In the social care sector, we are acutely aware of the profound impact that human connection has on wellbeing. In a sector often focused on clinical outcomes and care routines, one of the most transformative approaches we’ve seen is also one of the simplest: fostering meaningful interactions between generations. 

The 24th to the 30th of April marks Global Intergenerational Week, an initiative which encourages everyone to embrace intergenerational practice and relationships. It is a time to celebrate and take part in inspiring projects around the world, showcasing their value and giving them the recognition they truly deserve. This initiative is championed by the Generations Working Together organisation, based in Glasgow with partners across the globe.  For more information- https://generationsworkingtogether.org/global-intergenerational-week  

At Scottish Care we recognise that we are living in a time of significant demographic shifts, with so many different interests competing for recognition and protection. It’s more important than ever to take proactive steps in connecting generations. Intergenerational approaches can help tackle pressing challenges that face the social care sector such as ageism and isolation, while also enhancing learning outcomes across all ages. By fostering understanding and collaboration between generations, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

For many older adults, particularly those living in care homes or supported living, loneliness remains a major issue. While staff do everything possible to provide companionship and stimulation, there’s something uniquely uplifting about the varying perspectives that different ages bring. Intergenerational programs—such as school visits, youth volunteering, or shared projects—offer older adults the chance to connect, reminisce, and engage in joyful conversation. This interaction helps reduce feelings of isolation and has been shown to improve mood, memory, and even physical health. In our sector, we witness firsthand how interactions light up an individual’s day. A simple shared activity or story, can prompt laughter, conversation, and a renewed sense of purpose or even unlock long-buried memories and emotions, creating moments of recognition that are deeply meaningful. 

Intergenerational working isn’t a one-way benefit. While older adults gain companionship and connection, younger participants benefit immensely too. They develop empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of aging and disabilities—lessons that are difficult to teach in a classroom. For many providers, intergenerational programs offer a chance to challenge stereotypes and reframe how society views aging. Young people learn that older adults are not defined by their frailty or care needs, but by a lifetime of experiences, humour, resilience, and wisdom. 

When we create opportunities for generations to learn from one another, we foster a culture of mutual respect. These interactions break down social barriers, dispel age-related myths, and cultivate more compassionate future professionals, carers, and citizens. 

Looking Ahead 

As we recognise Intergenerational Week 2025, we’re reminded of the value of bringing generations together—not just as a special occasion, but as a core part of how we deliver care. At a time when society often feels more divided by age, technology, or lifestyle, intergenerational working reminds us of our shared humanity. 

Ifeoluwa Asefon
Policy and Research Officer

The Great ‘Doughnut Fallacy’ of social care in Scotland 

Minister for Social Care Marie Todd last week announced changes to the proposed National Care Service (NCS) Bill. The most significant of which is the removal of Part 1 of the bill, which focused on the structural reform of integrated social care and community health. This means the bill will now proceed with only Parts 2 and 3. I can’t help but note the passing of the ‘Welfare of Dogs’ Act in the same week and reflect upon what that means for how we value our citizens. What is crucial now is that we do not wait for the Bill to reform social care. A briefing was sent to all Scottish Care members with more detail, but here’s what we know: 

First, it’s important to acknowledge that the plan for a complete overhaul of the social care system, through the structural reforms in Part 1 of the National Care Service (NCS) Bill, has been dropped. This is where the system arguing with itself about who should run things got in the way of making a difference for people. It’s the great doughnut fallacy of social care. 

During the pandemic we experienced a health takeover of social care. They brought with them outdated ideals of person-centred social care. Whilst this was a positive initiative of its time, over 2 decades ago social care switched to person-led care and support. Person-centred was a way of reinforcing the need of the system to connect with itself with the individual citizen at the centre. However all too often what would happen is that the individual in the centre would find themselves in a vacuum surrounded by a system determining their needs, often to the detriment of the individual. This regression to person-centred caused a culture change which ripped a hole in the heart of the independent review of adult social care and delayed the implementation of meaningful change.  

With the structural reform proving too difficult, I am however reassured by the clear language shift to person-led in the Ministers speech reinforcing the need to remember why we are doing this. Put simply, for people not power. 

So what remains in the bill? 

• It includes “Anne’s Law”, which appears to strengthen visiting rights in care homes although in practice the role of Public Health still has a power to overrule any decisions, making this legislation have no greater impact that what already exists. 

• It aims to improve information sharing between health and social care services. Many of you will know data is one of the pedestals I like to climb upon, but that is because it is a real area of opportunity. Especially with the adoption of ethical AI. However, it will only work if it meets a vision to reduce bureaucracy and improve the user experience. I wrote about this with Dr Tara French some years ago now in Seeing the Diamond in Social Care Data, but the principles remain the same. Alongside this, there is a need to embrace digital to augment the care experience, offering people more autonomy and freeing up care workers to get back to delivering care. 

• There’s also a plan to establish a national care service advisory board. This is meant to be an independent body, including people with lived experience, that will help to improve the quality of care across the country. It will provide advice on national programs to support improvements and will monitor and report on local frameworks. However, it’s not statutory, so it may not be as powerful as it could be. What is important here is how the board can ensure transparency and influence over poor practice in all parts of the system. This will be supported by work on  

• Ethical commissioning and procurement which remains in the bill. This is where real change towards person-led sustainable and quality care can be made, but only if it is enforceable. Financial constraints and the persistent underfunding of social care and support for a decade has led to a time and task takeover meaning that providers are not commissioned to deliver the care and support that people really need to live well. In addition, delays in payments to care providers are putting them at further risk of collapse because they cannot meet cash flow demands. Providers are closing. Staff are exhausted and undermined. There is additional pressure on families, and worst of all, people are being failed. In response to the statement that Scottish Government has increased funding for social care by 25%, two years earlier than planned. I wonder how much of this has been used to meet public sector pay increases or simply to meet inflationary rises. Funding remains a concern and transparency, and good governance is still needed for system change to embed. 

So there we have a list of what should perhaps be the items for the agenda of the first National Care Service Advisory Board. Whatever happens next, it is critical that changes are person-led and focus on the needs of individuals, ensure care workers are properly supported, care providers experience full economic cost recovery, and that the system is accountable, flexible and efficient. Without these critical foundations, the changes to the NCS bill will not deliver the required improvements of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care and the doughnut fallacy will remain strong. However, if we collaborate with intent, we can have our cake and eat it. 

Karen Hedge
Deputy CEO, Scottish Care