SHARE project inspires strong connections at Templestowe

Collingwood Hall of Famer Thorold and former aviation engineer John have had their life stories celebrated as part of the SHARE program at Bolton Clarke’s Templestowe Manor.

The Bolton Clarke Research Institute storytelling program brings residents and students in a series of conversations that become the foundation of individual life story books.

University student Leya has worked with Thorold, John and their families over the past eight weeks and presented their newly-printed books to them as part of the celebrations.

“I was so happy to see John and Thorold get their hands on the physical copy of their books and that the families got to have a read,” she said.

“John and Thorold are both such inspiring people with really interesting stories.

“The most important thing about this project is that it gives an opportunity for residents to talk about those special moments from their lives.”

The research-based program aims to change intergenerational perceptions of ageing and improve resident wellbeing. School and university students use conversation cues from photographs and memorabilia as prompts to put together residents’ recollections.

Lifestyle Coordinator Ana said the Templestowe community wanted to celebrate the final product for not only John and Thorold, but for Leya’s work with them to bring their stories to life.

“We wanted to give Leya a big hooray that she has completed her placement and this valuable piece of work,” Ana said.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity to get to know what’s important to each resident and bring to light information about them that maybe some of their family members or our team may not know.

“The final product of having this book is something that we can hand over to residents and their families and it holds that legacy for their future generations.”