Intergenerational Initiatives
Campbelltown is an intergenerational community, with residents across the age spectrum from newborn babies to more than a dozen centenarians, and everyone in between!
Campbelltown City Council supports intergenerational projects and initiatives that bring people together for mutual benefit, connection and understanding and actively supports the community in undertaking these activities.
Intergenerational activities can be a highly planned projects, a regular group meeting each week, a one-off activity or connection between neighbours of different ages.
What is Intergenerational Practice?
Intergenerational activity is about more than just bringing younger and older people together. It is a systemic approach to community development and wellbeing that recognises and values the contribution of all generations. Intergenerational practice creates opportunities for positive, enjoyable, and supportive ways to foster intergenerational relationships which are key to tackling ageism and social exclusion. Building real relationships and friendships helping to break down stereotypes by uniting in what makes them the same, instead of focusing on what makes us different.
Why are Intergenerational Relationships Important?
Our society, community and family make ups have changed drastically over the last few decades. In the past, intergenerational activity might have seemed more natural or easier with families and people of different generations living in closer contact and knowing everyone in ‘your area’, both young and old. We are now living longer within an increasingly ageing and urbanised society and opportunities for positive relationship building between the generations can become less accessible. Issues such as ageism (negative stereotyping or discrimination based on age group), social isolation, loneliness and digital exclusion are becoming increasingly prevalent across the age spectrum.
What Intergenerational Initiatives are Happening in Campbelltown?
North East Salvos have partnered with Resthaven Paradise to trial a new Intergenerational Playgroup. Bringing 3-4 year olds and their families together with Resthaven residents, the group have gathered over activities and stories to begin the journey of connection and building intergenerational relationships.
The Charles Campbell School ‘Community Mentoring Program’ provides young people with a structured and trusting relationship with a caring individual who offers guidance, support and encouragement. This program enables a volunteer mentor from the local community to build a relationship with a young person and to support and be there for them in their schooling journey. Simply by giving one hour of their time to a student each week during the school term, they can make a significant impact on a young person’s life and reap the benefits of intergenerational connection in the process. A win-win for young and old!
For more information on this initiative contact Katie Rogers from Charles Campbell School on Katie.Rogers99@schools.sa.edu.au.
ACH Milpara connected with il nido Children’s Centre Kindergarten children late in 2022 to trial a series of intergenerational get togethers to build connection and understanding between the groups.
Dedicated kindy staff worked beautifully with the children and older Milpara residents to bring them together in laughter, activity and fun. Some older residents had not attended a social program activity before but the opportunity to connect with young children was too exciting an opportunity to miss! The two groups hope to re-establish the program in 2023 and continue developing this intergenerational initiative.
Thursday mornings is Playgroup morning, where parents, grandparents and carers and their little ones come to enjoy a time of caring and sharing. Activities are varied and the program includes free play, music and games, story time and age-appropriate crafts. Often it is grandparents bringing grandchildren, connecting with other parents in a truly intergenerational setting. Playgroup is not only great for children to learn to engage with other children and adults of all ages. It is also great for carers who might be feeling isolated, lonely or uncertain about aspects of child-raising, to share with other parents and volunteers in a safe and caring environment.
If you would like more information, contact Magill Church of Christ on 8332 6044 and leave a message if unattended, or email magillcoc@gmail.com.