The group, Wallsend Youngsters on the Summit, was established recently by Playgroup NSW and SummitCare Wallsend to foster a connection between generations, and is already proving a resounding success.

Held weekly, parents and carers of children aged zero to six are welcome to drop in to SummitCare’s residential aged care centre in Bent Street, Wallsend, on Mondays from 9.45 until 11.45am to meet with a select group of residents and share activities.

SummitCare Wallsend leisure and lifestyle officer Shayne Watson developed the concept.

“Overseas a lot of playgroups and pre-schools have intergenerational activities in the community,” Ms Watson said.

“It’s bringing the community into the facility because not all of our residents can go out into the community because of things like mobility.

“The residents absolutely adore it. They interact with the little ones and the little ones are interacting with the residents; it’s bringing joy to both.”

The program runs during school terms.

Wallsend mother Samantha Merz said it was nice to be a part of.

“It’s nice to see the residents smiling and interacting with the children,” she said.

“They both love it.”

SummitCare CEO Cynthia Payne said the intergenerational playgroup included music, singing, art activities and stories.

“The smiles on our residents’ faces show how much they just love it when the children interact with them, and it is an important way they can retain links with the local community,” she said.

“… the social interaction can really spark lovely memories, and the connections they make can support their social and emotional needs.”