Intergenerational program expands across Bellarine

AN INTERGENERATIONAL program led by Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is set to expand thanks to positive results during its pilot.

BCH’s Intergenerational Social Support Program, which began earlier this year out of the health provider’s Point Lonsdale site, will expand to a second site in Portarlington.

“We surveyed both clients and students at the end of the pilot program to determine whether it had been successful, and whether clients and students would like to continue, and it was a resounding ‘yes’ from both parties,” BCH Social Support coordinator Karen Crockford said.

“‘It made me happy because they were kind and funny’, ‘I enjoyed the children’s openness’, ‘I was happy seeing everyone because everyone was smiling’ and ‘They had patience and respect for us’ were just some of the responses from both students and clients.”

The program connects school age children with older adults in a variety of settings to interact with other community members of a different age bracket.

The program’s expansion now link students from St Leonards Primary School with BCH clients in Portarlington.

The collaboration with St Leonards and Point Lonsdale Primary Schools brings the children and clients together to form meaningful relationships while sharing experiences and knowledge.

“We’re creating opportunities for all generations to feel valued and part of their community,” Ms Crockford said.

“The program also helps reduce ageism, improves physical and mental health, builds cognitive abilities including communication and contributes to positive relationships between young and old.”

Students and clients take part in a range of different activities such as writing letters, playing games, intergenerational education, story time sessions, and craft activities.

For more information on the BCH Social Support Program, head to bch.org.au or phone the BCH Intake team on 1800 007 224.