College student from Oxford pampers care home residents at Reading College - Yahoo News UK

[Jacob Manuschka]

A group of college students welcomed 15 guests from care homes and elderly support charities for a morning of pampering and afternoon tea last week.

Among the students was 17-year-old Holly McAlister from Oxford, who is studying a Level 1 Diploma in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector at Reading College and University Centre.

The event, held on Wednesday, May 14, was inspired by this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme of community.

Sania Iqbal, a Level 1 Hair and Beauty student, gives Gilly Smith, a resident at Lakeside Care Home, a facial (Image: Activate Learning)

Level 1 Hair and Beauty student Amelia Ostapiuk gives Valerie, a resident at Shinfield View Care Home, a hand and arm massage (Image: Activate Learning) Residents from Lakeside Care Home in Reading and Shinfield View Care Home, along with three volunteers from Age UK, were invited to the college on King’s Road.



ADVERTISEMENT

They were treated to a choice of a blow-dry, facial, head massage, or manicure.

After the pampering session, they enjoyed an afternoon tea, consisting of a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and coffee, prepared and served by professional culinary arts students.

Ms McAlister said: "It was good to take part in the event. I did a manicure. It was nice to do a treatment on a care home resident.

"It was a good experience as the skin type was different, and it made me feel better. The lady liked it."

Maureen, a resident at Lakeside Care Home, with Tia-Iris Whinnerah, a Hairdressing Level 3 student who blow dried her hair (Image: Activate Learning)

Franco, a Hairdressing Level 3 student blow dries Lakeside Care Home resident Dorothy Ballard's hair (Image: Activate Learning) Dorothy Ballard, a resident at Lakeside Care Home, added: "It’s been absolutely fantastic.



ADVERTISEMENT

"It was a lovely surprise and to have our hair dressed, I think that was a great help. We’ve really enjoyed it all.

"We’ve met so many nice young people and that is the most important thing because they’re our future.

"They have been absolutely fantastic, everything they made, how they acted, they were absolutely wonderful. Thank you on our behalf."

The event was funded by Activate Learning’s charitable initiative MindGreen, which supports the wellbeing of its staff and students across its campuses in Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and beyond.

Dorothy, Margaret, another resident and a member of staff from Lakeside Care Home enjoy afternoon tea (Image: Activate Learning)

Shinfield Care Home residents Rodney, Hazel, Valerie, and Audrey and a member of staff enjoy afternoon tea (Image: Activate Learning) Charlotte Morgan, regional head of student experience and Berkshire and mental health lead at Activate Learning, said: “We were thrilled to be joined by residents from Shinfield View, Lakeside Care, and Age UK on Wednesday for a morning of pampering and an afternoon tea.



ADVERTISEMENT

“This event gave our students the opportunity to work with some of the older generation, share stories, and laugh together.

"The students enjoyed showcasing their talents in hospitality, hair and beauty, and the guests certainly enjoyed the cakes, sandwiches, and treatments.

“The event was a huge success and a real wellbeing boost for all involved. We were so pleased to hear so much laughter and singing in The Kitchen restaurant, a true sign of community cohesion demonstrating the benefits of us all coming together.”