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Active spirits: Bridging generations in Hay through fun and connection

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Meredith Gow, Hay War Memorial High School, The Riverine Grazier

The Active Spirits Intergenerational Program, run by Intereach and supported by Hay Shire Council, has become a highlight of the week for many in the Hay community.

Every Wednesday afternoon, students from Hay War Memorial High School and local community members come together for an afternoon of activities designed to get everyone moving and laughing. But beyond the games, the program has been fostering connections across generations in an inspiring way.

Participating students, including Meredith, Savannah, Tahlia, Maxi, Bella- Reign, Makayla, Paigan, Lillyarnah, and Hayley, join the weekly sessions alongside community members like Paula, Ted, Steph, Kylie, Kristy, and honorary Hay member Helen from Deniliquin Intereach.

Each session begins with warm-ups and a “daily question” to spark conversation, followed by a variety of competitive activities like table tennis, memory games, blind soccer, and giant noughts and crosses.

Last week, instead of diving straight into the activities, participants paused for a moment of reflection, asking each other questions to learn more about their experiences in the program.

Paigan (student) asked Helen (organiser), “Have you had fun?” Helen responded, “Yes, normally I’m in the office, and I don’t often get the chance to spend time with young people. It’s been great fun connecting with you all!”

Paula (community member) asked Paigan (student), “What’s been your favourite activity in the program?” Paigan’s answer: “Probably all the competitive circuits, rolling around and walking on stilts!”

Helen (organiser) asked Makayla (student), “What has been your favourite activity?” Makayla shared, “I’ve enjoyed spending time with my friends, even those I don’t normally hang out with because they’re younger or older. I’ve liked 90 per cent of the activities, even the ones I have never tried before and I’ve felt supported by my friends and community members, especially when doing something new. Sometimes it is hard to try new things in front of new people”

Maxi (student) asked Paula (community member), “Have you had fun?” Paula reflected, “It’s been interesting! My boys are so much older, and I’ve never been as involved with girls. It’s been so different and fun, especially since I grew up with brothers and have sons myself. It’s been great getting to know you girls!”

Ted (community member) asked Maxi (student), “What’s something you’ve learned from a community member that surprised you?” Maxi humorously responded, “I don’t know how to answer that—this question is a surprise!” Ted laughed, saying, “Nothing surprises me anymore.”

Kylie (organiser) asked Ted (community member), “What is something that you have learnt from the younger participants of the program?” Ted replied, “We tend to think kids are so different nowadays, but really, I don’t think they’re too different from when I was growing up. We all just wanted to get out and do activities.”

Kristy, one of the program organisers, was missed at last week’s session, so we reached out to her by email to ask about her favourite parts of developing the program and her favourite activities.

She responded, “What I enjoyed most developing the program, is hard to pinpoint however researching gaps in the community, using my creativity and imagination, having fun, lots of laughs and getting active with both the young and young at heart, developing a program logic that is evidence based and working in partnerships with others were all a highlight.”

My favourite activity were the ball games, they were always a bit of fun and easy to have a bit of banter with everyone doing them.

The program has not only been about fun and games but also about breaking down intergenerational barriers. Students and community members alike have learnt from each other in ways that go beyond the activities. Paula shared, “Seeing the difference between my boys growing up and the girls in this program has been great. I really enjoy the girls’ attitudes—even when they didn’t want to participate at first, it didn’t take much to get them involved and having fun.”

Meredith (student) asked Kylie (organiser), “How do you think programs like this strengthen the community and foster connections between generations?” Kylie responded, “Programs like this help different generations get together to better understand their similarities and differences, which is key to building connections.”

Looking ahead, there’s hope to continue the program. When asked about the future, Kylie shared, “My hope is that this program continues. We have the equipment to keep it going. My inspiration came from Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds / Teenagers on ABC, and I’d love to see other new intergenerational experiences and collaborations in the community.”

Sav, one of the students added her thoughts, “You know what I’d like to see? A program that brings together preschoolers, high schoolers, and community members— three generations, so we can all see the other side and have more fun!”

Writing this article made me feel a greater connection to the Hay community, a community I wasn’t once close with. Now, when I walk down the street, there’s a greater chance I’ll see someone I know and can say hello to. It makes me want to connect with more programs and continue building confidence in meeting new people. – Meredith

The NSW Office of Sport provided funding for resources and training to establish the Active Spirits program. For further information contact Kristy at Hay Intereach on 0439 282 590.

The Riverine Grazier 13 November 2024

Article written by Meredith, student at Hay War Memorial High School.
This article appeared in  The Riverine Grazier, 13 November 2024.

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