By Laura Michell
Whittlesea kids are penning letters to the municipality’s isolated older residents to help them remain connected to the community.
The letter-writing initiative is part of the council’s intergenerational project.
Community service director Belgin Besim said remaining connected is important for everyone’s wellbeing.
“The need for many older people to be placed in isolation during this pandemic will, for some, exacerbate their sense of loneliness,” Ms Besim said.
“Using our intergenerational approach, we have contacted our local schools to see if they can arrange for students to write/draw letters for our older residents.
“The letters can come to council and we can facilitate where they need to be delivered.
“This might be nursing homes, but it will also include older people accessing our aged care services who live independently at home, often living alone.
“It is a way for our young generation to provide some positive support to our older residents during this time of social distancing.”
The council’s intergenerational project is inspired by a televised social experiment, which saw elderly people in a retirement community joined by a group of four-year-olds. It strives to connect the municipality’s younger and older communities.
To take part in the program, send your letter to Aged and Disability Services, City of Whittlesea, Reply Paid 60758, Bundoora MDC, 3083.
For more information, contact ageing well planner Catherine Simcox on 9407 5966 or via Catherine.simcox@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
