Playgroup NSW Inc.

Intergenerational Playgroups

Playgroup NSW is working with UnitingCare Ageing – Sydney Region to establish intergenerational playgroups in Sydney. The playgroups will be established in 2009 at Haberfield, Leichhardt, Lilyfield and Waverley.

Community playgroups generally involve parents/carers and their children. An intergenerational playgroup is a community playgroup which brings together three generations (seniors, children and their parents) and they are held in a variety of settings which include – aged care facilities, retirement villages, council venues, church halls etc. The playgroups cater for families and provide positive and supportive environments which involve all three generations. The success of an intergenerational playgroup depends on the commitment of the parents/carers, and the existence of a strong partnership between the playgroup families and the aged care facility.

The senior residents of the aged care facilities have led productive and useful lives in the community and the skills, knowledge and values which they have acquired during their life can be of benefit to the parents and children in this specialized type of playgroup. Sharing of knowledge and wisdom benefits all generations equally and in different ways and the senior citizens again feel useful and contributing members of society through their involvement with the playgroup. Activities enjoyed in a playgroup setting ie reading, playing, and nursery rhymes are fondly remembered by the seniors as being part of their own childhoods and those enjoyable memories and experiences can be shared with the babies and children in the playgroup.

• If you would like to find out how to join an Intergenerational Playgroup please contact Lee Marschall at Playgroup NSW on 1800 171 882.

• If your aged care facility is interested in starting an Intergenerational Playgroup please contact Karen Pollard at Playgroup NSW on 1800 171 882.

Intergenerational Poster