Every week, a small group of senior volunteers visits two local playgroup classrooms in Meadowbrook and Logan Central.
According to those who run the intergenerational program, Amputees Queensland and Ben Matthews Playground, the visits have benefitted everyone involved.
Amputees Queensland state coordinator Lynda Tilley said the program, which began last July, had created a new blended and supportive family in the community.
“We’ve really noticed that the children love it when the seniors come along and the parents are also really happy, because a lot of them have other children, or younger children and babies, and so it really helps them as well,” Ms Tilley said.
“There are lots of different activities, so the seniors can do what they want to do on the day with the children.
“One of the ladies loves playing in the sand pit with the kids, or you can push children on the swings, help them on the equipment, or you can sit and read to the children.”
All three locations, including the Ben Matthews Playground and both playgroups, are accessible and disability friendly. Participating seniors can choose which activities to participate in with playgroup children, Ms Tilley said.
“It really makes it quite enjoyable for the seniors, because, if they decide they want to do some art and craft or coloring on that day, they can sit at the table and chairs with the children.
“It’s really beneficial for seniors to get out, socialise, meet new people and reduce isolation. And it’s also good for the kids, because a lot of the children may not have grandparents here, so they’re taking on a grandparent role and playing with the children,” she said.
“We have the seniors say to us that they feel young again playing with the children, and they love that the parents trust them and ask them to watch their children. It’s really helping everyone in the community.”
Staff who run the Ben Matthews Playground are looking for senior volunteers to participate in the intergenerational program, which runs from 9.30am to 11am on Mondays and Tuesdays at two playgroup centres in Meadowbrook and Logan Central.
At the moment, there are 40 to 50 playgroup children and only four seniors. Ms Tilley said she’d like to see at least six more volunteers participate in the sessions weekly or fortnightly.
If transport to and from the playgroups is a barrier for seniors wishing to volunteer, Ms Tilley said the Ben Matthews Playground would provide accessible transport to and from the playgroups.
“If we’re not there one week, the parents will come to us and say, ‘Oh, we’ve missed you.’ And the children miss seeing their older friends as well.
“The children get excited, and the older friends miss it as well. They love to get outside, play with the children, and chat to the parents.”
