New Poppy Playgroup at Vasey RSL Care Brighton East
– 5 February 2020 –
As George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we get old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
Vasey RSL Care is excited to announce its new ‘intergenerational playgroup’, to be held at Vasey RSL Care Brighton East!
“We have been working with Playgroup Victoria to bring this exciting new initiative to our community,” said Janna Voloshin, CEO. “If you watched the wonderful ABC documentary ‘Old People’s Home for 4 year olds’ last year (pictured below), you be aware of the benefits to all who participated – there were many special moments”
“Poppy Playgroup will be different from the kindergarten shown on the ABC,” continues Janna. “It is a Playgroup rather than a kinder program – so it includes the children and our residents, as well as the parents. All three generations will come together to nurture each other.”
The benefits of intergenerational play are many. For the children, it is an opportunity to develop social skills and make new friends, to engage with older people and develop empathy and respect. For parents, playgroup is a great way to meet other families with children of the same age and to become more involved in the local community.
For residents, it is a chance to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation, to connect with people from the local community, and to increase their health and wellbeing.
There is an increasing body of research that supports the benefits of intergenerational play for all participants, but especially for the older generation.
The Vasey RSL Care community is unique in that around 70% of residents have an ex-service background – they are war widows and/or veterans.
“This gives our residents a very special role to play,” says Janna. “Their experiences of service – whether it’s their own or their spouse’s – are respected by the Australian people and it is our responsibility to ensure that their legacy lives on.”
Poppy Playgroup Details
Poppy Playgroup:
- open to children of 3 and 4 years (as at 1 January 2020) – those from the local area and those connected to Vasey RSL Care via residents, staff or volunteers
- weekly during term times (the day is still to be determined and will be chosen to best suit all involved)
- 10.00 to 11.30am
- families will be asked to make a gold coin donation and bring a piece of fruit to share
- lead by a facilitator from Playgroup Victoria
“We have been in discussions with Playgroup Victoria for some time,” says Janna. “They are guiding us and providing resources as we set up the Poppy Playgroup”.
We will be holding an introductory meeting for parents/carers prior to commencement.
Interested? If you are a parent or grandparent of a 3 or 4 year old and would like to find out more about the playgroup, please contact us as soon as you can. (Note: places are limited and a waiting list will be put in place if all spots are taken.)