UTC Derby students host Virtual MacMillan Coffee Morning for care home residents
On Friday 25th September, students and staff at UTC Derby Pride Park held a virtual coffee morning to raise much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Residents from care homes across Derby, including Oakdale Care Group, Holmewood Care Home, Brookfield Nursing Home and Kiwi House Care Home, were invited to participate via Zoom, conversing with students from years 9, 10 and 12, whilst enjoying cake and coffee.
The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants and plans are now in place to make this event a regular occurrence. Students will also be writing to residents after the event, hopefully becoming lifelong friends.
Linda Harrison, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at Oakdale Care Group, said of the event: “The residents really enjoyed the Virtual Coffee Morning. They said it was nice to do something different, and it certainly brightened the day up. The residents were all still talking about it for the rest of the day. It’s really important to make links within the community and this was a great way to do that.”
Health and Life Sciences students who have decided to pursue careers in medicine said: “It was so great to use the communication skills we had learnt in our lessons. It was really clear to see how much the people we spoke to had enjoyed the event. We are hoping to keep in touch!”
“It was absolutely amazing to take part in such an original event. I loved speaking to the residents and it really seemed to make everyone involved smile!”
“This was a fantastic way to connect with our community, sharing stories and laughter together.”
“Not only did we raise money for such an amazing charity like Macmillan’s, but we also made people smile.”
We are looking forward to future virtual events and keeping in touch with the residents.
Since the start of lockdown, UTC Derby Pride Park students have raised over £600 in support of MacMillan Cancer Support, including the Virtual Coffee Morning.