Students in Health and Social Care recently organised a special event for over 60 senior members of our local community. The event was planned and hosted by students in Years 11 and 12 and supported by a number of organisations including Health Watch, NHS Health Trainer, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), Age UK, and Dorothy Macdonald Catering.

Our guests, many of whom were residents of local care homes, joined us for afternoon tea, musical entertainment from our school choir and the Durham Constabulary Brass Band, and a range of activities including card making, bauble painting, cake decorating and knitting. Pamper sessions were available at a nail bar and massage station, provided free of charge by Essential Kneads Therapy Durham, and guests also enjoyed games, a tombola and a raffle.

Miss Buchanan, who organised the event with students explains the purpose, "As part of their BTEC studies students have been exploring the importance of creative and therapeutic activities in Health and Social Care settings. Students are required to organise a range of activities for a client group and, following discussions in class, they decided that they would like to give back to our local community and organise an event for senior citizens. They wanted the older generation to know that they are respected and valued."

Some of the care home residents who attended the party used to be King James pupils so the event was an excellent opportunity for them to reflect on the fond memories they have. It was also interesting for our students to hear and compare stories about school life.

Our senior citizens have so much to offer our young people in terms of life experience and local knowledge. We hope that everyone enjoyed the afternoon and that this is the first of many intergenerational events at King James. Funds raised on the day will be donated to Zoe's Place Baby Hospice.

Health And Social Care Christmas Event

At Christmas, our Health and Social Care department organised a special event for over sixty senior members of our community. With music, games and pamper treatments, along with lunch, the event was a huge success.