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“I Look Forward to Them Coming Every Week” – Volunteering Local Students Putting a Smile on Care Home Residents Faces

Residents at a local care home have been enjoying visits from The Beaconsfield School students who have been carrying out volunteer work as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award activities.

Over several weeks, pupils from the school have been visiting Signature at Beaconsfield. During this time, they have got stuck into a range of activities including giant scrabble, big balloon games, arts and crafts and quizzes alongside the 69 residents at the care home.

Despite their differing generations, connections were made as residents and students swapped anecdotes and stories. Students were able to benefit from the care home residents’ experiences, while residents were able to embrace students’ ‘young at heart’ approach to life.

Alongside providing care and companionship for residents inside the care home, pupils from the school have additionally helped to maintain Signature at Beaconsfield’s grounds, benefiting from residents’ backgrounds in gardening and were eager to pass on their knowledge and help to the group.

This has included the planting of flowers, as well as herbs and vegetables that will be harvested later this year.
The collaboration between the care home and school marks a corner turned for both generations following the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Reflecting on the sessions, Helen Abbott, Activities Coordinator at the care home, said:
“Bringing the youngsters into the home after the COVID period has been fantastic. The opportunity to provide the residents with 1 to 1 activity sessions has been a joy, and it is wonderful to see their faces light up when given the chance to engage with the children in the Beaconsfield community.”

Pat B, a resident at Signature at Beaconsfield, added:
“The students are very friendly – it makes the home feel like it would be if I was at home with my grandchildren. I look forward to them coming every week, they truly make the care home a wonderful environment to be in.”

When asked how the students have found visiting the home, Miss Holt, Duke of Edinburgh Manager at The Beaconsfield School, said:
“The students have enjoyed attending the care home each week and look forward to it on a Friday afternoon. The students have built relationships with the residents and have learnt about the resident’s stories, their favourite games and how hard it is to garden. It is a fantastic opportunity for the students at the Beaconsfield school.”

 

 
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