Dawson Lodge care home hosts Duke of Edinburgh volunteers

Dawson Lodge care home in Southampton has been fostering meaningful connections across generations through a partnership with Woodlands Community College. 

Over recent months, pupils from Woodlands College have been joining residents at Dawson Lodge regularly as part of their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering. The visits have brought residents and pupils together through a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, baking sessions and quizzes moving to music and other opportunities to share stories, laughter and plenty of conversation.

The friendly atmosphere has been a particular highlight for residents, with residents looking forward to every visit. The partnership has also extended beyond the care home, with residents invited to Woodlands Community College for their Baking Buddies event. Dawson Lodge residents travelled to the college to join pupils for an afternoon of baking, giving them a wonderful opportunity to step back into a school environment and see the pupils in their own space.

The relationship between the home and college continues to flourish, with more exciting events planned for the coming months. Those living at Dawson Lodge have been invited to attend the college’s spring production of Mary Poppins, something they are very much looking forward to.

Kirsten Tennant, Home Manager at Dawson Lodge, said:

It’s been fantastic to see the collaboration across the generations, with the pupils not only fulfilling their Duke of Edinburgh requirements but having such a strong impact on our residents. We would like to thank Woodlands Community College and their pupils for their enthusiasm, kindness, and warmth, which have brought so much enjoyment to our residents here at Dawson Lodge.

Mary Sheppard, resident at Dawson Lodge, said:

The students from Woodlands Community College were so friendly and polite. They have brought smiles to our faces with every visit. It’s been lovely to spend time with them, hearing about their lives and sharing our own stories. We’re so looking forward to watching them in Mary Poppins.

Find out more about the work our care homes do to form bonds with their local communities here.