Care Homes Scoop Award For Helping Teens Become Top Citizens

A GROUP of Teesside care homes has received a top award from the Middlesbrough FC Foundation.

Hill Care Group homes in Stockton and Middlesbrough were recognised for their ongoing support with the club’s National Citizenship Service (NCS) programme. 

NCS volunteers, all aged 15 to 17, spent time at the homes organising games and activities for residents, carrying out garden work and supporting events.

The aim of the programme is to help the students gain social skills, develop their confidence and sense of responsibility, as well as make new friends.

Mandale House Care Home, in Thornaby, Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, and The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, have all welcomed the volunteers.

Julie Walker, customer relations officer for the Hill Care Group, was among those who attended the Middlesbrough FC Foundation NCS Awards event.

She said: “Everyone at our homes are so proud to have received this brilliant award.

“Having the young people in our homes has been a real joy for our residents.

“They bring so much energy and it’s so lovely to hear all the chatter and see them connect with the older generation.

“We hope that we can continue to support the scheme for many years to come.”

Claire Streeter, social inclusion manager at Middlesbrough FC Foundation, said: “This summer more than 130 young people aged 15-17 have taken part in the programme.

“The partnerships we have with local services like Hill Care are so instrumental.

“Visiting local care homes, interacting with elderly residents and supporting activities throughout the homes has helped our young participants develop their social skills and also gain a greater understanding of how different people are supported within our local community.”