The cascade effect between generations

The life skills of older people cascade into young people.

It’s one of the many benefits reaped from the intergenerational exchange at Amberley Retirement Village between youthful staff and residents.

Broomfield youngster Summer Sutherland has been a grounds person there since April.

She spends her workday weeding, cutting back and dead heading plants, weed eating, undertaking planting jobs, and being that go-to person.

“If one of the residents needs something done, we’re the ones to ask,” she said, speaking on behalf of her and her grounds team of three.

The 18 year-old has spent plenty of time in the garden with her mum, but working on other people’s gardens and not wanting to “mess them up” was new pressure, but her nerves did not last long.

“The residents look out for me, and teach me new gardening tricks which is good.”

Freshly made pikelets are always gratefully received too.

That’s her formal job, but informally Summer is also gaining so many skills, regularly interacting with residents and obtaining valuable communication skills that will stand her in good stead well into the future.

Village manager Steve Hutt said it’s always enjoyable seeing the interaction between young staff and residents, and everyone enjoys it.

“It’s all that intergenerational stuff which is so valuable,” he said

Sutherland has close relationships with her grandparents and enjoys the company and interaction of the older generation, but Mayor Marie Black conceded that for a lot of young people, there is no natural link into the older generation.

“The general gestures and social exchanges that happen as a result of a young person working at the Village are so beneficial for everyone,” said Mayor Black.

Hutt said the residents tell him they enjoy the energy of the youth, it’s like a two-way street where everyone benefits.

“It’s a bit like the plants Summer is working with, when you see a young person grow and blossom, it’s fantastic.”

After completing Year 13 at Rangiora High school last year, Sutherland was keen to find work and develop her skills. Long term she would like to study Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology at University.

In her venture to find work, she joined the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme through Hurunui District Council. MTFJ Coordinator Anna Scott had heard about a ground’s person job available, and Sutherland was keen to apply.

“I was thinking of retail or learning to be a barista, I hadn’t even thought about this as a job,” said Sutherland.

She enjoys the support from management staff at Amberley Retirement Village, and the trust that is placed in the teams to do the best job possible.

Sutherland is the second young job seeker the Village has taken on through MTFJ.

Scott said Sutherland’s enthusiastic personality was an asset for the Village right from the start, and through MTFJ she was able to get help with gaining her first aid, interview preparation, driving lessons to help her achieve her restricted licence, and acquiring PPE and tools needed for the role.

Sutherland admitted it was stressful job hunting, and MTFJ was a great support.

“There is always a position out there for you, people are more than willing to help.”

Mayor Black said being involved in a workplace that gives young people belief in themselves is huge, providing an opportunity where they can prove themselves.

The financial support from Ministry of Social Development through its partnership with MTFJ, coupled with welcoming local work places like Amberley Retirement Village, is what Mayor Marie Black described as a great force.

“It means young people can explore options for their own future, with the luxury of support networks right at their doorstep,” said Mayor Black.