Evaluation
Our approach to intergenerational program evaluation blends evidence-based tools with the lived experience of participants, families, educators and aged-care teams.
We define success through shifts in belonging, empathy, confidence and community participation, and we measure what matters: real human change. Our programs are continuously reviewed and refined, using participant feedback, reflective practice and appropriate evaluation frameworks.
This commitment to learning ensures our intergenerational experiences remain safe, meaningful and transformative for both young people and older adults
Heart & Soul Story’s Seniors & Teen’s Empathy Program (TM) has been run across multiple high schools and aged care organisations impacting hundreds of students and aged care residents.
Examples of the impact of our intergenerational program can be found in the 2021 OPAL HEALTHCARE SOCIAL IMPACT REPORT (P17-18) and SEFA PARTNERSHIPS Impact Report
Program Specific Impact
Below is feedback from a broad range of people impacted as a result of taking part in STEP, from program participants themselves, to staff, families including organisations outside of schools and aged care who have been inspired by the work to see how they may apply intergenerational strategies within their own organisations.
Video reflections and post-program surveys are important tools for the evaluation and improvement of any program.
What Young People Tell Us
Across 8 years of running intergenerational programs with teenagers, the same themes consistently emerge in post-program surveys:
- Increased patience, confidence, gratitude and a sense of hope for the future
- A stronger feeling of connection to their local community
- Greater appreciation for what they have in their own lives
- A realisation of how much they share in common with older participants — breaking down stereotypes, shifting mindsets, and directly contributing to reducing ageism
What Older Adults and Their Carers Notice
Feedback from older participants — and the staff who support them — highlights significant wellbeing benefits:
- Increased cognitive and physical confidence
- Feeling valued, seen, and purposeful within their community
- A greater sense of connection and willingness to join activities inside their aged care home
- A renewed sense of meaning, contribution, and purpose in daily life
Dementia Inclusive Impact – Intergenerational Film “The Ripple Effect”
Supported by Sutherland Shire Council, Heart & Soul Story delivered an adapted version of the Seniors & Teens Empathy Program (STEP) as part of an intergenerational trial between Sylvania High School and older people living with dementia at HammondCare Miranda.
The resulting short film, The Ripple Effect, now serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the importance of thoughtfully designed intergenerational connection. It highlights how sensitive, strengths-based programming can foster meaningful relationships, spark community conversations, and build sustainable pathways for improving the wellbeing and mental health of both young people and older adults.
The Ripple Effect premiered at the Sutherland Shire Seniors Festival on 23 March 2024 and is now available to watch on YouTube and below.
See the videos below from students, parents, teachers and older people talking about the impact being part of an intergenerational program has had on them.
” We benefited by developing empathy and it broke down stereotypical barriers” Casper & Owen
” A break from stress” Sabrina
“It’s a fun learning experience, and their stories often relate to situations we are going through“
“I found that talking to older people was beneficial because I learned about myself.”
“I found this program very educational and fun. Each week got even better as I stopped worrying about it as much and looked forward to the different conversations I could have with the residents”
“I have learned that older people are not what you think,
they are full of wisdom and teach a lot to younger generations”
“Something that I will take away from this experience is how the residents were really just like any other” person. It was very encouraging to see how similar we all are despite our differences.”
“I loved learning about how like was when they were children. I think this made me reflect on my own behaviour, and how privileged we are to be living in the time that we do.
This taught me to appreciate things more”
“Gave me a wiser, more experienced view I am going to keep with me forever” Wil
Teachers
“Intergenerational programs change their lives” Anthony Dennehy
“Magical to see the bonds form in their relationships – they treasured the friendships they made and it had a huge impact on them” Sarah Travis year 10 teacher
Aged Care Residents
“We learn from each other” Katina
Katina, who worked for QANTAS for years and volunteered at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, loves being part of the program. She calls the sessions her ‘lessons’ as she feels that she is learning as much from the students as they learn from her.
“We wish them every success in life”
Ken, who drove trucks across Australia for years, loves to have a laugh with the students and even if he is having a midday nap, jumps out of bed every Tuesday when he knows they are coming to chat.
Want to have your own impact?
Reach out to chat with us about how to go about setting up your own intergenerational program or having one run for you.
Weekly updates are written by participating students with guidance/ assistence when needed of the Program Facilitator.
Over the years the Seniors & Teens Empathy Program has been running, hundreds of these Updates have been distributed to students, residents, staff & families.
The benefits of these such updates is numerous
- Provide an overview of the session for families of both the students and residents, allowing the stories of that day’s session to ripple out to loved ones.
- As a program may run once a week only, for example at Annandale on a Tuesday afternoon, the Update can be an anticipated read for residents to share with their visiting family members.
- It allows residents whose memories may be fading to read about the visit and also continue to learn more about the other residents they are sharing their home with, creating a stronger sense of community cohesion.
- Can be collated at the end of the program as a keepsake memento of time spent together
- Can be used to educate new and often rotating aged care staff members about the likes and histories of some of the people they are caring for
- Can be used as templates for social media posts to help encourage more intergenerational connection in our community ! ( provided waivers and approvals have been secured)
The benefits of these such updates is numerous
- Provide an overview of the session for families of both the students and residents, allowing the stories of that day’s session to ripple out to loved ones.
- As a program may run once a week only, for example at Annandale on a Tuesday afternoon, the Update can be an anticipated read for residents to share with their visiting family members.
- It allows residents whose memories may be fading to read about the visit and also continue to learn more about the other residents they are sharing their home with, creating a stronger sense of community cohesion.
- Can be collated at the end as a keepsake memento of time spent together
- Can be used to educate new and often rotating aged care staff members about the likes and histories of some of the people they are caring for
- Can be used as templates for social media posts ( provided waivers and approvals have been secured) to help encourage more intergenerational connection in our community !
STEP Term 3 2025, Weekly Update Session 6 by Samantha Heron