Meet our new Funding Bid Writer, Ross Crawford

Join Kate and Ross to hear more about our new Funding Bid Writer.

Kate -‘How did you first find out about intergenerational practice and what does it mean to you?’

Ross – ‘I was first made aware of intergenerational practice in my previous role which involved some work with McLaren High School in Stirlingshire. The school recently delivered a pilot programme where a group of pupils worked towards an SQA Award in Leadership, learning alongside adults initially in-person and then shifting online when lockdown restrictions were imposed. This programme was later highly commended at GWT’s Excellence Awards in 2021. It was inspiring to see how an intergenerational approach could improve the confidence of the pupils, while also providing an important means of social connection for participants of all ages during such difficult times.’

Kate – ‘What is your role at GWT and what does it involve?’

Ross – ‘My role is Funding Bid Writer, which involves researching, designing, and writing major funding applications, as well as identifying additional opportunities for income generation to support our services, for example, corporate sponsorship.’

Kate – ‘What are you looking forward to most in the role?’

Ross – ‘Working with a passionate team of experts to advance the integration of intergenerational practice across the country and beyond. I also find writing and redrafting funding applications to be a strangely satisfying – almost soothing – experience!’

Kate – ‘What did you do before joining GWT?’

Ross – ‘My background is in history and cultural heritage. I completed a PhD in Scottish History at the University of Glasgow in 2016 and since then I’ve worked as an engagement officer in the education sector and as a learning officer at a major historic site in Stirling. Most recently, I worked on a landscape-scale project in Stirlingshire funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, overseeing a portfolio of cultural heritage activities. Part of that role involved securing match-funding which proved to be an interesting and enjoyable challenge, leading me to this role with GWT.’

Kate – ‘Since you started what has been the most interesting thing you have learned about intergenerational projects or GWT?’

Ross – ‘The sheer breadth of intergenerational projects has been eye-opening – the sky is the limit for activities adopting an intergenerational approach, and it clearly has global relevance. It has also been interesting to hear about plans for further professionalising the practice which can only help to raise awareness of its positive impacts for society.’

Kate – ‘Any projects/stories you would like to share that you have seen as part of your previous role?’

Ross – ‘I oversaw a volunteer oral history project that involved intergenerational activity. We recruited a diverse group of volunteer interviewers, people from all ages, including recent school leavers, retirees, and people in-between. Everyone on the team freely shared their own skills and experience, creating a collaborative atmosphere of mutual support. It was a particular privilege to see friendships form between our volunteers over the course of the project.’

Kate – ‘You are helping us write funding bids. Why should funders support intergenerational practice?’

Ross – ‘The benefits of intergenerational practice are numerous, from helping to combat loneliness and social isolation to instilling self-confidence and mutual respect. From a funder’s perspective, this is an exceptional value proposition, since intergenerational practice can underpin how we respond to many of the challenges we collectively face. Further direct investment in intergenerational practice would help to mainstream and embed this way of working – and living – together, in turn helping to create a fairer, more inclusive society.’

Kate – ‘How can people get in touch with you?’

Ross – ‘Feel free to drop me an email

Kate – ‘Is there anything else you would like to share?’

Ross – ‘This spring, we are actively interested in exploring partnership opportunities with large employers who are seeking to embed intergenerational approaches within their working environment. Please get in touch to explore how we might work together and establish a mutually beneficial partnership.’