The Latrobe Health Assembly has developed a pen pal program between primary school students and aged care residents as part of their Hello. campaign, with the aim of supplying a tailored experience that promotes positive intergenerational connections between the two groups.
The two groups will benefit from interacting with each other through storytelling and having the opportunity to learn from each other. The program is being piloted between a number of local primary schools, and local aged care facilities.
The goal of the Hello. campaign is to improve social connection within the community simply by encouraging people to say ‘hello’ to each other when out and about. We hope that the pen pal program will be able to help both groups feel more involved in both the Hello. campaign and their community.
When asked about their involvement, Ben Tunks of Stockdale Road primary school said “The Grade One students at Stockdale Road Primary School are eager to participate in the Hello. Pen Pals program. We see this as a fun way to grow their literacy skills as well as feel more connected to the community.”
Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Ms Tanya Rong, said “The Hello. campaign encourages us to connect with each other regardless of our differences, skills, background or age.”
“The Hello. Pen Pal project will be a rewarding opportunity for young students to learn how to write meaningful letters to a real recipient at their school’s linked aged-care residence —in some cases, that recipient may desperately need a little Hello. in their life.” added Ms Rong.
This event is one in a series of six-months of Hello. Day events to further promote community outreach and connectedness. To find more information about the Hello. Campaign and upcoming Hello. events, please follow the link below: https://www.healthassembly.org.au/all-projects/hello-campaign/
