Trainee plumbers from Newbury College donned helmets and high-visibility jackets for a first-hand look at the construction site of a privately funded £8 million dementia care home in Lymington.
More than 20 learners, aged 16 to 19, saw behind-the-scenes progress on what will be Colten Care's 20th home when it opens later this year. The 4,000 sq meter Linden House will incorporate exceptional design standards and facilities to help individuals maintain their independence when living with dementia.
Brian Evans, Curriculum Manager Technology at Newbury College, said "the learners are following a nationally recognised Level 1 domestic plumbing course and hoping to progress into apprenticeships and full-time jobs. Plumbers are not necessarily first on site during a construction project so it has been helpful for the learners to get a feel for the way all the different trades and sub-contractors work together. We're grateful to Colten Care for hosting the visit by these new recruits to the building industry."
The visit gave many of the students their first taste of a 'live' building site, with advice from project teams on health and safety, tool boxes and equipment and the links between plumbing and other building trades.
George Colwell, Joint Managing Director of Colten Developments, said: "This is our biggest building project to date involving more than 150 bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and other trades. On any one day more than 50 people can be on site. We were more than happy to welcome the students and show them first-hand what site management is all about."
Construction work on Linden House began in April 2012 following the demolition of what had been a former local authority home in New Street. Site work has progressed under the shadow of a 100ft crane visible from many approaches to Lymington town centre. The new Colten Care building will be 'L' shaped and have three storeys.
Due to open in autumn 2013, the home is expected to employ more than 80 people at full capacity. Residents will be housed in small house groups with a focus on retaining practical life skills and independence for as long as possible through shared daily activities, memory stimulation, 'person-centred' care and leading-edge nursing. Linden House will be Colten Care's fourth dedicated dementia care home following Fernhill in Ferndown, The Aldbury in Poole and St Catherines View in Winchester.
Newbury College students stepped out of their comfort zone for a fun 'Have a go' day. Motor Vehicle and Care learners swapped classes for a day in order to teach each other valuable skills.
The event was put together by course leaders to raise awareness of other College courses by allowing two very different groups to meet and experience sessions in each other's areas.
Course Leader for Care, Eileen Fitzgerald, said "The idea of two very different groups experiencing one another's courses is an excellent way for students to overcome a fear of doing something new, trying out new ideas and doing something completely different. The students learnt skills that will be useful to them throughout their lives"
Students studying Childcare Level 2 had the opportunity to learn basic car maintenance with activities such as changing a tyre and adding water to the engine. Those studying Motor Vehicles experienced how to look after a baby with nappy changing, preparing a bottle-feed and how to created play dough ' an excellent resource for young children achieving. Motor Vehicle students were also demonstrated how bacteria can cling to hands even after hand washing.
Alistair Napier, course leader for Motor Vehicle said "The Motor Vehicle and Care students worked well together, learning about a course they had little knowledge about. It was a great way for them to demonstrate what they have learnt, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all".
Students waiting for buses and lifts after the bad weather forced the College to cancel classes this morning, made the best of a bad situation by hitting the slopes around the Monks Lane campus on sledges.
Public Services student Cassie Hampton, a native of South Africa, said "I've never been sledging before. It's great fun but it certainly gives you a cold bum!"
Unfortunately the College has also had to postpone this Saturday's classes but will contact student later next week to rearrange the dates.
On Thursday 20 December, as part of their staff training day, staff at Newbury College held a 'Tuckers Treats Tombola' to raise money for the Duchess of Kent Hospice in memory of Suzanne Tucker, a long standing member of the College team who sadly lost her brave fight with cancer in November.
College staff were generous and kindly donated all sorts of prizes for the tombola which included bottles of wine, homemade cakes and jewellery, perfect for over the Christmas period, and the theme 'Tuckers Treats' was a real reflection on Suzanne's girly character, who loved treats. Cakes were freshly baked and brought in for sale on the day, and the great efforts of the College staff raised over £300 for the Duchess of Kent Hospice.
Emily Chandler, who organised the event said, "Working with Suzanne was a real privilege, she was a very positive person to be around, and fought her illness with real courage. The event was our way of giving something back to this wonderful charity that helped a dear friend and colleague".
Duchess of Kent House was opened 20 years ago and has cared for over 15,000 patients and their relatives and friends in that time. The money it raises goes towards funding the psychologists, the dietician, the chaplain, patient transport, diversional therapy, complementary therapists, the Befriending Service and the Bereavement (family support) Service and to provide outings and treats for patients. Duchess of Kent House Charity can only continue to support the Hospice through the generosity of its sponsors and donations. To find out more please visit their website on www.dokhc.org.uk.