Playgroup for the Young and Young at Heart

Residents at Baptistcare Yallambee Residential Care in Mundaring recently had the chance to interact with a variety of cuddly animals when their new intergenerational playgroup had an animal farm visit.

Residents, children and parents alike enjoyed patting, cuddling and feeding the animals, which included kangaroo joeys, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and a feisty little piglet.

The playgroup brings elderly residents, parents and young children together for quality interaction through activities and playtime for a few hours each week. Children and residents enjoy other activities together including movement activities for exercise, storytime, sing-a-longs and indoor and outdoor playtime.

Facility Manager James Townley said the playgroup is a good opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy meaningful interaction and there has been a fantastic response from the Mundaring community and local businesses.

“It’s great for the residents as it helps keep them connected with the community,” James said.

One of the residents, June, said, “I like having the children here and watching them play.”

Ashleigh, a parent who attends with her two year old son and three month old daughter, said the playgroup provided a positive and valuable learning environment for her children to socialise with older members of the community.

“We don’t have grandparents close by and we thought it would be nice for my son, to teach him patience,” she said.

Local community partners have lent their support, with Mundaring Community Bank awarding a community grant to go towards sourcing toys and equipment for the children and residents, and Mundaring Woolworths sponsoring the morning tea refreshments.

Find out more about Baptistcare.