Anglican Care Goes Back to High School

More than 80 Anglican Care residents headed back to High School yesterday, as they walked the red carpet as VIP guests at the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College’s production of “High School Musical”.

Anglican Care’s Aged Care Residents, Home Care Consumers, Retirement Living Clients and Volunteers were the guests of honour at the final dress rehearsal of the mega hit musical.

“Many of our residents are of the age where the musical was the predominant form of movies; from South Pacific and Oklahoma through to The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz. They were all so excited and we couldn't wait to see their excitement at seeing a live musical once again,” said Jane Meldrum, Anglican Care’s Lifestyle and Well Being Coordinator.

The opportunity to watch the final rehearsal is a part of Anglican Care and Bishop Tyrrell College’s was planned to close the generation gap.

“As divisions of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College and Anglican Care are in initial planning stages of developing an all-new intergenerational educational program set to begin over the coming months,” said CEO Colin Osborne.

“Both organisations are currently in discussions surrounding initiatives that will connect the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Students with Anglican Care’s elderly residents, clients and consumers to combat loneliness in the community and allow both generations to learn about each other.

“Many of the Bishop Tyrrell students don’t have grandparents around to have relationships with. A number of our residents and consumers battle loneliness as they too don’t have family or relatives close by to visit on a regular basis.” said Mr Osborne.

Although the program has yet to be finalised, High School Musical presents a great opportunity to begin to introduce both groups and begin to foster friendships.

Find out more about Anglican Care.