Age is not a barrier

An event to help bring different generations together is to be held in Perth.

The charity Generations Working Together is set to hold an inter-generational learning event at the National Christian Outreach Centre on the city’s Riggs Road on Wednesday, February 14.

The event will be officially opened by Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who will also give the opening address.

Generations Working Together have been running projects in a number of schools across Perth and Kinross to help bring older people and younger school children together. The aim is to showcase the different projects in the area and highlight opportunities to different generations.

The charity adds bringing the generations together on projects helps to break stereotypes, increases wellbeing and tackles loneliness.

Among the projects discussed will be a pilot project which brought older volunteers into the classroom at Perth Grammar School and the Community School of Auchterarder; and a gardening project between residents at Kincarrathie Nursing Home and Kinnoull Primary School.

Maureen O’Reilly, the charity’s intergenerational officer, said: “We are excited to be showcasing the amazing inter-generational work happening in Perth and Kinross.

“Our pilot project has gone from strength to strength and we are thrilled John Swinney MSP could open it.”

Some of the activities scheduled for the day include talks on the different projects throughout Perth and Kinross, and a poetry slam between the older volunteers and school children at Perth Grammar.

There will also be talks on inter-generational projects by Stuart Clyde, head teacher at the Community School of Auchterarder, and Sheena Devlin, Perth and Kinross Council’s director of education and children’s services.

Reflecting on the success of the pilot projects at the schools, Michael Farrell, deputy head teacher at Perth Grammar, said: “Generations Working Together is a great initiative which has the potential to have a real impact on the Perth Grammar School community.

“It breaks down stereotypes about the generations, supports our young people to achieve more and provides the older volunteers with a sense of purpose.

“It is good for everyone’s health and wellbeing.”

The event will run from 9.30am with an opening remark from John Swinney MSP and run until noon at the outreach centre.

Excited to be showcasing the amazing work