Friendships blossom between students and BaptistCare clients in regional NSW

What happens when you bring two generations together each week to listen, chat and learn from each other? 

The BaptistCare At Home team in Bungendore, a NSW country town outside of Canberra, had the idea to create intergenerational friendships and break down barriers that can sometimes exist between younger and older community members. 

Starting in the back half of 2024, Year 9 students from Bungendore High School started meeting regularly with local BaptistCare At Home Clients.

"The idea we created with the High School was for a group of students to meet with clients every week for two hours to talk about life and history and share stories,” said Michelle Buckley, Area Manager of BaptistCare Home Care. 

“Initially we gave the students a list of questions, but they didn’t last long as students and seniors organically started chatting, forming their own connections, friendships and conversation topics.” 

After weeks of getting to know each other, it was up to the Year 9 students to think about how they would present and share the information they had learned.

“It’s been really great to watch the groups work together on what they wanted to share,” said Michelle.

“One group is producing a map of the area with story clips of their client’s life hsitory. In another, the students and senior all love horses so they’re doing an artwork, while another is looking at how they’ve bridged the gap between the generations.” 

At the end of the year the students, clients and their families, teachers, senior leaders from the NSW Department of Education and BaptistCare, and the local Mayor gathered for a showcase presentation from the students. 

The joy in the room was palpable as BaptistCare clients and the Bungendore High School students gathered for the final time and celebrated their new friendships. 

“Over time, we’ve shared so many things. Stories, photos, travels and treasures,” said Derek and Cynthia, BaptistCare At Home clients. 

“But the most important thing we’ve shared with the young people is the chance to truly know each other. That’s been a privilege and something we would love to see continue for others.” 

The Year 9 students shared similar insights, reflecting on how much they have learned from the time together, the insights gained into diverse perspectives and how they feel they understand the older generation in new ways. 

“It’s been wonderful to watch generational misconceptions break down over the weeks,” said Michelle Buckley.

“I’ve had clients and students tell me how they now not only say ‘hello’ to each other at the shops or down the road, but students now feel more comfortable to talk to seniors in the community who weren’t apart of the program.” 

“In a small town like Bungendore, that’s a beautiful thing to have out in the community. That connection between the younger and older generation and a better understanding of how to approach each other,” she said.

Social and community connection is an essential part of BaptistCare’s At Home care, with a range of activities, social clubs and community outings that help bring people together to support social connection and companionship. 

It’s key to the high quality of care provided by BaptistCare At Home teams and instrumental in keeping seniors independent and living well in their homes and communities.  

With 2024 coming to a close, it draws an end to the first year of the program with lots learned, friendships gained and the hope for more beautiful community connections formed between BaptistCare At Home clients and Bungendore High School students now and into the future.