Eight Alderney students are bringing a youthful approach to all aspects of caring at The Connaught care home.
Already the Island’s biggest employer, The Connaught has attracted eight young people through a new scheme to work outside school and college hours in various aspects of caring for the older generation.
Known as ‘the Tweenies’, six of them are studying at St Anne’s School, one is at college, and another has signed up for nine months of full-time training in domestic services, activities and caring at the home.
Their enthusiasm at the home is hard to miss for residents and visitors to The Connaught. “They’ve certainly added a happy sparkle around the home,” said activities and volunteer co-ordinator Esme Bowskill.
Absent from the Tweenies photo because he was studying at college is Harvey Ollivier, who started at The Connaught as part of his work experience when he was at St Anne’s and is now on the activities team. His aim is to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Another former St Anne’s pupil, 17-year-old Summer Prince, has joined the Connaught’s team of full-time carers after dropping out of college in Guernsey where she was studying beauty therapy.
“I have always loved caring for people and I just want the residents to have the very best care possible,” she said. “After all, this is their home and I just want to look after them.”
Pictured: Alderney’s ‘Tweenies’, Left to right – Saoirse Neill, Evelyn Benfield, May and Layla Alqassim, Holly Maurice, coordinator Esme Bowskill (rear), Lydia Sugden, Ayla Lord.
