Rochester Secondary College students with Yalukang Aged Care residents.
The Rochester and Elmore District Health Service recently launched its new intergenerational program Community Connections.
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The program will see Rochester Secondary College students visit REDHS twice a week to connect with the Yalukang Aged Care residents.
Their visits are supported by teachers, the REDHS lifestyle team and community house representatives when they are available.
REDHS chief executive Mary Manescu said the introductory session was successful.
“The purpose of it is to link both younger generations and older generations in a way that's meaningful for both and safe, but also hopefully providing people with an exposure to what it is that (they) can learn from each other,” she said.
“My understanding so far is it's been very well received, so much so that it's now been inserted as part of the curriculum of the secondary college.
“We will be seeing this as a formal structured element that they will evaluate and, hopefully, see some real benefits out of.”
Students bonded with residents over morning tea.
During each visit, the students will be paired with the residents.
They will work with their buddies or in small groups to get to know one another and plan meaningful activities as part of their school curriculum.
While the program is in its early stages, it will eventually evolve to include activities such as working in different environments and creating ‘about me’ posters.
Ms Manescu said that if it all goes well, they will look to expand the program.
“At the moment we've tested it with the secondary college, and we want to see how it actually eventuates both for the residents and the students,” she said.
“It has merit to expand, we will have an increased number of residents that will join our establishment and with that, they may be interested to see other schools participate.
“Right now we're focusing on this to see how it goes, and then we can certainly look beyond.”
The program was made possible through funding from the Rochester Community House.
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