A group of young volunteers from Ballakermeen High School have graduated from a programme that will see them visit the elderly in the community.
The Year 12 pupils from the Douglas high school spent 12 weeks being trained by the Live at Home Scheme in order to qualify to provide support for the older generation in the Isle of Man.
The Live at Home Scheme has six schemes across the island which aim to improve the quality of life for older people in the island by providing care, friendship, accommodation and support services.
Assistant head teacher of Ballakermeen, Mark Redmayne, said: ‘We are extremely proud of our students who have chosen to give up their time to go out into the community and spend time sitting and chatting with the older generation.
‘Many older people find themselves alone at home for a variety of reasons and it makes such a difference to receive regular visits from one of the Live at Home Scheme Volunteers – it’s simply a lifeline for many people.
‘Our students have worked very hard for several weeks and now they can’t wait to just get out there. Well done to them all!’
This is the fifth year the charity has worked with year 12 students across the island.
Jan Farrell, Douglas Live at Home manager, said: ‘It’s great to get Ballakermeen on board and this is one of the biggest groups of volunteers we have ever trained. They will really benefit so many people who either don’t have family to visit them or may have just lost the art of generally having a conversation.’
The Douglas scheme has been running since 2012 and offers befriending and a twice a month lunch club amongst a range of other activities.
Each scheme in the island has a number of events their members can take part in, such as bingo and weekly or monthly trips to restaurants and pubs with transport provided.
The six schemes help over 600 residents and 400 volunteers help the charity in a variety in of ways from befriending to fundraising and providing transport.
To find out more about the Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes call the Douglas office on 627778 or 342602.
More information can also be found at www.mha.org.uk and on the ‘Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme’ Facebook page.