Then and Now: Why Intergenerational Work Matters
Bringing together older and younger people is more than a ‘nice’ thing to do, it can have long-lasting benefits for both groups. Digital Voice seeks to build confidence, digital skills and community cohesion through its intergenerational projects, with some powerful results.
“These projects are always so rewarding and have long-lasting effects. Whether it be tackling loneliness in older people or a lack of confidence in children, just the simple act of bringing them together to share stories, creates a sense of belonging and makes ‘the olden days’ suddenly seem so much more alive.” - Julie Nicholson, Managing Director
In High Spen, Digital Voice trained a group of primary school children to interview older people about how much the village had changed. The children also learnt how to use all the equipment needed for filming and recording. The older people involved enjoyed the chance to share stories about what it was like to grow up in High Spen and demonstrate the inventive ways they entertained themselves.
“I enjoyed every minute! It was lovely to spend time with the kids and nice to see how interested they were in what our childhood was like” - Participant
“It was really good hearing people’s stories and making the film. I liked asking the questions and filming people.” - Participant
This picture perfectly captures the spirit of this project; the merging of past and present.
For Gateshead Housing Company the emphasis of their project with us was on digital skills. Young people were asked to introduce iPads to older people, demystifying a piece of equipment that many of us take for granted.
For some it was learning the basics, for others it allowed them to use their iPad in ways they’d not ever tried;
“I’ve been onto youtube and followed some crochet patterns, which I thought I would never do.” - Participant
This wasn’t a one-way street; whilst the older people learnt technical skills, the younger people grew in confidence by virtue of having to talk to people other than their peers.
“I think I’m more confident in speaking in class because I don’t normally speak in class in case I get the answer wrong.” - Participant
See how they all got on:
If this approach or type of project would work for your organisation or group, please get in touch.