An intergenerational program is teaching teens that genuine connections don’t require Wi-Fi – just a pair of knitting needles, a ball of wool, and plenty of good humour.
Close-knit friendships have been woven between retirees at Aveo’s Fountain Court in Melbourne’s east and local high school students who share stories and laughter while learning the timeless art of knitting.
The Burwood retirement village’s newly refurbished community spaces fill with the sounds of banter and the gentle click of needles, when around 20 students from Mount Waverley Secondary College join their senior mentors to nurture unlikely friendships built on stitches and yarns.
Fountain Court resident Anne Orchard says the sessions are a joy. “There’s lots of laughter and chatter. When the students first arrived, they were a bit uncertain, but soon we were chatting about what interested them and sharing our stories. We have developed enduring friendships.’’
For many students, the program which is part of Aveo’s Community Engagement initiative, has sparked an unexpected passion for knitting.
Year 11 student Ben Gray looks forward to the regular gatherings and values the life advice he receives and admits he’s now hooked on knitting.
“Knitting was hard at first but once I finished a row or two, my confidence grew. My mum’s thrilled and she even wants a beanie for Christmas!” Ben says he’s learned a lot about resilience and coping with life’s challenges from the residents.
Students taking part in the intergenerational program, now in its second year, also join residents in games of bingo and working together in Fountain Court’s community gardens.
Campus Principal Matt Sheehan said the students were more enthusiastic during their visits with the residents than any other school-related event.
“I’ve never seen some of these students so engaged. When these two generations come together, they really are solving some of the world’s problems, one stitch and one conversation at a time,’’ he said.
Plans are underway to expand the successful program next year.
Aveo’s Fountain Court is located at 100 Station Street, Burwood. For more information, call 13 28 36 or go to aveo.com.au
