Thursday 19 March 2009

Zest - by Lucy Richards

Zest is one of Hallam Volunteering Aim Higher Projects that works in partnership with the Rotherham College of Art and Technology. Volunteers deliver health and wellbeing sessions to the residents of two Sheffcare residential homes.

Aim Higher is a government initiative scheme that encourages young people to think about the benefits and opportunities of higher education. Volunteers are involved in organizing fun and interesting wellbeing sessions. Games are regularly organized, which is a great opportunity for the residents to be brought together for a break way from their usual routine.

Interacticng is also a big part of Zest. The residents benefit from the chance to meet and spend time with younger people and to see some new faces around the home.

Zest project leader is Helen Roberts who is studying Education Studies. She has been a volunteer on Interact before deciding to become a project leader as she ‘wanted a new challenge.’ She felt it would be ‘beneficial to her organizational and leadership skills.’ I asked Helen why she thought others should volunteer, she says “it’s a great chance to meet new people and get involved in new things that you normally wouldn’t do.”

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