An intergenerational volunteering program is bridging the gap between generations and fostering a sense of family for young and old.
For-purpose aged and disability services organisation VMCH has partnered with Mannix College, a Catholic residential college affiliated with Monash University, to create an innovative community service program, Mannix Young Hearts.
Since September, seven students have been visiting VMCH’s nearby Corpus Christi Aged Care Residence in Clayton, taking part in activities such as music, arts and crafts, exercises, technology lessons and pampering days.
The aim of the program is to enhance the lives of both aged care residents and students—meeting both Catholic organisations’ respective missions: to create genuine places of belonging for the vulnerable, and fostering students’ desire to make a difference in the world.
I haven’t been able to visit my grandmothers as much as I used to, so it is good to be able to still have that connection with the older generation.
And while the huge benefits of intergenerational relationships are not new, the special connection between Mannix students and aged care residents is unique. Both the residents and students live in non-traditional family homes, away from loved ones.
Alice Hengel, aged 19, who is studying a bachelor of engineering, says living on campus is a great experience, but admits it can be a bit difficult at times.
‘You don’t get to see family and friends as often as you used to, but it’s a really good community, very similar to the aged care residents’ community, actually. Both of my grandmothers are about the same age [as Corpus Christi residents]. I haven’t been able to visit them as much as I used to, so it is good to be able to still have that connection with the older generation. So many residents have had so many different things happen in their lives, and there’s just so much that you can learn from them.’
Fellow student Grace Burns, who is studying a bachelor of arts, says visiting Corpus Christi is the ‘highlight of my day’.
‘I joined the program because I personally have seen the positive impact volunteering has made on the lives of aged care residents, and I just wanted to be a part of that. Hearing what things were like back then and how that is impacting how things are now is really cool; it’s allowed me to open up as a person.’
For me, it’s sort of like a breath of fresh air. I find young people give you a new life.
Likewise, VMCH residents are enjoying the company.
‘I have all my family all over the place on three continents,’ Sr Bernadette Gauthier, aged 86, says. ‘So, they don’t come very often.’
Sr Mary Jenkins, aged 90, adds, ‘For me, it’s sort of like a breath of fresh air. I find young people give you a new life. You feel uplifted that young people are prepared to give their time and their energy to help us. I taught senior students in my tuition career, so I just love having new people around.’
Both groups are discovering new skills and passions, and a deeper appreciation for the other generation.
‘One of the marvelous things for me is somebody to help me with my computer, so that’s wonderful,’ Sr Bernadette says.
Sr Mary particularly enjoys the exercises.
‘When I came in here, the doctors had said I’d never walk again, so the activities are just so important. And having young people come in [to participate] is even better. That’s why I like it very much.’
VMCH CEO Sonya Smart describes the partnership as ‘exciting’, with both organisations sharing a desire to make a difference in the world and in people’s lives.
Young Hearts is creating opportunities to form meaningful relationships at a time when genuine connections can be rare in our busy, digital world.
‘We’re looking forward to collaborating on other meaningful projects with Mannix College, which will profoundly enrich the lives of residents and clients, students, staff and volunteers, and advance the mission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.’
India Wright, Mannix College’s Director of Academics and Employability, says, “At Mannix, we foster a vibrant living and learning community, and it has been wonderful to witness how the Mannix Young Hearts program has enriched the lives of all involved through intergenerational learning and storytelling. The program staff have been excellent at matching our students’ interests with opportunities to enhance authentic and lasting connections with the residents at VMCH Corpus Christi.’
Andrew Swan, Principal of Mannix College agrees, pointing out that the program is ‘creating opportunities to form meaningful relationships at a time when genuine connections can be rare in our busy, digital world’.
Banner image: VMCH aged care resident Phyllis and student Alice have a dance.
All photos courtesy of VMCH.
