Intergenerational Pilot Program
Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has launched a new Intergenerational Pilot Program to bring together children and senior members of the community.
Called ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’, the pilot is a collaboration between the BCH Social Support Program and Point Lonsdale Primary School.
The aim is to bring the children and the Social Support clients together to form fun and meaningful relationships and provide opportunities for the different generations to share experiences, knowledge and skills that are mutually beneficial.
The students and clients are paired up and have morning tea together followed by several ‘get to know you activities’.
At the end of the first session the children and clients got together to sing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story, which will be the theme song for the program.
Despite some initial reluctance from some clients, everyone finished the first session with huge smiles and lots of positive comments.
One client said, “it feels like my heart is going to explode” while others said, “the children are so lovely and respectful”, “the children are so talented and interesting to talk to” and “what beautiful children”.
The feedback from the grade 5/6 students from Point Lonsdale Primary School was just as enthusiastic and they’re looking forward to coming back to BCH and seeing their new friends very soon.
You can learn more about the BCH Social Support program HERE.
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