In the last few years, staff across our Family and Wellbeing and Aged Care Services have been connecting generations of people through play; bringing joy and excitement to staff, clients and the broader community.
In 2022, following a period of decreased client engagement in our Maryborough playgroups, our Maryborough Family and Wellbeing team were determined to find a way to help re-engage clients.
With the help of her team and the Fraser Coast community Mary, the Service Coordinator of the Gympie and Fraser Coast Family and Wellbeing Services, instigated a range of innovative initiatives to bring her staff, clients and the community together.
Leading a collaborative effort
After engaging with staff, clients, local Anglican parishes, the Fraser Coast Family Day Care and leaders from our Kirami Residential Aged Care Home, Mary identified a gap in the market – a lack of intergenerational playgroups.
In the last few years, intergenerational playgroups have been increasing in popularity and numerous studies have identified that they can improve the social and developmental needs and mental wellbeing of participants.
In 2023, Mary and her Maryborough team partnered with the Fraser Coast Family Day Care to bring children, parents and educators into our residential aged care home (Kirami) in Hervey Bay.
The playgroups consist of a range of interactive activities that have been influential in increasing the social confidence and development of children and supporting the cognitive memories of residents. Thus, allowing residents to reminisce on their own childhood and raising their children. Another example of how Mary is committed to improving connection and togetherness is through promoting teamwork and collaboration amongst her staff.
The program brings happiness to all and is, “about connecting children to older people and the older people back to the children,” explains Mary. “The community benefits when we connect our youngest generation with our oldest generation.”
Not only are the children and residents benefiting from this initiative, but so is Mary’s team. Mary has shared that this program has helped to build team morale and partnerships within the community; thus, supporting them to show up for and deliver excellent results for the children and families they work with in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
Kirami Intergenerational Playgroup in Action
Learn more about the Kirami Intergenerational Playgroup here.