Tenants at Coatbridge's Afton Gardens Retirement Complex and pupils from St Stephen's Primary School have participated in the latest session of North Lanarkshire Council's award-winning intergenerational digital project. The initiative brings together older adults and young students to improve digital skills while fostering communication and social development.
Project Details and Activities
During weekly sessions, pupils use iPads to engage in lively discussions with residents, helping them navigate the digital world with confidence. In return, students gain valuable experience in patience and interpersonal communication, learning to teach and support older adults respectfully. The project is delivered through the council's Driving Digital Locally initiative.
Community Impact
Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of the communities committee, visited a session and stated: "It was great to see how this intergenerational digital project is bringing people together, bridging age gaps and building confidence in technology. The enthusiasm from both younger and older participants shows just how powerful these connections can be, not only in improving digital skills, but in strengthening our communities and tackling isolation."
John, a senior participant, added: "It was wonderful to be involved in these sessions. The young people were friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. They gave us confidence to use technology in ways we had not before, and it was lovely to see meaningful conversations and friendships develop between the generations. We all learned something from each other."
