NCS students bring 'rays of sunshine'

NCS students bring ‘rays of sunshine’ to patients at Teesside Hospice...

Over the past week Teesside Hospice has welcomed 13 students, aged 15 and 16, taking part in the 4-week National Citizen Service programme. The programme encourages young people to take an active role in their community, through volunteering and fundraising.

The students researched local services during a planning week, to identify needs in the local community and discuss how they could make a difference.

Working with adults and the older generation was important to the students, and they identified a need for volunteers at Teesside Hospice. They were keen to socialise with the patients, and get them involved in fun activities.

The team raised the funds needed to clear and improve the hospice’s external bin area, through a raffle. They managed to raise a total of £256 to spend on the project, and bought flowers, planters and materials to paint the area.

Throughout the week the students also hosted an afternoon tea to enjoy with the patients, cleared and decorated the bin area, and partnered up with patients in the day hospice to paint some plant pots together, which were later filled with soil and flowers.

These activities have benefited both the students and the patients, with both groups improving their concentration and focus. The students learned valuable life skills to get them thinking about volunteering and their employability, such as teamwork and social skills. For our patients the painting was therapeutic, helping them to relax and exercise their muscles, alleviating some of their pain.

One NCS student told us: “We loved making a difference to our local hospice and to the patients. I have learned so much over the week and I will miss coming to see everyone. Thank you so much for having us.”

Anne Hall, Nurse at Teesside Hospice, commented: “What an amazing group of young people. They took time to talk to our patients, and brought rays of sunshine to their day. Thank you NCS for your kindness and enthusiasm.”

Well done to all of our wonderful volunteers; thank you for all of your help, what a fantastic week!