Teenagers volunteer at Stansted care home

A group of teenagers from Uttlesford spent three days volunteering at a care home in Stansted Mountfitchet last week as part of a government project.

The team of 11 youngsters, aged 16-17, from Saffron Walden County High, Joyce Franklin Academy, Friends’ School and Helena Romanes, visited Broome End Care Home from Tuesday August 11 to Thursday August 13.

The teens were taking part in the National Citizens Service (NCS), which is a government initiative for 15 and 17-year-olds designed to develop new skills, confidence and broaden horizons.

After two weeks of team building activities in the programme, the youngsters spent time at the home chatting and decorating cookies with Broome End’s elderly residents.

Emily Roscoe, Broome End care worker, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed spending time with these lovely young people.

“This is the most I’ve seen them smile in the six years I’ve worked here. I’d love to see them come back again next year.”

MP for Saffron Walden, Sir Alan Haselhurst, visited the youngsters on August 13 to show his support for the project.

He said: “This is my third year of visiting an NCS project and once again I am greatly impressed.

“These young people have gained so much confidence in interacting with older people. The project has shown you that whatever your disposition, and whatever your capacity, everyone has the human capacity needed to care for people.”

Skye Wilson, 16, who is a pupil at The Helena Romanes School, said: “NCS has been amazing, it’s made me feel so much more confident about things. We had to rate our confidence at the start of the programme and three weeks ago I was a two out of ten, now I’m a nine! It’s been so worthwhile.”