Intergenerational playgroup building connections

Laughs, claps and cheers echo down the Torquay Community House corridor on a Wednesday morning.

The activity room door swings open to a makeshift construction zone, with young children testing out their building skills while receiving a helping hand from their new friends.

An intergenerational playgroup is fostering important connections by bringing together locals, including Pip Burley, Heather Moore, and two-year-old twins Elijah and Xavier.

“We heard about it through Probus,” Heather said. “We get a lot of enjoyment out of it. We don’t have little grandchildren anymore, so it’s nice to spend time with these kids.”

Pip enjoys the opportunity to slow down and take in the small moments.

“It’s so interesting, watching them do things like building Lego and seeing them think through it and seeing their little brains go round and round,” she said.

“It’s just brilliant for them to be able to do this, learning how to play with people before they start pre-school and kinder.”

The twins’ mum Joni Hurley said the playgroup offered benefits to people of all ages.

“Initially I wanted to join because I didn’t have a lot of family here. I also thought it would be good for the kids, to expose them to different age groups,” she said.

“My mum’s just moved here, so she’s come along as well because it’s a great chance for her to meet people. It’s nice for everyone involved.”

The eight-week program at Torquay Community House will wrap up in July, with another one to start in term three.

Plans are also underway to launch a similar program in Lorne. People can register their interest by calling Council’s Age Friendly Officer on 5261 0600.

Intergenerational activities are supporting Council’s work towards an age-friendly community, where people can age well where they live.