Foundation students have been building a relationship with local community support group wHoo Cares, visiting to chat with members and help with making drinks and serving food, plus organising and delivering bingo sessions!
As well as being great company for members of wHoo Cares, the visits also benefit the students who are able to develop their communication, organisation and team-working skills and improve their confidence – all beneficial for their progression to work or further study.
On 16 June, during National Loneliness Week, the tables were turned and it was the students’ turn to host! 33 guests from the over 55s group came along to our Medway campus, where they enjoyed home-made cake, sandwiches and refreshments and chatted to students. The students also created word searches and games as activities for them, taking care to ensure that they were suitable for an older generation!
They were joined by some of our talented photography students who took the opportunity to practice their skills and capture some great moments from the day.
wHoo Cares are based on the Hoo Peninsula in Kent and their aim is to reduce social isolation and loneliness. They support vulnerable or isolated members of the local community (within the ME3 postcode) by providing activities, shopping, transportation and befriending services.
Tracey, a volunteer for wHoo Cares who also sits on the Board of Trustees sent in a thank you following the event, commenting,
“What a privilege it was to see the students hosting this event. The games were interesting…I know a lot of preparation and co-ordination was undertaken to complete the event…please give all the students and staff a massive thank you for their welcome and interaction with us.”
Foundation students and staff were also delighted to receive some wonderful feedback from wHoo Cares Community Development Officer, Michelle Trumper about their work with them, who wrote:
“The collaboration between MidKent College Foundation students and our over 55's group has been such a positive experience. There were a few initial challenges which is not uncommon when people from different age groups come together, but it was heartening to see that with patience and understanding, both the students and the older members were able to build a strong connection. It was impressive to see the students' exceptional behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the project. Their willingness to help with various tasks, such as making drinks, serving food, and setting up the space, showed their commitment and sense of responsibility. The fact that they even took the initiative to organise and deliver bingo to the group demonstrates their active involvement and willingness to contribute in a meaningful way.
We received a number of thank you messages from members of our group to pass on to the students and this is testament to the positive impact they had on our community….It was heart-warming to watch this collaboration flourish, bringing connection between different generations.
On behalf of wHoo Cares and our members I would like to wish the students all the best for their futures. We are looking forward to hosting a new cohort of students in the upcoming educational year and hope the intergenerational project continues to thrive and create lasting connections.”
Tutor Emma Foxley said, “The event was a great way to end our year and continuing our relationship with wHoo Cares, who have thoroughly enjoyed the company of our students. There have been some specific bonds which have grown between students and guests at wHoo Cares which has been lovely to see. Two students had created special leaving gifts for their visitors and were allowed to swap contact details to continue contact in the future. They’ll also be volunteering in the summer for wHoo Cares as they have enjoyed it so much!”
Fantastic work, well done everyone!
