Playgroup NSW has celebrated the launch of a new ‘Timeless Play’ intergenerational program in Sydney that’s aiming to bridge the gap between the young and young-at-heart.
The Supported Playgroup will meet fortnightly at Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community in Penshurst for the next year and aims to connect the older generation with the youngest in their community, to combat loneliness, isolation and mental health issues.
The group hope to develop deeper connections through play-based activities, led by Playgroup NSW Educators, the organisation said in a statement today.
“Intergenerational Playgroups provide an opportunity for multi-generational play and fun in both aged-care and community settings,” it said.
The Timeless Play program aims to connect generations through play-based activities that
foster friendship, community cohesion and value the insights and experiences of all who attend.
“We’re very excited to welcome Playgroup NSW to Georges Estate to be able to interact and help make our residents smile, as they enjoy the activities with the children. The connection between generations is so important and we can see from today how beautiful it’s been, and they have interacted together so quickly – so many beautiful smiles from both the families and the residents,” said Kris Healy, General Manager NSW of
Hall and Prior (Georges Estate Aged Care Provider).
“Through this program we hope to see the beauty of friendships and connections formed through the experience of play between the generations. This two-hour space once a fortnight will be a relaxed and happy place to play and grow as a community. Many priceless memories will be made in this group,” said Allyson Gyrmakis, Playgroup NSW Intergenerational Program leader.
The Timeless Play Intergenerational program aims to increase activity engagement, social inclusion, to decrease depression and anxiety and assist in cognitive and physical maintenance.
