17 October 2023
Perth students are bringing joy to local aged care residents through the gift of art.
Success Primary School students crafted soft toys inspired by pictures drawn by Southern Cross Care’s Frank Prendergast House residents.
Students shared their gifts with residents at an afternoon tea.
The school then held an afternoon tea where students connected with the residents and gifted their soft toys.
The intergenerational art program is hoped to be an ongoing partnership that aims to connect community members, combat loneliness, and develop students’ empathy.
Success Primary School teacher Allison Bell said intergenerational connection was important, and the program provided invaluable two-way relationships.
“One of our school focuses is community partnerships so we wanted to find a group of people that needed connection,” she said.
“Watching my students gifting the pillows to the residents was one of my career highlights. Unbridled joy is the best way to describe it.
“It is a magical thing, and everyone should be doing something like this in some form.”
Success Primary School student Cooper said he enjoyed talking to the residents and asking them how they were feeling.
“Sometimes the elderly people feel lonely so you can ask them some questions, or you can bring them something to eat or drink,” he said.