Service Industries students bring goodwill to the local elderly community

Students from the College’s Service Industries department have continued a very worthwhile project supporting the elderly in Oxfordshire, in partnership with Sovereign Housing Association, following on from the excellent success they had last year.

College staff accompanied Hair, Beauty and Social Care students to five different Sovereign-run housing developments for the elderly in Abingdon, Marcham, Wantage, Grove and Botley throughout November and December. They hosted indoor bowls games, provided nail care and massages, made cups of tea and simply had a good chat.

The residents fully appreciated the interaction and pampering from our learners and have already expressed their wish for the College to return in the new year, which we most certainly will. The students gained a huge amount also, learning so much from the elderly community with all the history and experiences they shared with us. Some students at first were challenged by the project, being outside of their comfort zone, yet in the end flourished and said how much they enjoyed themselves. Long may this fabulous project continue!

Nikki Samuels, Curriculum Manager, said: “Working with the elderly at Sovereign Housing has alleviated some of the isolation and loneliness felt by the residents whilst providing the students at the College vital interaction with the wider community, helping them develop their social skills and confidence.”