Samantha Heron of Heart and Soul Story said she is “so thankful to have yet another group of such enthusiastic and thoughtful students taking part in this year’s STEP program”.
“While we have not been able to return to face to face program that kicked off in 2019 due to ongoing issues with COVID, the students have shown a great deal of patience and understanding as we continue our virtual visits,” Samantha said.
“Annandale Grove Care Community has a number of residents who require a high level of care, and it’s not always easy with the added barriers of masks and technology, yet the students continue to show a willingness to patiently adapt, be flexible and tell stories that bring smiles to the residents’ faces.”
Arky talked about meeting Nick Krygios, and Charlie discussed sharing special time with her grandfather in the UK when she was younger.
Residents shared stories such as Louise’s recent visit to the Surry Hills Cat Cafe for her birthday, while Katina spoke with pride about the history of her original home, Thessaloniki in Greece.
Resident Katina thanked the students for being part of “this important program where we learn from each other”.
Earlier this month, students sang Happy Birthday to resident Louise.
The group has bonded over their love for animals, with Gemma even sharing that she might like to be a vet in the future.
“It was great for Lydia to be there to hear Gemma’s aspirations to be a vet, given her great love for animals and animal welfare.
“And Maddie couldn’t have given a better present to Louise than to talk about her six-year-old cats Sebastian and Mr Bigglesworth.
“Next week is the final Zoom visit for this group of students, where we welcome parents and carers to join the session.
“We then look forward to welcoming a new group of students into the lives of residents in Term 2,” Samantha said.
IGS is grateful to Annandale Grove Care residents and staff for making this mutually beneficial program possible.
