What is NCS?
NCS (National Citizen Service) is a programme that provides amazing new experiences for teenagers aged 15-17. Its goal is to give them a chance of discovering who they are and what they can do by helping them make a positive impact on their local community. As part of a team they work collaboratively with charities, non-profits, and private sector organisations to work towards long-lasting change for the wider community.
NCS and Stanfield Nursing Home
During the start of this month, Stanfield Nursing Home were contacted by two individuals from Worcester Team 8, Jack and Florin. They approached our care home director, Richard White, with the wonderful idea of organising a cake sale in order to raise money for the homeless as a part of their social action towards improving the community. With their goal to enhance their quality of life, they used all of the money raised to create hygiene packs for the homeless. They believe a self-supporting system, with access to simple yet necessary hygiene products, increases chances of living healthy and hopeful lives.
In preparation for this event, NCS Team 8 produced a poster telling their story behind why they were doing this, what they hoped to achieve, and why. This was distributed around the home to residents and families who visited in order to promote their message and fundraising. What followed was a really entertaining event that lifted spirits in our home sharing the fun every resident had with the 14 young people. They were split around the home to spend time engaging with our residents through delightful conversations and board games. It was clear that their successful cake sale and general presence brought a very pleasant atmosphere to our care home. The event was rewarding for both staff at Stanfield and Team 8 to know that what initially appeared a challenge to host turned into a marvellous event that brought vibrancy to our home.
On top of their cake sale at Stanfield Nursing Home they also organised three ‘pay it forward’ schemes in local coffee shops whereby the homeless were able to enjoy a free hot drink of their choice given to them by the public in advance. This act of kindness was achieved with the belief that “everybody should have access to a healthy life despite their financial situation and we are working to allow this goal to become a reality”. Stanfield would like to commend NCS Team 8 for sharing and encouraging awareness of the hardships homeless people face and thank them for including residents, staff, and friends of Stanfield in their efforts.
Homelessness in our local community
Worcester has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the region, according to statistics published in a report by a charity called Shelter. This report states that there are an estimated 124 homeless people, a figure which equates to around one in every 830 people. There are a number of non-profit organisations in place around our local area with goals to help these individuals, such as Maggs Day Centre. They help provide things like shelter, clothing and food – all of which are essential to basic living which they otherwise wouldn’t have.
There are plenty of organisations set up around Worcester aimed at improving the quality of life for the homeless that are accessible online.
Contacting Stanfield Nursing Home
If you are interested in finding out more information about events in our home then head to our website today. Alternatively, you can visit our social media, or call 01905 420 459 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.