceland, and culture change, in a Scottish context. Highlighting the implementation of a focused approach on changing negative outcomes through communities collectively approaching what is needed to thrive alongside statutory approaches.
Democracy Matters 2 & Gender Budgeting in E. Lothian
Democracy Matters 2 & Gender Budgeting in E. Lothian
Various groups from around Scotland gathered for a day of learning in Glasgow, with two young people presenting from Fa'side Women and Girls Group, East Lothian.
It is never easy to be faced with the impact of human rights being overlooked, ignored or failed in Scotland - particularly when those impacted are rarely heard or appreciated.
Making Rights Real are working with grassroots groups to change the narrative and shine a light on knowing and accessing our rights.
Intergenerational work to develop International Women's Day and Purple Friday celebrations with
Fa'side Women and Girls group
Intergenerational Women's Day
Intergenerational Women's Day
Fa'side WAGG took the lead in organising an event to celebrate #IWD24 which was based on the theme of inclusion.
"Where have you felt included"
"What / who made you feel included
Purple Friday & 40th Anniversary of Miners' Strike
Purple Friday & 40th Anniversary of Miners' Strike
Another annual event for FWGG is always Purple Friday - celebrating LGBTQ+ but this year it also included the 40th Anniversary of the Miners' Strike.
Shout out to the schools......
Pencaitland PS
Pencaitland PS
PPS and Pencaitland Lunch Club have teamed up for visits from P2's and everyone is having such a great time, the other classes want in on it too!
Keep us posted folks!
Musselburgh GS
Musselburgh GS
MGS pupils and Teacher Ellie Ganson have been enjoying getting to know regulars at The Meeting Centre in Musselburgh, and a 2nd group now visiting local care home.
Lots of plans hatched!
Is it you?
Is it you?
It's Dunbar Grammar with a lovely project at Belhaven Hosp - based around the lovely grounds there and enjoying them together.
We know there are more projects too - involving nurseries, primaries and secondary schools so why not SHINE A LIGHT on the intergenerational love in our county. Maybe you can answer these questions....
Why are they meeting?
Who is involved?
What are they doing together?
What do they think of it?
FABULOUS FEBRUARY
Let's get intergenerational!
Let's get intergenerational!
Excellence Awards Launch info, Global IG Week and GWT training opportunity in E Lothian shared by the lovely Lorraine from Generations Working Together.
Excellence Awards Launch info, Global IG Week and GWT training opportunity in E Lothian shared by the lovely Lorraine from Generations Working Together.
ELIGN - network meeting
ELIGN - network meeting
Development Meetings with
Musselburgh Grammar and The Meeting Centre. Mbgh
ELIGN core group
ACE Voices
Scottish Book Trust
Training & Knowledge Share Opportunities
Training & Knowledge Share Opportunities
ELIGN's Celebration and Learning Symposium in Nov 2023 was a very special event - thanks to all who contributed and found hope, inspiration, like-minds and such a wonderful energy. East Lothian - you are jam-packed full of truly amazing people!
2023 Review
- New Year - New look.
- Around the county -> website development.
- Libraries Love
- GWT International Conference
- Global IG Week 2023
- Creating Connected Communities (UK) launch - with E. Lothian partners.
- Symposium planning
- Supporting connections
- Intergenerational Brains and the Science of Connection
- Intergenerational Spaces and Places
- Cool Connected Yule ideas & inspiration
- ELIGN Report
Play and Storytelling Intergenerationally - mini project in E. Lothian, "Dabble Your Toes"
An introduction to the above toolkit and an open play model to build story together, took place with Crookston Care Home & Windygoul Primary School in Tranent. The project was a collaboration with Make Rights Real in Care Homes, Generations Working Together (Loreen) and Suzie Ferguson, Therapeutic Clown.
2022 - Meetings to date
- Setting up and exploring options.
- Around the county - showcasing.
- Old's Cool - Youth Group and Older Friends
- Percussion Play
- Intergenerational 101
- Our Community Kitchen - Gardening / growing and eating connections.
- Queen Margaret University invitation, Fa'side Women and Girls Group & Fantoosh Sketching. IG Connections
- Intergenerational Opportunities - Pennypit Centre incl Research opportunity.
- Cool Connected Yule ideas & inspiration
PLUS: December campaign in place of meeting - Christmas and 'Cosy In Together for Winter'.
Also showcased via our network -
Digital Buddies, with Dunbar Grammar School and Connected Communities, through the SCVO & GWT panel event sharing digital IG connections: Bridging The Divide - promoting intergenerational digital inclusion. which developed into 2 further events in January. You can view the recording of webinar here
Meeting Centre Musselburgh planning workshop highlighted the value of, and necessity for, intergenerational connections and good practice within the Meeting Centres as well as their wider communities.
Dabble Your Toes - a pilot of Play and Storytelling The Intergenerational Way with care homes in collaboration with Rights Made Real in Care Homes and Generations Working Together. Further mini project is in planning in partnership with DFEL and RMR.
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