We recently initiated an intergenerational focus to our work through our new Generations Together programme which was launched in April 2011. As well as focusing on establishing new intergenerational projects, we will also be exploring ways of developing the intergenerational aspects of our existing work e.g. U3A, Getting Started, Care & Repair, Global Education.

What is Intergenerational Work?

Intergenerational work is by no means a new concept; it has been around for decades however it has become increasingly popular in recent years.  It is also now progressively more important in modern society with advances in technology and travel and also increases in crime levels and social problems whereby families are becoming more dispersed and the divide between generations is increasing.  As a result of this, there is an increased focus on involving more people in local community action and increasing the awareness of the benefits of age friendly communities.  Strong positive relationships and collaboration between generations is central to achieving this goal. Some of the benefits of Intergenerational work include:

• Creation of age friendly communities.
• Reduce the divide between generations.
• All generations have a lot to both teach and learn from each other – contributes to lifelong learning.
• Tackles hostility and stereotyping (e.g. “trouble making hoodies”; “fuddy duddys”) between generations.
• Creates better understanding between older people and younger people.
• It helps us to learn about and socialise with people whom we may not have met or wouldn’t meet otherwise.
• Chance to make new friends and combats social isolation.
• It’s lots of fun!

What is Generations Together?

The Generations Together programme is an exciting new initiative to support practice that creates opportunities for older and younger people to meet and learn from each other and to bridge the divide between generations. The programme will promote inclusion and build on the positive resources that different generations have to offer to each other and those around them. The idea is that there is a mutual benefit to all those involved. It is important that we recognise the important role and resources that both older people and younger people have to offer and the knock-on positive effects that this can have on communities and their local environment.  We are looking at working with Transition Year students, Primary Schools, youth groups and older groups in the community to name just a few. The programme is particularly important with the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity next year (2012).

The European Year highlights the need to maintain the vitality of older people, enhance their involvement in society and remove barriers between generations. We are asking people to get involved and organise some fun and exciting intergenerational events to celebrate and mark the year. Some ideas include:

• Storytelling / Reminiscing
• Arts & Crafts
• Gardening / Eco Gardening
• Dancing & Music
• Fashion Show
• Sports Day
• School talks / activities

For more information about the European Year, please go to it's dedicated website: http://ec.europa.eu/social/ey2012.jsp?langId=en

How can Age Action help with Intergenerational Projects?

• Raise awareness of the importance of intergenerational work
• Organise intergenerational events / projects
• Provide advice, guidance & support to groups wanting to get involved
• We hope to provide training in the near future
• Work in partnership with groups and organisations nationwide including Northern Ireland

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*NEWS*

Intergenerational Projects in Ireland: Mapping Exercise

The Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at the National University of Ireland Galway, Age Action Ireland, and the Beth Johnson Foundation in the United Kingdom have shared interests in supporting the development of intergenerational programmes. We are now combining our efforts to undertake an exercise that not only gathers necessary information about intergenerational activities in Ireland, but also helps to identify examples of best practice in relation to intergenerational programmes. We are seeking your support in relation to a mapping exercise of intergenerational projects in Ireland. If you are currently or have recently been involved in an intergenerational project, we would like you to complete our information template. Or if you are aware of other intergenerational projects, we would be grateful if you could pass this information on to these initiatives on our behalf. For more information on this exciting exercise please click here. To download the information template please click here. We look forward to hearing about your intergenerational projects.

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We welcome any suggestions and ideas for the Programme so please get in touch if you would like to discuss an idea or if you would like some support for your project.  If you would like more information about the Generations Together programme please contact:

Keelin McCarthy
Development Officer
Age Action Ireland
30/31 Lower Camden Street
Dublin 2
Tel. 01-4756989
Fax. 01-4756011
Email: generationstogether@ageaction.ie