The Links Care Home
Sixth Form pupils, usually considering a medical career, spend two hours every Monday afternoon, helping staff in a dementia home.They organise activities that stimulate the residents, as well as simply talking to them.
Due to the Covid pandemic - this partnership has been paused until the organisation feels it safe to accept volunteers again.
Aims
To support the residents of the home.
To offer potential medical students firsthand experience of a widespread condition, and to improve their communication skills (often in difficult circumstances).
Resources
Apart from taking the pupils to the home, no Canford staff are involved. Pupils are under the direct management of the home's staff while they are here helping.
Impact
Informal feedback from the home indicates that the help offered is useful.
Pupil Involvement
Given the nature of the home, only Sixth Form pupils are involved. They are mostly potential medical students.
Frequency
Two hours every Monday afternoon throughout the academic year.