Volunteering with Elderly residents
Musical concert for hospital patients
Six IPS Music Scholars visited Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton where, amid the beep of ventilators and infusion pumps, the hiss of oxygen, the clatter of trolleys and the hubbub of voices as doctors and nurses, they performed a music recital to elderly and infirm patients in one of the wards.
Our pupils played a number of pieces, both classical and jazz, to the delight of staff and patients. Afterwards, one patient said to the pupils that they were “the most talented group of children he had ever heard” and one of the nurses mentioned that one gentleman who had not spoken a word for several weeks suddenly burst into conversation as the pupils played. One cannot underestimate the power of music to heal and we hope this is the start of a long lasting relationship with Queen Mary’s Hospital.
Roehampton 60s cafe members attend the dress rehearsal of the Prep 1 & 2 Nativity
Invitations were extended to our neighbours who are members of the over-60 café club in Roehampton to attend the dress rehearsal of our youngest pupils' Christmas Nativity. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!
Lockdown Partnerships: Pen-pal relationships with isolated elderly residents
At the nearby council-run sheltered housing accommodation near Minstead Gardens, many of the residents have been very isolated during the pandemic. Therefore a small group of IPS pupils have signed up to form a new "pen-pal" relationship with some of these residents.
As well forming a new relationship with someone with a very different life experience, our pupils will be able to develop their empathy, literacy, and feeling of connection to the wider environment around the School. We of course also hope that the pupils’ “pen-pals” will take much enjoyment from what might have been a very lonely pandemic period for them.
Intergenerational Tea Party for Elderly Roehampton Residents
As part of Ibstock's inaugural Activities Week, a group of 30 S10 pupils chose to plan and host a tea party for local elderly residents on Roehampton. We planned a raffle, a quiz, and a brief concert. Our wonderful catering department provided the delicious refreshments. We also arranged for accessible transport to bring the guests to and from home, allowing those who wouldn't usually be able to socialise an opportunity to get out and about.
The aim of the event was to give an opportunity for local elderly people who struggle to socialise to have a fun morning, and be made to feel important. It also aimed to develop pupils' skills in conversation and pushing them out of their comfort zone while also, developing Ibstock's position as a member of the Roehampton Community.
We funded the accessible minibuses from Wandsworth Community Transport, as well as raffle prizes. Our catering team provided refreshments. Director of Partnerships and one other member of staff were present.
From verbal feedback, it was clear the both guests and pupils had a great time. The provision of accessible buses meant that guests who are not usually able to socialise (eg those in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues) were able to confidently take part. The S10 pupils all had fun and our guests were excited at the possibility of repeating the event in future.
