Airdrie Action Partnership wished to host a cost-of-living event that would also include an intergenerational element which was a specific action outlined in the Airdrie Local Outcome Improvement Plan.

Intergenerational project

Members of the Airdrie Adult Learners Forum hosted a movie night for the young people from the @Home Centre. Following the screening, both groups engaged in meaningful discussions, exploring various themes raised in the film and reflecting on how these topics impact different generations. The dialogue provided a valuable opportunity to share perspectives, build mutual understanding, and strengthen intergenerational connections.

The purpose of the Winter Warmer Event was to:

• Promote local services: To deliver a positive message by highlighting the wide range of local supports and services available to residents in the Airdrie locality.
• Improve quality of life: By connecting residents with these services, the event aims to improve overall wellbeing and access to support that can enhance daily life.
• Foster intergenerational connections: Through the Intergenerational Project, involving young people in the planning and delivery of the event helps break down generational barriers and build relationships across age groups.
• Empower young people: Participation enabled young people to build community connections, develop practical skills, and work toward qualifications such as the SQA Award in Assisting with an Event. They also gain Saltire hours and valuable volunteering experience that supports future education and employment opportunities.
• Inform future work: Insights gathered from the Digital Needs Survey conducted at the event will inform the next project that Airdrie Action Partnership will take forward.
• Enable networking: The event provides a valuable networking opportunity for services, charities, and organisations hosting information stalls, fostering collaboration and partnership working.
• Challenge stereotypes: By encouraging interaction between generations, the event helps challenge and change potential negative stereotypes, promoting mutual understanding and respect.

The event featured a variety of information stalls hosted by partner organisations. Airdrie Action Partnership provided afternoon tea free of charge, and entertainment was delivered by young people from the @Home Centre alongside 'Fool On', a local mental health support charity that supports people through performing arts. In addition to entertaining attendees, the performances offered a valuable opportunity for the group to showcase their work and promote the services they provide to the community. 

Young people played an active role in planning and delivering the event. They promoted it among their peers, assisted with setup, managed sign-in sheets, and helped serve teas and coffees. Throughout the process, they were supported by Youth Workers to engage in discussions around health and safety and risk assessments; valuable learning that contributes toward their goal of achieving the SQA Award in Assisting with an Event.

In addition to gaining practical experience, the young people earned Saltire hours and built up meaningful volunteering experience. They also conducted interviews with attendees as part of a digital needs survey. The insights gathered from this survey will help shape the next project that Airdrie Action Partnership takes forward.