INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Intergenerational connections are powerful! Research and studies have shown clearly that when the generations engage together, they gain skills, values and knowledge and develop friendships and social connections. These connections build bonds across communities, reduce ageism and boost the mental well-being and self-confidence of the participants. All of this supports and promotes a heathy community.
In today’s world, these connections don’t always happen naturally. The Intergenerational Connections program brings seniors, children, youth, and families together to share skills, stories, and experiences. These meaningful interactions foster friendships, reduce ageism, and enhance the well-being of all involved.
For more information, please contact Intergenerational Connections by phone at 250-201-8663 or by email at intergen@ssnvi.ca.
For information on volunteering with the Intergenerational Connections program, please see our Volunteer Page.
CURRENT CONNECTIONS
Time Together Club (TTC)
The Time Together Club is a no-charge, drop-in intergenerational playgroup for people aged 0 to 99+. It encourages meaningful connections across generations and fosters relationship-building between children, caregivers, and seniors. This TTC has crafts, games and play with littles and babies and social time for parents, seniors and community. It closes with a snack for the kids and story time for all. Come for crafts and coffee, stay for fun and conversation.
School at a Seniors’ Residence
Every week, the Berwick seniors’ residence in Comox welcomes the grade 2 class of Brooklyn Elementary School. Whatever topic they are working on in class is brought there for exploration with the seniors who join with them for crafts, story time, and conversation. Seniors and kids are getting to know each other and form bonds. When the bus arrives, the energy in the building is palpable! This program runs from October to the end of May with breaks for school holidays. We plan to continue with the next Grade 2 class!
Grand Pals from Casa Loma and Comox Valley Seniors Village with Queneesh Elementary Grade 4/5
Queneesh Elementary Team 10, a grade 4/5 class, has been meeting weekly with residents from Casa Loma and Comox Valley Seniors Village. They have talked about “then and now” life differences and explored art, games and played bocce and pool – the kids teaching some residents at Casa Loma! Stong bonds have formed and, although the program is finished at the end of May, the class, teacher and residents want to continue contact. Plans are being made!
Today & Tomorrow Learning Society (TNTLS) and Comox Valley Seniors Village
TNTLS pre school children visited Comox Valley Seniors Village and caused great excitement with the assisted living residents and the care aides! In the centre of the room,the children played and did art work which they happily showed to the residenats for their approval. A guitar was produced and we had a sing-a-long with everyone engaged. This will be a monthly connection that has much appreciation from the kids,the residents and their support workers.
