Sophia Barber with 4 year old Amelia Perera and John Hawke. Kids and elderly people interacting as part of the intergenerational playgroup at Bethanie Gwelup aged care facility. Photo: Andrew Ritchie
Camera IconSophia Barber with 4 year old Amelia Perera and John Hawke. Kids and elderly people interacting as part of the intergenerational playgroup at Bethanie Gwelup aged care facility. Photo: Andrew Ritchie Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Fun for all ages at Gwelup intergenerational playgroup

Laura PondStirling Times

DESPITE generations separating them, children and elderly people are forging relationships at a Gwelup playgroup.

Gwelup mother Belinda Tucker partnered with Bethanie Gwelup earlier this year to run an intergenerational playgroup at the aged care facility.

“It’s just like a normal playgroup but with added value,” she said.

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“It’s just a really good experience.”

Every fortnight, children and the aged care residents come together for the playgroup, where they can interact in a fun and social way.

Four-year-old twins Amelia Perera (pink) and Georgia with John Hawke. Photo: Andrew Ritchie
Camera IconFour-year-old twins Amelia Perera (pink) and Georgia with John Hawke. Photo: Andrew Ritchie Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“Their favourite thing is throwing the ball together and colouring-in together,” Mrs Tucker said.

“It’s really nice that they interact.”

Other activities can include finger painting, puzzles and playing with bubbles and play dough.

Mrs Tucker said her three-year-old and six-year-old daughters love spending time at the playgroup, and believed it was beneficial for both parties.

“(The kids) get that one-on-one attention,” she said.

“And when I’m older…I would like to do something nice and social like this.’

Bethanie Gwelup occupational therapist Jess Cathcart said children were able to connect with older generations and help reduce social isolation.

“Providing the opportunity for the two vastly different age groups to come together brings a new energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to the lives of everyone involved,” she said.

“We believe that these close intergenerational connections greatly benefit both groups.”

The playgroup runs every second Friday from 9.30am to 11.30am, with the next on June 29.

It is free to attend and there are no age limits.

For more information, call Mrs Tucker on 0421 319 499.