Generations Working Together is a Scottish organization established in 2007 that brings together young and old people through intergenerational activities and digital training. It aims to promote understanding between generations and build more cohesive communities. It receives government funding and coordinates 34 local networks that meet regularly and offer events. Intergenerational practice is defined as mutually beneficial activities that challenge age stereotypes. Examples provided include an intergenerational digital quiz, using technology like speed texting and gaming consoles, and digital manufacturing training through a university project. The goals are to encourage digital participation, share skills, and increase digital literacy and confidence for all ages.

1. Intergenerational Digital Participation
Cheryl Ewing Network Development Officer

2. Generations Working Together
 Provides information, training and support to benefit
all ages in Scotland by living, working and
volunteering together.
 Established in 2007 as Scottish Centre of
Intergenerational Practice
 Gained SCIO status in 2015
 Core funded by Scottish Government, Equalities Fund
 ¾ way through Development funding from Big Lottery

3. Delivery of Support
 34 Networks Across Scotland, each meeting 2-4
times per year
 Regular full day training courses
 Annual national conference
 Themed events and volunteer support
 Publications
 Newsletter and Website

4. What is IG Practice ?

5. Definition
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.
Beth Johnson Foundation

6. An Intergenerational Approach
• Brings people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial
activities
• Promotes greater understanding and respect between
generations
• Is inclusive
• Builds on the positive resources that young and old have
to offer each other and those around them

7. Reasons for involvement
 It can encourage inclusion and involvement,
reduce prejudice and help build social
capital and cohesion
 It can be a powerful community engagement
tool
 It can be about how services are delivered
in a more effective way

8. Why younger & Older?
 Older and younger people are increasingly isolated from
each other
 Both groups can be targets and victims of pre-
judgements and stereotyping
 Both groups are statistically more likely to be subject to
inequality, disadvantage and misrepresentation (or
under-representation)
 It now has a developing evidence base for cost efficiency

9. Digital Participation
 Encouraging different ages to share skills
 Thinking about how we use technology
 How it can benefit our lives
 Increasing knowledge and confidence
 Chance to try new things/have new experiences
 Challenge stereotypes types associated with age
and technology

10. Intergenerational Quiz
 Now in its 4th year running across
several local authorities
Speed Texting
&
Wii

11. Making it Matters
 Digital Manufacturing from MAKLab
 Mens Shed & Local Art School
3D printing
Laser Cutting
CNC Routing

12. LIST – European Project with
University of Strathclyde
 Female participation in lifelong learning activities together with an
increase in the digital divide has become a concerning issue across
Europe. The LIST project aims to address women who may be at risk of
exclusion from the information society due to age, level of education and
economic status.
 Benefits for the Community
People are more ICT literate
People will stay active longer
 Benefits for the Younger People
More confidence
Ability to train other people
 Benefits for the Older People
Be more ICT literate
Increased confidence
Learn Lifelong skills

13. cheryl@generationsworkingtogether.org
www.generationsworkingtogether.org
07860455059