‘Team 29’ took part in KEY+ to learn about volunteering and how they can help support the community during the festive season.

They decided to spend an afternoon in a care home where they dressed up and played games with the older residents, presenting them with personal Christmas cards and gifts throughout the day.

Team 29 were inspired to take on this project to strengthen intergenerational bonds and have a fun afternoon with other people. The project involved a lot of teamwork, communication, budgeting and managing conflicts. It also helped them understand the barriers that the elderly face whilst being a great thing to add to their CV too.

Talking about their experiences individually, Aman and Gabriel mentioned how “it has made me grateful for my youth.” The group also mentioned how this experience was “difficult emotionally but good” and “challenging but rewarding.” It also helped them to build confidence.

One of the group members also took the lead on handing out the Christmas Cards and wishing the residents a Merry Christmas which helped them to develop their leadership skills.

Overall, the group were said to have benefitted from this experience as it helped them to understand the barriers that the elderly face. The facilitator of the project, Helen, also mentioned how young people should be aware about “how sensitive going into a care home is” and be prepared “for how emotive it can be.” She said that she saw a different side to the group’s personalities as they shown empathy and compassion towards the residents.