As well as weekly flower deliveries, NOSS hospitality clients are now learning on-the-job skills serving coffee in the home’s café, while others join residents for a monthly activity and chat session.

Calvary Riverside Views lifestyle coordinator Karen Carter and NOSS programs and community team program coordinator Nick Cashion said the relationship was a win-win situation for residents and participants, bringing two person-centred services together with mutual benefits.

“It started with NOSS clients coming to the home each Thursday to gift arrangements they created from donated flowers to their service,” Ms Carter said. “It’s a real ‘pay it forward’ moment, and it has bloomed from there.

“We have a trolley that the clients pack with arrangements and take around to residents’ rooms. The residents love it, especially those who are bed-bound or don’t feel up to leaving their rooms. Even our gentlemen love flowers. They’re colourful and it just brightens their day.”

Creating community connections

Calvary Riverside resident Lynn Elliott talked with Karen about holding a regular afternoon tea so residents and the young participants could have more time to chat and connect. The sessions are now monthly, and popular with both groups.

“We were getting the joy of receiving the flowers and then I thought about the lovely young people who were so excited to be here, but the contact was limited because there was never enough time,” said the 82-year-old.

“I thought why couldn’t the kids come and spend some time to see our home and our lives here. I thought they might enjoy it.”

The relationship has grown organically and when the home decided to reinstate its coffee club, inviting NOSS’ participation was a natural fit.

“The coffee club is our latest connection,” Mr Cashion said. “It will give NOSS clients undertaking our hospitality courses the opportunity to hone their skills and get valuable experience.

“NOSS is all about promoting independence and growth and enriching the quality of life for people with a disability.

“We also support, train and employ people with a disability, so learning the skills to do flower arrangement and getting hands-on customer service experience by serving and chatting to people in a café environment are great opportunities for that.

“Each of the programs is a chance to give back and for participants to connect with their community.”

Forming intergenerational bonds

Ms Carter said the programs reflected Calvary’s ethos that everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued.

“There is no judgement or barriers when they are chatting with each other. It’s lovely to see. They just enjoy each other’s company, and some residents and clients gravitated toward each other forming a bit of a bond.”

Like needlework enthusiast Lynn, who connected straight away with a young woman with musical treble clefs on her jeans. “I thought they looked really good. I always look out now for ‘the girl with the music pants’.”

That young woman is Shaz, who likewise feels a personal connection.

"I look forward to going to the Calvary home to have a cup of coffee and a chin wag. We talk to each other about relatable subjects like family, friends, and the past,” said Shaz.

“I feel comfortable when I am around her. I always look forward to seeing her and when I leave, I miss her. She is like a grandma to me."

The date for the most recent Calvary - NOSS catch up was Thursday 24 July at 1.30pm, when Calvary Riverside Views hosted a ‘Christmas in July’ celebration for residents.