Perth and Kinross Council has a population of 150,960. Statistics from the 2022 census show that 24.7% of the population is over 65, which is above the Scottish national average of 20.1%. There are now 15,000 more residents over 65 years of age than under 15 years.

The improvement issue

The Parenting and Family Learning Team, in collaboration with the Housing and Communities Team, recognised they needed to connect with older adults in the community to help reduce isolation, loneliness and poor mental health.

The aim of the joint work was to create an age inclusive intergenerational family learning group. A group where the toddlers, parents and tenants could build relationships, feel more socially connected and increase their confidence and wellbeing.

Using housing complexes as hubs, which are open to non-residents, was a test of change priority for the Housing and Communities Team. The intergenerational learning programme was an opportunity to test this priority and to encourage the use of housing complexes.

What Perth and Kinross Council CLD did

The Parenting and Family Learning Team chose an evidence-based programme, which helps parents and carers to improve their children’s life chances. The programme makes the most of every day learning opportunities, supporting their young children’s learning through play and developing sensitive and responsive relationships with their children.

The Parenting and Family Learning and Housing and Communities teams worked together to address barriers to participation, including identifying a suitable venue to deliver intergenerational group work. Strathmore Street Sheltered Housing Complex was identified as suitable. This venue was a short distance from Isla Court, which enabled tenants from both complexes to attend the group in a familiar environment close to where they live. This helped to reduce or remove any physical barriers and anxiety around attending, for the tenants. Chairs were provided for older adults to take part in rhyme and story time rather than sitting on the floor. This helped to make the environment accessible and inclusive for older adults. Consideration was also given to any potential barriers faced by local parents and carers who wished to attend. The venue chosen had ample parking for families and a taxi was provided for families, if needed. This helped to remove any socio-economic barriers to participation.

A weekly programme was piloted. Staff from both teams worked together to plan the weekly sessions. This helped to ensure that programme topics included were well matched to the participants needs, taking into account the differing requirements of the children, parents/carers and older adults attending. Topics included:

• The importance of relationships
• Lots of ways to play and learn
• Exploring Movement
• Mark Making
• Movement and language
• Developing balance and co-ordination

Sessions were delivered by a trained practitioner from the Parenting and Family Learning Team and a Project Officer from Housing and Communities. The programme included songs, rhymes, story time and a fun activity for the families and tenants to take part in together. Participants enjoyed learning while also sharing experiences across different generations. Healthy snacks and refreshments were provided during the latter part of the session. This social activity gave participants the opportunity to get to know each other better.

What the sustained impact has been

Evaluations were completed by parents/carers and tenants who attended the group to understand the impact and help to shape future delivery. Overall, feedback from all attendees, including staff, has been extremely positive.

• Relationships were built between participants.
• All parents felt that they understood the importance of singing and sharing books with their child and that they have bonded more with their child.
• Almost all parents stated that their levels of stress and anxiety had reduced.
• All parents reported that their self-esteem and confidence had increased and that they gained knowledge/skills from different generations.
• All older participants felt more socially connected and that their levels of stress or anxiety had reduced.
• Almost all older participants stated that their self-esteem/confidence had increased.
• Almost all attendees felt that they had many opportunities to share their knowledge and skills within the group.

Based on the success of this project, a similar model will be used for future groups. Sessions will continue to be adapted based on the needs of the group participants. Separate intergenerational sessions will be organised by the Housing and Communities Team to allow parents/carers to continue to meet with the tenants. This will help to maintain and enhance the relationships that have been established. Next steps include the Parenting and Family Learning Team hoping to link this programme with existing intergenerational work being delivered in some Early Learning and Childcare settings.