Feeling part of the community is a key component of people’s overall health and wellbeing. Belonging provides a sense of connection and fulfilment to individuals and the broader community.

Intergenerational activities aim to bring people together to participate in purposeful and mutually beneficial activities which promote a greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building a more cohesive community.  

Bringing together different generations can offer many benefits, both to those participating as well as the wider community. Intergenerational activities allow people of different age groups to work together and share their knowledge and experience with each other.  

Intergenerational activities provide an opportunity to foster mutual respect and appreciation between generations, so as to change attitudes, challenge stereotypes and tackle ageism experienced by older people. Ageism is prejudice expressed towards a person because of their age. 

Ageism towards older people can come from negative attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be an older person. Watch this video ‘Imagine a world without ageism’ (2.38 mins) to learn more about ageism towards older people.

Intergenerational activities are beneficial for the entire community

Download the Intergenerational Activities benefits ( PNG 143.67KB)

Good Intergenerational Practice

For ideas on intergenerational activities please read the Good Intergenerational Practice report ( PDF 2.85MB) by Inner East Primary Care Partnership. 

Source: Inner East Primary Care Partership

How Council Supports Intergenerational Activities  

Council is committed (through the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025) to support Intergenerational activities by increasing the community’s awareness and building a strong intergenerational approach.  

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021, Council facilitated a Connecting Generations project in conjunction with partner organisations to help in fostering connections between generations.  Primary school aged children across Whitehorse were invited to write a letter to an older Whitehorse resident. The project was a success with over 300 letters distributed. 

Council also offers an annual funding opportunity through our Whitehorse Intergenerational Grants program. Grants of up to $1000 are available to primary and secondary schools, early years’ services and kindergartens in Whitehorse to expand existing intergenerational activities or to develop a new project. For more information on the grant program’s objective, eligibility and how to apply, visit Intergenerational Grants  

If your organisation is ineligible for an Intergenerational grant, you make like to consider your eligibility to apply for a community grant, for more information visit Community Grants

Enquiries 

For more information on Intergenerational activities please contact the Positive Ageing team at Whitehorse City Council via positiveageing@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or 9262 6333.