Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Find out more
Connecting Scotland digitally using an intergenerational approach
Generations Working Together (GWT) is calling on individuals and organisations involved in the Connecting Scotland initiative to consider bringing different generations together (especially younger and older people) to help and support each other to build skills and confidence around digital technology.
Before the pandemic, face-to-face contact is something that intergenerational projects took for granted and sadly was lost when the pandemic struck in early March. However, we know there are lots of ways we can keep people connected including writing with paper, speaking on the phone and making connections using digital technology.
As Digital Champions you already support people to connect online, share documents and understand online information and content. Now, imagine on top of that, forming new friendships with people of different ages. There are hundreds of digitally savvy youths and older people in our communities that have great skills and years of experience in using technology, many of whom could be facing the winter already feeling lonely and isolated. Take a look at this Intergenerational Practice Toolkit developed by the Citadel Youth Centre, or this article about Calderglen High in East Kilbride delivering intergenerational activity.
Could you take your project or activity on an intergenerational journey? There are so many subjects and topics to choose from, could they talk digitally about how to grow fruit and vegetables like strawberries and potatoes, make a pot of soup, learn to knit, fix a puncture, draw a picture, read a story, do some maths.
What does GWT do? GWT is the national centre for intergenerational practice in Scotland. We support individuals and organisations to connect different generations together to build trust & respect, share skills and experience, learn new skills, increase confidence, empathy and most importantly make new friends. We encourage organisations to consider building intergenerational relationships to reduce ageism, improve attitudes around the ageing process breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
GWT can help and support individuals to increase confidence and knowledge on how to connect younger and older generations. We support 18 local intergenerational networks across Scotland from the Highlands and Islands to the Scottish Borders which meet 2 – 4 times each year. We provide free training and a library of resources and tools providing key information and ideas for creating different programmes.
Is there a cost? We provide everyone living in Scotland with a FREE membership which offers great benefits. You can find out more on how to become a member here.
During the pandemic we launched two directories full of ideas & resources and a safety guide to connecting generations online. All three publications can be downloaded for free.
If you are interested in developing intergenerational elements into an activity or programme please get in touch with our staff team here.