A team of young volunteers, who have been building up the community spirit in their local area, paid a visit to a retirement home last week for a day of gardening and pampering.
Teenagers from the Dewsbury based Kumon Y’all youth group visited Charlesworth Court, Thornhill, where they happily spent their time helping the residents and building up new friendships.
Two teams visited the site, with a group of boys getting hands on with gardening activities in the morning, as well as helping to maintain the grounds, whilst a girl’s team followed this up with pampering sessions for the residents, which included manicures and massages.
Farook Yunus, who runs the group, was delighted with the success of the day and spoke of his gratitude for all involved on the day.
“All the volunteers had a really good time and I think the residents did too,” he said.
“We aim to bring the community together through different activities and that is exactly what happened last weekend. The boys even did a speech, after the gardening, whereby they highlighted the needs for a cohesive community and it was great to see.”
Charlesworth Court’s populace were also thrilled to be greeted by such ‘polite’ volunteers with many adding that the group are welcome back ‘any time’.
62-year-old resident Denise said the day was ‘very interesting’ adding: “When people come in to the centre and do what these guys have been doing, it makes us feel important.”
Florence, 84, reiterated her neighbour’s sentiments, saying: “It is brilliant, and nice to see and talk to somebody new,” whilst 73-year-old Tony added: “There wasn’t one of them without a smile, and that means a lot. We made new friends as far as I’m concerned”
Morning volunteer, Adam Valli, 15, explained why he is involved with the project and how such initiatives have already proven successful in the past.
He said: “We know from previous experiences what kind of strong communities come about from a little gardening and a chat and we feel we have repeated this in Charlesworth court today.”
14-year-old Miss Asma Salim added: “It was an Enjoyable morning; spending time with the elderly residents showed us how easy it was to bring a smile upon theirs and our faces.”
