Care Home Visitors

13 pupils visit two different care homes on a weekly basis to support activities coordinators as part of the Lower Sixth Service and Leadership Programme at King's College.

Aims

To give pupils experience in the wider community, working independently, taking their own initiative and having responsibility for providing afternoon entertainment.

To permit pupils to enhance their communication skills, meet new people and contribute to the friendly, welcoming and reassuring atmosphere of a local care home.

To enable intergenerational volunteering and enable young people to meet older people who they would not usually meet or socialise with, which can help to build understanding between generations, challenge stereotypes and break down barriers.

Background

A link with Calway House Care Home was first established during The Big Help Out in 2022, however a regular partnership was formed in September 2024 with musicians visiting to perform to residents once per half term.

In September 2025, a new service and leadership programme enabled weekly visits to Calway House and also second care home, Moorhaven (also part of Somerset Care), to support existing activities in both homes.

Both care homes were identified because of their proximity to King's College.

Resources

Pupils undergo DBS checks to visit the homes/residents. 

Overseen by the Partnerships and Community Engagement Coordinator.

Any resources are financed by King's College.

Impact

Staff, residents & pupils will be involved with regular feedback. Pupils  complete written self-reflection logs each week.  Success will be based on positive engagement, enjoyment of tasks, a sense of purpose, increased social competencies (interpersonal, cultural, conflict resolving etc.) and confident communication skills, among other things.

Pupil Involvement

13 pupils from Lower Sixth (aged 16/17).

Frequency

Weekly visits for approximately one hour during term time, 20-25 weeks in total.