GenK Connect

​GenK Connect is an intergenerational project which aims to destigmatise dementia, build community skills in communicating with people living with dementia and reduce the social isolation experienced by people living with dementia and their carers. The project is co-led by Penny Bingham, a writer and dementia educator. A project pilot is currently underway in Hepburn, a small town in Victoria (see details below). 

The Babushka Effect

Watch Penny's presentation on The Babushka Effect for the Congress of Older Women's Voices from the Margins at #Embolden2024, exploring the [un]Silencing of Older Women. 

GenK Connect, Hepburn

​GenK Connect is an intergenerational project based in Hepburn. The project is a codesigned by Penny Bingham and the Dementia Carers Support Group.  The group identified the need to destigmatise dementia and promote social connection for people living with dementia and carers. At the heart of the project is an intergenerational exchange of information between the carers of people living with dementia, people living with dementia and younger community members. Carers and people living with dementia are invited to write a letter to younger people telling them about the experience of living with dementia and being a carer – and why social connection is so important. Younger people are then invited to respond and consider ways to connect. 

GenK Connect, Hepburn is a partnership with Central Highlands Rural Health and is supported by Elder Rights Advocacy.  

The need 

Contact us 

For more information, contact project coordinator Dr Catherine Barrett on [email protected] or 0429582237