Brighton MET students spread Christmas cheer at local care home

Students from Brighton MET College spent the day at a residential care home on the run up to Christmas.

A class of 11 Health and Social Care students visited Fairdene Lodge on Friday 8 December, where they made decorations and helped spread the Christmas spirit with those living with dementia.

The Level 1 students were tasked with speaking to people from different cultures, backgrounds and generations for their unit, which covers ‘Overcoming Barriers to Communication’.

Fairdene Lodge manager, Nosi Ncube said: “I have been amazed at the level of respect you have shown our residents. The care and compassion has been flowing from you all.”

Sally Garforth, Health and Social Care and Early Years lecturer at Brighton MET, said: “It was a massive success. The residents were so pleased to see and talk to people from the younger generation and the students were able to really understand the difficulties in communicating with people living with dementia.

“We hope this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial arrangement between Fairdene and MET as the opportunity for students to experience real life care situations is invaluable to their learning, experience in the sector and personal growth.”

Smaller groups of students have been offered the opportunity to return for afternoon tea, where they can spend extra time with residents, who also look forward to their company.