International Day of Friendship - Friends Across Our Centres

International Day of Friendship was first proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly to acknowledge and honour, “the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.” Throughout all stages of life, friendships are important but perhaps as we age, they are integral for us to age well and to dispel loneliness, improve health and promote wellbeing. Across our Salvation Army Aged Care sites, there are many heart-warming examples of friendship to inspire and encourage.  

At Kubirri Aged Care Centre (“Kubirri”), John and Shorty (pictured above) are a pair that make the most of the Queensland heat, as they bond over a shared love of gardening. Their rooms are situated next to each other and therefore they share a garden space outside their windows, too. Shorty is an avid gardener and his love for tending to the garden has been what has united the men. “He’s got heaps of plants out there and he’s bought me a couple of plants because he goes to the market every Saturday,” tells John. “I’ve always been interested in and plants and growing veggies and Shorty’s right into plants as well,” he says. “I get along very well with Shorty." When asked what he thinks makes for a great friendship, John notes the importance of good conversation.  

Gill Waminda Aged Care Centre (“Gill Waminda”) resident Brian is a great example of what it means to be a friendly face to all. Brian has been living at Gill Waminda for the last four years and is a local from the Goulburn area. Whilst Brian already knew many familiar faces from his various jobs around Goulburn, he has formed even more friendships as he helps deliver the mail throughout the Centre.  

When reflecting on how he has become so connected with people at the Centre, Brian notes that it is mainly by ‘having a go at everything.’ He plays Bingo at the Centre and assists with decorating it for different function. Rebecca Ness, the Centre’s Lifestyle Assistant says that Brian is the biggest advocate for getting involved and often brings new people along to activities.  

When Brian was asked his advice for making friends within an Aged Care Centre, he said: “There’s always someone and staff who can talk to you and can help sort out a problem. Don’t carry it - everyone will help you if you ask.” When reflecting on the key ingredient for what makes for a great friendship, Brian notes, “trust and loyalty. If you say you’re going to do something – you do!”