Researchers awarded Ageing Well grant for PlayForever research

Media Release | 26 May 2025

We are proud to announce that our research team from within the Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development (CHSD) has secured a $25,000 grant through the Office for Ageing Well Impact Research Grants for Ageing Well 2024–2025. This funding is part of the South Australian State Government’s Office for Ageing Well’s Ageing Well Community and Research Grants 2024-2025.

This initiative allocates a total of $750,000 to projects that enhance the lives of older South Australians from diverse communities and backgrounds, helping them age well and ensuring their lifelong contributions are recognised.

The grant supports the “PlayForever: An Exploration of Participation in Intergenerational Playgroups in Diverse South Australian Communities” project, led by Dr Louise Townsin, Associate Professor Clare Littleton from the Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development, and Craig Bradbrook from Playgroup SA.

Playgroups connect generations for mutual growth

The project investigates intergenerational playgroups, which unite older adults, young children, and their families in a shared, play-focused environment designed to boost cognitive stimulation, foster social inclusion, and strengthen community ties.

“Our study will yield vital insights into the drivers that promote or hinder community engagement in intergenerational playgroups,” said Dr Louise Townsin.

“The findings will not only enrich the academic evidence base but will also have practical applications, supporting initiatives that enhance community connections and improve the well-being of older adults.”

Older people and loneliness

Intergenerational playgroups unite children, parents, and older friends in the community in a unique, enriching environment. This research will help us expand participation and bring our communities even closer together – Playgroup SA are delighted to be partnering with Torrens University,” said Craig Bradbrook from Playgroup SA.

Research to uncover what makes people participate in playgroups

“PlayForever” examines how intergenerational playgroups, an established program of Playgroup SA now operating across 33 sites in South Australia, can benefit community wellbeing.

Despite their proven potential to enhance mental health and reduce social isolation, little is known about why people participate or don’t. This research employs an innovative 2 phase mixed-methods approach:

1. Phase 1: An adapted survey will provide rapid, qualitative assessments of two selected playgroups (1 in urban Adelaide and 1 in regional SA) to look at how physical features, social organisation, social networks, and community narratives influence people’s participation.
2. Phase 2: Insights captured from phase one will inform the development of a survey distributed across the Playgroup SA network, gathering broader perspectives on community engagement and understanding of intergenerational playgroups. The results will guide the creation of a comprehensive framework for enhancing participation and will inform policy, promote best practices, and support the sustainable operation of such programs.

The outcomes of this research will be disseminated via research outputs, an academic article, presentations at the annual Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice conference, and through state and national playgroup network events. A community report and a practical toolkit will also be developed to assist stakeholders in implementing the participation framework.

Media enquiries: media.enquiries@torrens.edu.au