Sewing Connections at Mercy Place Warrnambool

Students from Emmanuel College in Warrnambool have become Victoria’s latest fashion designers as they design and create pyjamas for aged care residents at Mercy Place Warrnambool.

The project, now in its second year, sees Year 11 students partner with a resident at Mercy Place to custom design pyjamas.

The 12 residents that participated this year have loved not only the pyjamas but also the opportunity to form new relationships.

Mercy Place Warrnambool Service Manager Helen Paris says the partnership has been extremely beneficial for both students and residents.

“For students it forces them to step out of their comfort zone as they design clothes for someone else and talk to people they might not have otherwise spoken to”, Helen said.

“Our residents love all the school programs we run but this one is particularly special as it brings back memories of sewing clothes for themselves and their families when they were younger.

“Last year’s program was extremely successful, so we were thrilled Emmanuel College wanted to come back again. We love the energy and enthusiasm the students bring to the home and we’ve found intergenerational programs like this really help promote community engagement and wellbeing.”

Students from Emmanuel College visited residents several times throughout the year to design the pyjamas, with residents choosing the colours, patterns and designs. The final pyjamas will be presented to residents at a celebratory afternoon tea later this month.

Find out more about Mercy Health.