Director of Policy and Engagement here at BJF, Lynne Wealleans, was recently interviewed by Elder, providers of high standard live-in home care to those in need across the UK, from the South East of England to the Highlands and Islands.The discussion covered the need to give people a voice in challenging times, how “ageing well” is a personal definition and the power of making a real difference at a community level. ... Read more
We are pleased to launch our Experiences of Being Report, which shows the positive effect of using drama, music and dance in care homes to help people living with dementia. ... Read more
BJF is delighted to have been part of the Transitions in Later Life national programme of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The finding and evaluation report from Phase 1 of the programme are available here together with some interesting insights into retirement today. ... Read more
The seven organisations, which includes BJF and our colleagues LGNI, involved in the TOY-PLUS project had an eventful meeting in Athens. This project, which began almost a year ago is being coordinated by ICDI and is being funded by the European Commission. The Athens meeting was hosted by Hellenic Open University, the Greek partner in TOY-PLUS. First on the meeting agenda was to agree on the six dimensions of quality which will form the basis of the TOY Quality Stamp. It involves a supported self-assessment process which will allow services and organisations to assess and improve intergenerational practice involving young children and older adults. The six dimensions are: 1) Interaction with (in) the community, 2) Social inclusion and wellbeing, 3) Learning environment, 4) Professional development and teamwork, 5) Monitoring and evaluation, 6) Sustainability. Over the coming weeks and months we will be recruiting services interesting in being involved in the process. ... Read more
As one of the main partners in the TOY-PLUS project (EU funded project under Erasmus + 2016 – 2018), the Beth Johnson Foundation has been busily involved in the development of an innovative online curriculum and methodology (MOOC) in intergenerational work for practitioners in early childhood education and care, social care and community development work. The Beth Johnson Foundation has been responsible for the development of specific modules within the MOOC curriculum as well as supporting other partners with feedback on other modules developed for the MOOC. The primary modules The Beth Johnson Foundation has been responsible for developing include an Introduction to Intergenerational Learning, Planning and Organising a Successful Intergenerational Learning programme and the Development of a Sustainable Intergenerational Learning programme. ... Read more
Linking Generations, BJF's colleagues in Northern Ireland, are soon to launch their new conference Let's Go Intergenerational. With keynote speaker, Jonathan Collie, Co-Founder of The Age of New Reitrement, a UK based movement for age positive social change, learn how to Go Intergenerational! 12th October 2017 so book now to avoid disappointment. ... Read more
Today the Housing LIN (Learning and Information Network) publishes its report on the key role housing providers, and in particular social housing providers, can play in supporting people living with dementia to stay independent in the home of their choice for as long as possible. To read the full report click Here ... Read more
We were pleased to contribute to the Transitions in Later Life Project with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. As part of the project groups from different parts of the country were interviewed and gave their thoughts of how they prepared, or not for retirement. Also some people found that transition from working a real challenge and were surprised how that change affected them. To listen to the Podcast ... Read more
Journal article by Sarah Harper Individuals throughout the word are not only living longer, they are doing so within a population which is in itself growing older. This article suggests that to grow old in a society which is old is very different from growing old in a society which is young. Within the next 3 years, there will be more people on the planet over 65 than under 5 years old. Within the next decade, half the population of Western Europe will be aged over 50. As such, Sarah Harper proposes that as we look to reform ageing and old age in the light of extreme longevity, we must look to the institutions which currently define ageing and old age to ensure that our societies continue to distribute resources fairly across the life course. Our education systems, patterns of work, health care, legal systems, even marriage and families were built during a very different demographic. ... Read more
In response to demographic ageing and its consequences, European governments aim to increase labour market participation of older workers and have started to expand the state pension age beyond age 65. In this paper, the authors describe the employment and working conditions of men and women working between 65 and 80 years, and compare them with previous conditions of those retired in the same age group. ... Read more
A huge THANK YOU! We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded funding for the Healthy Generations Project. Thank you to a ...Read more
You can now subscribe to receive the latest newsletter from us and hear about our work, sector news, important dates and much more ...Read more
Seven Steps to dignity and compassion in caring for older people: Guidance for those who care The Beth Johnson Foundation (B ...Read more
The Forum’s next meeting will take place in the autumn when Parliament resumes after the summer recess and party conferences ...Read more
