Hobsons Bay City Council and the TLC Aged Care Marina facility have joined forces to create Hobsons Bay’s first ever ‘intergenerational playgroup’. This innovative program bridges the generation gap by setting up a children’s playgroup in an aged care facility.
Officially launched in July, the program is providing elderly residents with a chance to integrate with Hobsons Bay’s youngest generation and share their parenting advice and experiences with local parents.
Hobsons Bay Councillor, Mary Ann Lindsay, said the playgroup is another benefit of positive community partnerships.
“The intergenerational playgroup is a wonderful way to bring different generations together,” she said. “This project has proven to be a fantastic relationship building opportunity and residents really look forward to the babies coming to visit. They enjoy the opportunity to spend time with the babies, to share stories with the mums and dads about parenting, and pass on some of their own tips and advice. They will even be making toys for the babies.
“It is a program that puts a smile on everybody’s face.”
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Councillor Leigh Hardinge, said the intergenerational playgroup is a rewarding program for the whole community.
“This is the first time anything like this has ever been attempted in Hobsons Bay, and it is one of the first in the State,” he said. “The program is bringing three generations together: the residents of TLC Aged Care Marina, Hobsons Bay parents and of course our youngest citizens. It puts a positive focus on aged care facilities in Hobsons Bay and fosters a positive relationship between young people and older residents that will hopefully blossom into a relationship based on mutual respect.”
The concept originated from an intergenerational day held at one of the Council’s respite facilities. A new parent group expressed interest in starting a playgroup and Council’s Family, Youth and Children’s Services suggested an intergenerational playgroup. Once Council facilitated the project with TLC Aged Care Marina, discussions and a trial period followed before the program became full time.
The program is now held weekly, with ten families and six to seven aged care residents participating in a session. All residents are invited and welcome to take part, but numbers per session are restricted due to resourcing and space constraints. However, participating residents can be rotated, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to become involved.
For further information contact Council’s Family Resource and Development Officer, Jenny Rukuwai, on (03) 9932 4021.
