GWT's International Conference 2023
What a joy to be back holding our first face-to-face conference in three years.
For 2023 we packed the day full with activities which included five workshops, conversations on the couch, ten talking tables, delicious hot food and an information village crammed with stalls from other inspiring organisations, and opportunities for networking. We were joined by 139 delegates from a wide range of backgrounds including practitioners, volunteers, school children, community representatives, academics and organisations such as Age Scotland, Trellis and Care Inspectorate. We were also delighted to be joined by delegates from eight different countries from around the globe including Australia, United States, Norway, Spain, Wales, Northern Ireland and England which included some new and special friends of GWT.
The opening speech, delivered by Christina McKelvie, Minister for Equalities and Older People, Scottish Government, set the tone for the day announcing the launch of a £3.8 million fund to support community groups to bring people and communities together to tackle loneliness and social isolation. This gave a strong indication to the value which the Scottish Government places in building communities through intergenerational activities and acknowledging the fantastic work that Generations Working Together is doing in our goal to enable Scotland to become an intergenerational nation.
"The auditorium was positively abuzz with excitement – we don’t think we’ve ever been to a conference where a government minister has shown support by pledging funding! (Fiona Campbell)".
For those who would like a refresher of the day and for some who may have been unable to attend please take a look at what the day's activities entailed:
International Women's Day
As our conference coincided with International Women's Day, GWT pulled together a booklet to celebrate and showcase the invaluable work and efforts of women, in advancing the intergenerational movement. We hope you are as inspired by these stories as we have been! Click here to view.
Workshop Presentations:
Developing a pathway for children and young people
Intergenerational interventions
Intergenerational Age-Friendly Cities and Communitities
Community Learning and Development goes intergenerational
Check out the amazing array of social media postings during the day on Twitter at #GWT23.