Bridging the gap
Local
You hear them before you see them. Children chatter in delight when they arrive at Intergenerational Playgroup held at St John the Baptist Catholic School in Plympton.
The children, aged five and under, aren’t old enough for school yet. Instead, they’re here for an education of a different type; mingling with ‘older friends’ who fall into the 50+ age bracket.
The Intergenerational Playgroup, held every Friday from 9am to 10.30am during school terms, is free.
The initiative, supported by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA), Meals on Wheels SA, and Playgroup SA, is all about creating a space for hearts and minds to grow together.
Helen and Liliana
For their efforts, the St John the Baptist team was awarded with an honourable mention in Excellence in Intergenerational Play and Practice at the 2024 Playgroup SA Excellence Awards.
Five elderly regulars (and counting) turn up every week to spend time with the children. Each one takes something different away from the experience.
Among them are 91-year-old Mary O’Reilly who worked at St John the Baptist school from 1989 until 2006, and 82-year-old Helen Murphy, a former executive assistant to the principal at Sacred Heart College and St Michael’s College.
“I have really enjoyed mixing with the younger children and helping them with craft,” Helen said.
A collection of activity packs, books, games, crafts and snacks help break the ice.
“Every week there’s an activity and a book that goes with it,” said Meals on Wheels project officer Sarah Harrison.
“The activity bridges the gap so the kids run over and want to do the craft, and they’ll sit with an older friend who will help them, then everyone chats.”
Occasionally, Year Five students pop in to mingle with participants.
For many older adults, intergenerational playgroups provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
Many older Australians face social isolation but the playgroups provide a chance to reconnect with the community and find joy in the laughter and energy of children.
The interactions have the power to improve mental health, reduce feelings of loneliness, and bring a renewed sense of vitality.
Meals on Wheels staff Sarah Harrison and Mary Adams help out at the Intergenerational Playgroup.
Children, meanwhile, receive love, attention and wisdom which helps them develop respect and empathy for others. They also learn important social skills, hear stories from times gone by, and understand the value of patience and kindness.
“I’ve just loved it,” said 71-year-old Gail Storch who doesn’t have grandchildren or children of her own.
“I think children who don’t have grandparents also get so much out of it.”
For Gail, the program is a lovely chance to share life experiences with small children.
“Since I retired, I find the volunteer work I do really interesting,” she said.
“It’s a growth thing for me, too. I think that’s so important because life doesn’t finish when your work does.”
St John’s Intergenerational Playgroup is held each Friday during school term from 9am – 10.30am and everyone is welcome. To register, please email intergen@mealsonwheelssa.org.au or call 1800 854 453.
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