Intergenerational Practice An Introduction

The Beth Johnson Foundation was founded in 1972 to develop new ways of thinking about ageing that link practice, policy and research. History of innovation: –Adult education –Health Promotion –Advocacy –Engagement –Sustainable Community Development For more information see

European Year of solidarity between the generations. An increasing recognition that the young and old were becoming less well connected. Changing social and family structures. Demographic change and the ‘ageing population - the Demographic time-bomb

Young and old much in common: They are the groups most likely to experience inequality, poverty, abuse and disadvantage. They are the most likely to be marginalised from decision making. They are the groups most often characterised as a problem or issue and described in terms of deficit or burden,

Common trends from joint UNESCO/Foundation study published 2000: Increased life-expectancy and demographic shift (except for the impact of AIDS and war) Changing economic and welfare patterns. Changes and realignments in the structure of families. Changing relationships between the young and old. A need for social policies that engaged the whole community. The promotion and development of life-long learning

Context: Decreasing contact between generations Increasing suspicion and distrust More children lacking positive adult contact Increase in isolated older people Increased concern over community and social cohesion Importance of sustainable change

Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and old have to offer each other and those around them.

An increasing recognition of the importance of looking at issues of ageing and society through an intergenerational focus: Older people are recognised as having a valuable role in society by serving youth in a way that the middle generation cannot. It values young people and acknowledges their contributions. It meets the need of the older generation to nurture the young and to pass on their experience of life to the benefit of future generations.

It develops understanding and mutual respect between the generations and challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that mould our thinking. It enables the young and old to have contact with each other at a time when this has become less common It allows ageing to be recognised as a continuum throughout life with different phases and transitions which are all of equal value.

The Centre for Intergenerational Practice was launched in 2001 to –Develop understanding and evidence –Advice and Guidance –Database, website and resource library –Seminars and training –National and International Conferences –Networks –Newsletters and publications –Consultation and demonstration programmes –National and UK Strategies and policies

Examples of IP: Raising achievement: Year seven mentoring project Batman Hill

Community Cohesion: Building Bridges Belfast Equal project Newport Magic Me Tower Hamlets

Engagement and participation Sandwell Citizens Together

Citizenship and Volunteering: Liverpool Mobile Phone Project

Social inclusion: Active in Age Stoke on Trent Derbyshire Intergenerational Book Groups

Grandparents and older kin: Grandparents Project Stoke on Trent Welsh Assembly Parenting Strategy Mentor UK

What does this mean for you?: Welsh Grandparenting Study Manchester Council Strategy: Looking Back: Looking Forward Derbyshire Strategy: Bridging the Gap

What does this mean for you? Need to think about the extended family To look at policy and practice that joins across different age groups To recognise the contribution older volunteers can make to supporting children and families To look at ways of reconnecting the generations To make sure that protection procedures don’t increase fear rather than increasing safety To consider having an intergenerational champion

In summary: IP is not the answer to everything but it does provide a way of thinking about policy and community development which is: –Participative –Inclusive –Assets based –Coherent –Sustainable

The World Health Organisation describes a Healthy Community as one in which there are good social networks, a culture of mutual respect and understanding and one where people feel empowered to make decisions.