Published on 20 July 2020
The MATEY (Matching Aged To Engaging Youngsters) Pilot Project 2020 was developed by Camden Council to connect those currently isolated and with limited technological knowledge, focusing specifically on connecting Camden’s children and older people during a time of social isolation.
The program aims to:
- Reduce social isolation;
- Create connections across generations; and
- Establish ongoing relationships between aged care and seniors’ groups and childcare centres into the future
Council received a number of expressions of interest from childcares and aged groups in the Camden LGA. Eleven childcare centres and eleven seniors’ groups from four aged care facilities signed on to take part in the initiative, which included an eight-week program including connecting through MATEY Mail (snail mail), MATEY Snaps (photos) and MATEY Meet ups (zoom catch ups).
As the MATEY pilot project comes to a close, Channel Nine News developed a feature story highlighting these partnerships, the benefits of connecting through the MATEY project and where the MATEY project is heading in the future.
The story highlighted the success of reducing social isolation for those in aged care facilities and seniors’ groups, improvement of wellbeing for all those involved, and the development of new intergenerational relationships formed across the Camden LGA.
The partnerships and relationships that were developed and established will be continued by some beyond the pilot project through the means of MATEY Mail and MATEY Meet ups (zoom).
If you or your organisation is interested in partaking with the MATEY Project in the future, please fill out our Expression of Interest form. Or for additional information regarding the MATEY Project please contact the Children and Family Officer on 4654 7879.