Intergenerational Practice

Intergenerational Practice (IP) has been an integral component of ACNI’s policy agenda since the Millennium Debate of the Age. Its significance was confirmed through its inclusion as a key element in the United Nations Global Strategy on Ageing.

In promoting “A Society For All Ages”, Kofi Annan, the General Secretary of the United Nations said:

“A society for all ages…is not fragmented, with youth, adults and older people going their separate ways. Rather it is age inclusive, with different generations recognising and acting upon their commonality of interest.”

IP aims to bring older and younger people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities that promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contribute to building more cohesive communities.

IP is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and the old have to offer each other and those around them.

Intergenerational Practice
Age Concern NI has been the key organisation in the development of IP in Northern Ireland and over the past nine years it has become the acknowledged authority on IP.

Following the development of a significant number of projects through the Millennium Awards, a Northern Ireland steering Group was established to coordinate and support the development of IP.

Three awareness raising seminars were held and links established with the Centre for IP. It is based in Stoke and was funded initially to support the development of IP in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

A member of ACNI staff was invited to become a member of the Centre’s Advisory Group and to become a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Intergenerational Relations, which provides a platform for research and articles from the field, from across all continents.

As a result of the development of this expertise a member of staff was invited to Australia in 2004 as the International Guest Speaker for Adult Learners’ Week, as the theme was “Intergenerational Learning.”

Northern Ireland Centre for Intergenerational Practice
The Steering Group became the basis of the Northern Ireland Centre for Intergenerational Practice in 2006 and this continues to promote IP across Northern Ireland . Also in 2006 Belfast City Council, through its Community Safety Partnership has funded intergenerational projects to promote better relations between the generations. Additional funding was received from Belfast Charitable Society/Clifton House.

A City for all Ages
In keeping with UN terminology we have called the project “A City For All Ages”. The first grants (max £1,000) have just been awarded and a second, larger number will be awarded in June 2007. Information and application forms can be obtained from:

David McConnell
ACNI
3 Lower Crescent
BELFAST
BT7 1NR

Phone 028 9024 5729
Email dmcconnell@ageconcernni.org