Kogarah Community Services is running a Federally funded Intergenerational Program that has linked 10 local schools and youth organisations with more than 15 aged care facilities in the area through organised activities in order to build connection between generations.
David Coleman MP, Federal Member for Banks, visited Kogarah Community Services to discuss the progress of the program which was supported through a $252,000 grant from the Federal Government.
“This program is one the first of its kind and has seen positive results so far, with people of all ages forming new friendships and enjoying a new sense of community,” said Mr Coleman.
As part of the program, Year 3 students from Kogarah Public School paired up with residents from Estia Aged Care to do art and craft classes, including plaster painting.
Executive Officer of Kogarah Community Services, Mrs Shelley Ross, said that through engaging with younger children, the program has brought joy and happiness to local aged care residents.
“Our local schools have also enjoyed the relationships they are building with their community, with students hearing firsthand stories of what life was like growing up and going to school in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s,” said Mrs Ross.
The program has been adapted during the COVID-19 period in order to maintain the connection online. Students at Kogarah Public School recorded video messages for residents at Estia Aged Care in Kogarah, and students from schools such as Carlton South Public School emailed Mother’s Day cards and messages to residents from 14 local aged care centres.
“The students were keen to reach out to the residents in aged care centres that they had met to remind them they were thinking of them and that they were not alone,” said Mrs Ross.