NCS Volunteers Give Essex Care Home A Summer Makeover
Young volunteers, from the National Citizenship Service (NCS), raised over £400 to give Mundy House care home in Basildon a colourful and artistic garden.
As part of the refurbishment new plants were planted, garden furniture, decking and fences were painted and a stunning piece of wall art featuring a London bus and iconic red phone box were created.
Whilst volunteering at the home NCS scheme student volunteers befriended the residents of Mundy House Care Home, in Church Road and involved everyone with makeover activities.
Josi George, Home Manager at Mundy House, said: “The benefits of interaction across the generations is widely reported, and they were certainly evident during the NCS visits.
“While here, the students not only befriended the residents, getting them involved in activities, but we were also treated to a good old sing-along!”
NCS brings together young people from different backgrounds for a unique shared experience. It is open to 16 and 17 year olds for two or four weeks over the summer holidays. As part of the programme, participants take part in a community-based social action project.
This is the second time that NCS teams have visited Mundy House. On a summer afternoon in August 2018, NCS volunteers entertained everyone with karaoke, painting the ladies’ nails, providing tea and home-made cakes, playing word games, bingo and dancing with the residents.
Josi said: “We are so pleased that the NCS teams have again chosen to help Mundy House, and all of our residents and staff will miss them greatly.”
Darren Goodman, NCS2019 team leader, said: “Our team painted the garden furniture and decking area and we’d like to thank the staff and residents for the warm welcome we received, we’re very grateful, your hospitality was exceptional.”
Skye Goodman, a participant in NCS2019 team 4D said: “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, getting involved with the make-over activities and singing with them.”
Mundy House forms part of Larchwood Care and is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions. 79% of Larchwood Care Homes are rated as ‘Good’ or above by the CQC, above the industry average.