Yes
An addition to our toolkit and guide we also provide training to organisations who would like to incorporate intergenerational practice within their work and who wanted to understand more about intergenerational practices. The purpose of our training is:• Explore and refine participants own understanding of intergenerational practice• Develop an awareness of resources and approaches which can support effective intergenerational projects• Develop confidence and awareness to deliver intergenerational projects• Learn about Age-friendly Belfast approach• Receive Age-friendly Belfast Intergenerational toolkit and guideMany of those who received our toolkit and guide attended our training as an additional resource
The intergenerational toolkit and guide has been welcomed by majority of individuals, communities and groups. A number of key partners have endorsed our resource. Some Quotes have included: ‘I really enjoyed the intergenerational work as it was an opportunity to meet with some of the older members of the city that I might not have had the chance to otherwise. I made some good friends while taking part and really came away with a better understanding of our older citizens. The development of an intergenerational toolkit and guide for Belfast is welcomed greatly. This will give local communities the confidence to join younger and older related issues together and build relationships as it has done for our forum.’’Over the past 2 years we have been involved as a forum promoting intergenerational practice. The work of the intergenerational group has been an eye opener for everyone who has taken part. It is great to experience new thoughts and ideas of young and old alike. The Greater Belfast Seniors Forum welcomes the development of the Age-friendly Belfast intergenerational toolkit and guide and would encourage other forums and groups to use it.’Those who took part in our training were asked the following questions and gave the following feedback: Comments on training in general: • Very informative, sharing of practice and sharing experiences • I really enjoyed this training and found it to be interesting and knowledgeable• I have really enjoyed this training and I have been able to link in with other services• Training was varied and formant. Interesting and beneficial• The guide and toolkit are user friendly. Case studies were inspiring and really encouraging facilitators• The course was easy to understand and activities and exercises were enjoyable• Very Knowledgeable • All goodParticipants were asked if they have learned anything new as a result of the training. The following was provided,• Gave me good guidelines for different projects and how to plan properly. Explained properly what intergenerational work is.• Diversity of programmes and learning from successful programmes will inform my planning for dementia friendly communities’ intergenerational work.• Useful information on how to start a project.• Clarification on what intergenerational work best practice is and guidance on how to develop good practice projectsWhat topic did you find most applicable to your work? Why? Responses: • Practical ideas because we are interested in developing an intergenerational project • Perceptions of older and younger people• Ways to plan intergenerational programmes as it gave me a starting point for work• Intergenerational work on Anti-social behaviour• How to facilitate projectsFrom attendance at the seminar, participants felt they had:- increased your awareness of intergenerational practice – developed a better understanding of intergenerational practice and programmes – Received sufficient training to prepare you to undertake intergenerational projects They also added what additional items should be covered:• Additional training on work practice would be useful • Knowledge on how to take the first steps to start a project• I have a lot of one-time interaction with groups across all ages but not a lot of continuous interaction – I can use it but not in a specific project – but an approach to my day to day working. Out of all our participants we asked if they plan to undertake an intergenerational project in the future 98% have told us yes.
We are hoping to contact the organisations involved in our intergenerational practice and evaluate whether or not progress has been made and learning as a result of organisations incorporating intergenerational practice into their work.
