Are you interested in running an activity or program that brings together participants from different generations?

Come along and hear from local speakers, who have successfully implemented intergenerational programs.

Learn how intergenerational programs can improve understanding, friendship, enjoyment, confidence and purpose for participants, young and old.

Panel:

Tracy Verburgt, Early Childhood Educator and Facilitator of Young at Heart Intergenerational Playgroup at Coonara Community House. 

The Young at Heart playgroup began with a vision of connecting families with children aged up to 6 years old with Seniors in our community. The ‘Young at Heart’ Playgroup has many benefits and these include lowering issues of social isolation and loneliness, nurturing relationships through the joy of play and especially offering an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of respect through the generations. 

Kirby Crowley, Centre Manager at Aurora Early Education and Co-Facilitator of Community Connections – Intergenerational Relationships Program in partnership with Peppertree Hill Retirement Village.

Developing intergenerational relationships and wanting to work and build community was a leading factor in starting the Community Connections program in partnership with Peppertree Hill Retirement Village. Games, letter writing and artwork sharing were just a few of the activities that the group participated in together. The group met once a month and the program allowed for all participants to connect and build confidence together.      

Craig McPherson, Secondary school teacher at Auburn High School and co-founder of The Positive Ageing Digital Storytelling Intergenerational Project.

The Positive Ageing Digital Storytelling Intergenerational Project (PADSIP) was developed by Craig McPherson and Mark Silver, Swinburne University. Since 2014, PADSIP has brought together Elders living in the Boroondara Community and students from Auburn High School to share experiences and knowledge with the aim of producing “digital stories” about some aspects of the shared experiences. The program is linked to the curriculum through the Media Arts and Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum. At Auburn High School PADSIP has become a Year 9 Elective subject for 2023.