Fingal County Council hosted a masterclass on Intergenerational Practice on Thursday 7th April 2022 in the Hilton Airport Hotel, Dublin. The event was a collaboration between the Community Development Office and Fingal’s Community Facilities Network. Although Fingal’s Community Facilities Network hold regular masterclasses for members, due to interest in the topic among organisations who collaborate on initiatives with Fingal County Council, invitations were extended to these organisations.
Over 60 participants working in services as diverse as youth work, family support services, addiction services, community centres, day centres, sports facilities, childcare services, active age groups and Fingal County Council sports, community and integration offices were in attendance.
The masterclass was opened by Mr. Robert Burns, Director of Services, Housing and Community, Fingal County Council. Dr. Carmel Gallagher and Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick gave a presentation on the principles and benefits of intergenerational practice. Case studies on intergenerational practice in the early years sector were presented by Ms. Rachael Duff and Ms. Breege McGinty. Ms. Vicki Titterington, Director, Linking Generations Northern Ireland provided practical advice on developing intergenerational projects.
Roundtable discussions provided participants with an opportunity to discuss possible projects, identify potential partners and provide feedback. Following feedback and a question and answer session which addressed opportunities and challenges, the proceedings closed. While an evaluation has yet to be completed, feedback has overwhelmingly been positive and there are plans to organise further workshops on intergenerational practice in communities.
