Intergenerational connections forged in NeXT Project

Older residents, parents and young children are interacting, singing and playing together to build intergenerational connections as part of Council’s NeXT Project.

The NeXT Project involves bringing together older residents who attend Council’s Social Support Groups and children and families of Council’s Supported Playgroups to share regular activities, create connections and wider friendships.

Council’s Coordinator of Healthy and Active Ageing, Caroline Perry, said the pilot sessions which were held in October in Healesville and Mooroolbark, were a great success.

“We had a diverse mix of people along, including parents, children, volunteers and members of the social support group,” Ms Perry said.

“It’s fantastic to see people from our social support group, naturally resonating with the young parents, providing advice and playing with the children.

“I spoke to one lady who attends our social support group whose grandchildren are back in Myanmar so, for her, this was a great way to interact with young children.

“No matter what stage you’re at in life – from a baby, child, adult through to people who are 70, 80, 90 years young, it’s about being part of a group where there’s connections, social interaction and partnerships, so there’s endless opportunity with this project.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Tony Stevenson, congratulated staff running the project, which will now continue with 12 sessions scheduled for 2019.

“Becoming a parent can be all consuming and it can be hard to meet and create friendships with other parents and people in the community,” Cr Stevenson said.

“It can be equally as hard to meet other people in the community as an older adult, if you aren’t able to travel independently as easily as you used to.

“Having our Supported Playgroups and our Social Support Groups is a great way to create those connections in the community, and I’m pleased to see our people taking the initiative to cross these groups over and create more intergenerational friendships.

“This project addresses a number of goals identified in our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2017-21, such as ensuring that older people enjoy active and healthy lives and that every child and young person can thrive and reach their potential.

“It will also go a long way towards ensuring the participants of all ages feel welcome and supported in their communities.”

For more information about Council’s Supported Playgroups or Social Support Groups, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/community