Eight young people are helping care for Alderney’s older generation after finding work at The Connaught outside school and college hours.
Known as the ‘Tweenies’, the group has been taken on in a range of roles at the care home, giving them an early taste of working life while helping residents.
Six 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.
Their enthusiasm has already made an impression on residents and staff.
“They’ve certainly added a happy sparkle around the home,” said activities and volunteer co-ordinator Esme Bowskill.
The youngsters work on kitchenette, activities and supper duties at weekends and during school holidays, learning care skills and building confidence through spending time with older residents.
Among them is 17-year-old Summer, who has joined the Connaught’s full-time caring team after deciding that studying beauty therapy at college in Guernsey was not for her.
“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.”
Another student, Harvey, started at The Connaught through work experience while at St Anne’s School. Now studying at college, his work at the home will contribute towards his ambition of achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
His mother, Sam, said the role had helped build his confidence and made him feel part of the community.
The Connaught is already Alderney’s biggest employer, and the expanded team comes ahead of the care home’s 30th anniversary celebrations next year.
