Basildon Care Homes Proves Age Is Just A Number With Community Youth Scheme
The Mundy House team with members of the National Citizenship Service scheme.
Residents at Mundy House Care Home in Basildon spent an afternoon with young volunteers as part of a national initiative called the National Citizenship Service.
From 10am until 4pm, the group interacted with the residents, entertaining them with karaoke, painting the ladies’ nails, providing tea and home-made cakes, playing word games, bingo and also dancing with the residents.
The teenagers also helped to paint the garden shed. All activities were provided through funds raised by the 14 young volunteers, through bake sales, tombola, and face-painting.
Josi George, Home Manager at Mundy House said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for some intergenerational communication and our residents absolutely loved having the young people in the home.
“Apart from painting the shed, which looks fantastic, the residents were able to take part in stimulating, fun-filled activities that reminded them of what it is like to be a teen again and that we’re all young at heart. We look forward to having the team back again.”
Helen Hounsell, Targeted Youth Advisor, Essex County Council said: “Our young adults had a very positive experience yesterday; it was lovely to see the interaction between young and old! There was such a lovely atmosphere, the staff were extremely welcoming and it was very moving to see the residents respond to the young adults singing and dancing with them.”
The National Citizen Service is open to all 15 – 17-year-olds in England. It helps build skills for work and life, the opportunity to take on new challenges and meet new friends. It is available in the spring, summer and autumn in Essex and involves two week long residentials’ culminating in planning and delivering a local community project.
