STUDENTS have been spreading festive cheer and boosting spirits of elderly people in Evesham with the delivery of special afternoon teas around the town and surrounding villages.
The scheme is a partnership between students at Evesham College and the Rotary Club of Evesham and saw around 30 deliveries made to different homes.
Supported learning students came up with the idea to deliver the afternoon teas after they were forced to cancel the annual festive lunch – where elderly people are invited into the college for an afternoon of food and entertainment.
Each box was made up by the students from the college before being handed over to the Rotary Club to deliver direct to homes around the town.
The boxes included scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sandwiches, mini Christmas cake, mince pie, shortbread, fruit cake and a chocolate brownie.
The student-led idea was part of the ‘Bridging Generations’ lunch project, a joint project of the Rotary Club and Evesham College which aims to connect young students and older people in the community.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, older members of the community were invited monthly into the college for a lunch and opportunity to socialise with students as part of the project.
Hein van der Steen, secretary of the Rotary Club of Evesham, said the feedback they had for the afternoon tea deliveries has been overwhelmingly positive and had been a bright moment in what has been a difficult year for those involved.
He said: “We have had several ladies call us already to say thank you for the afternoon tea boxes and it’s safe to say they went down very well.
“This was all the idea of the students and they showed great initiative to set it up.
“Those involved in the Bridging Generations project always look forward to the festive lunch at the college. While this wasn’t possible this year, to be able to deliver the teas brought a smile to their faces.
“We look forward to being able to restart the monthly sessions next year and would like to thank all of the students at Evesham College for their support.”
Sarah Mackins, tutor at Evesham College, said: “The students worked very hard to organise and deliver the afternoon project and they can be very proud of their efforts.
“Every year the students embrace the Bridging Generations project and this year is no different. They were committed to still being able to support the elderly in Evesham and spread some festive cheer in difficult circumstances.
“We are hoping to do something similar around Valentine’s Day and get out delivering to more of the older generation in our community.”
For more information on supported learning courses and health and social care courses at WCG, visit www.wcg.ac.uk.
