BaptistCare residents find joy in Shore School student visits
Each week smiles fill the faces of students and seniors alike at BaptistCare aged care homes in Macquarie Park.
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10 September 2024
News
| Aged Care Homes, BaptistCare
A beautiful, ongoing relationship has started between students from the Shore School in North Sydney and residents at BaptistCare aged care homes in Macquarie Park.
Each week, a small group of Year 5 and 6 students volunteer at BaptistCare homes, engaging with residents through various activities like indoor bowling, morning tea, pet therapy, art, and more.
The student's involvement has been met with gratitude and excitement from the BaptistCare residents.
After each visit, they praise the student's politeness, respect, and genuine smiles.
“If these boys are an example of the youth today, it gives me hope for the future,” remarked a resident at BaptistCare Dorothy Henderson Lodge after the weekly visit.
The partnership started as the Shore School sought ways for their students to serve outwardly in their community, embracing the Christian ethos and aims of their school.
“Service to others is integral to developing character, improving wellbeing and building good men for the future,” said Huw Blood, head of Service Learning at Shore School.
“As Australia continues to grapple with an ageing population, the desire to build a partnership with an established organisation caring for the elderly, was a high priority.”
“BaptistCare was a great opportunity to serve, interact and learn through intergenerational learning about elderly people,” Huw said.
With three BaptistCare aged care homes in the local areas, students share their time between BaptistCare Shalom, BaptistCare Dorothy Henderson Lodge, and BaptistCare Cooinda Court in Macquarie Park.
The visits have become something that residents at each home look forward to.
“It’s not just about the activities the students do with our residents,” said Yvonne Morgan, Volunteer Engagement Consultant with BaptistCare.
“The time the students spend chatting with residents one on one, assisting residents to go for a walk outside or being with them as they go to and from the activities is a simple but powerful connection.”
“The residents are always buzzing afterwards, reflecting on a ‘wonderful morning,’ and saying how ‘blessed’ they felt to have had such lovely young men show respect and kindness,” Yvonne said.
Shore School students have been so enthused by the weekly visits to BaptistCare homes that they are thinking hard about their future.
“A student was inspired by his visit to BaptistCare that he not only wanted to volunteer again but has since explore future options and pathways for employment and study,” explained Huw Blood.
“The benefits are truly reciprocal, and while residents enjoy having the Shore boys visit, many of our boys gain wonderful perspective, insight and inspiration to continue serving others.”
The power of volunteering can never be understated, and as the partnership between BaptistCare and the Shore School continues to thrive and grow it highlights the importance of intergenerational connections in local communities and the incredible benefits for all.
If you are feeling inspired by the enthusiastic Shore School students, find out how you can give your time and talents through BaptistCare’s volunteer programs.