Back in 2009 a group of university
students from all walks of life decided to have a Christmas carol
get-together with the elderly in a local sheltered accommodation
building for elderly people (Chelsea Court). It proved a great success
and generated a very positive response for both generations! Since
then we have gone back on a regular basis, teaming up with Family Mosaic
to host bingo games, tea parties, jewellery-making sessions or just
setting aside an hour or two in the afternoons to visit individuals for a
chat and a cup of tea, help them while moving flat or aiding them in
their shopping.
A
resident of Chelsea Court commented that life in the building has
improved considerably since our group started going, and that many of
them look forward to the activities - some have even started planning
social activities of their own and inviting us over, inspired by the
success of previous events.
From
time to time we have also brought volunteers from the Tamezin Club
Seniors, girls who are in Secondary School, encouraging them to give
their time, talents and energy generously to brighten up the residents'
lives and bridge the generation gap. Most recently we had a Christmas
carol party with minced pies and mulled wine. 14 volunteers attended,
with ages ranging from 11 years old to 25. The younger ones distributed
their home-made biscuits and Christmas crackers, made specially for the
occasion.
"I
didn't know half the carols" said Julia, who is 14 and from Peckham,
"but I enjoyed it anyway, the old people were really enthusiastic. I
think it's good to give time to things like this."
Jane,
who is 21 and a Music student from Hong Kong was playing the keyboard
for the carols. "I loved it!" she said. "The atmosphere was really nice,
and everyone got involved. The residents were really touched by the
home-made things the girls had brought. They kept thanking us over and
over again as we left."
