Silver Games 2016

Overview

To run a truly intergenerational event in Dumfries for the first time in a while to keep the focus on this type of work, to build relationships with local schools, to get local older people active (mind and body) to improve their health and well-being and to have some fun to improve the quality of life in our community and to prove that four generations can work together successfully and without fear.

Our outcomes were to:

  • Develop relationships between communities and schools with fun activities, exercise, laughter and chat.
  • Get older people involved in physical activity and fun games to stimulate the mind and body.
  • Involve younger people to plan an event, consider risks, and keep time and scores, present medals/certificates to participants.
  • Produce a truly intergenerational event in Dumfries that was fun, enjoyable and memorable.

Participants included

  • Dumfries Academy pupils and staff
  • Troqueer Primary School pupils
  • Scottish Enterprise D&G Staff
  • Food Train Friends Volunteers, Customers and Staff
  • Dumfries & Galloway Council staff

Approximately 65 people took part with an age range of 10 – 91 (covering 4 generations). Older people already members of our services were enlisted along with school pupils recruited via their school activity co-coordinator, Scottish Enterprise staff were recruited via an existing Food Train volunteer who happened to work there and nominated their organisation to do this during National Volunteers Week.

Food Train volunteers were also willing to support the event.

Activities included

  • a 2½ hour event in St George’s Church Hall Dumfries
  • Post-lunch
  • 6 Games x 14 minutes – activities selected to be done from chairs to benefit older participants (i.e. keepy-uppy with balloons, basketball, velcro ball target etc.)
  • 6 Countries selected (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, GB, USA) – flags provided
  • Troqueer PS kids and older members formed teams (countries)
  • Dumfries Academy kids kept scores and collected balls/equipment
  • FT/DGC staff kept time and ‘refereed’.
  • Music – Chariots of Fire theme tune
  • National Anthems played
  • Medal ceremony – school pupils Chair presented medals and certificates to ALL participants.

What were the outcomes/benefits for the older people?

Good fun, smiles, laughter, new connections, healthy lunch and activity that got the body and mind working.

What were the outcomes/benefits for the younger people?

Involvement in organising an event, event planning, risk assessment, understanding of issues faced by older people (ie sensory impairments, mobility challenges)

What were the outcomes/benefits for the community?

FOUR Generations working together and having fun. Better understanding of abilities with age differences.

How did you evaluate this project/activity?

Feedback from customers, minibus drivers and volunteers by telephone calls, email or simply post-event conversations.

What would be done differently in the future?

Very little, very successful event. May invite local press to help promote and spread the news next time?

Funding

  • Food Train Friends hired the venue and provided transport and lunch/drinks and paid any volunteer out of pocket expenses.
  • D&G Council paid for Silver Medals and Certificates and produced country flags
  • Get Set for Community Action funded filming of event and T-Shirts

Outputs

  • Photographs, phone size videos, certificates, silver medals.
  • Video taken by professional Educational film.

Local Priorities

Helping to care for our older and vulnerable people.

Scottish NPF Objectives

SMARTER – Expanding opportunities to succeed from nurture through to lifelong learning ensuring higher and more widely shared achievements.

HEALTHIER – helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care.

WEALTHIER & FAIRER – will support activities that address inequalities and enhance skills, employability and job opportunities. It builds on the characteristics of solidarity, cohesion and sustainability to ensure that all of Scotland has an opportunity to flourish

Scottish NPF Outcomes

Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens: To enable children, young people and (subsequently) adults to thrive from an early age, and make a positive contribution in the 21st century.

We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

We live longer, healthier lives: Securing longer healthier lives for the people of Scotland will always be a top priority for governments and individuals alike. There are significant challenges which can only be addressed by everyone in Scotland working together, pursuing this goal through improving lifestyles and life circumstances, and a shared ownership of an effective NHS.

Our people are able to maintain their independence as they get older and are able to access appropriate support when they need it.