Students from our Prince’s Trust programme have been at Rydal Care Home in Darlington over the past few weeks to work on their community project.

The project involves helping out in the local area whether that be painting and decorating, or adding nice touches to a garden, so students thought this would the perfect opportunity to help the care home.

One of our students, Thomas, said: “I’ve enjoyed being able to do something in the community, it has made me feel like a better person.”

The group decorated one of the communal rooms for residents, including adding some pictures and bunting, as well as adding planters, creating a walkway and a bird feeder in the garden.

Stockton Riverside College’s Prince’s Trust Coordinator, Matt, spoke about why the project is so important to the 12-week programme, he said: “The project helps with students’ confidence, communication and problem solving skills.”

He continued: “Their resilience was also tested due to the weather conditions and having to complete the project within 2 weeks, but the students showed their true potential.”

The students handed over their project to delighted staff and residents at Rydal Care Home, who showed their appreciation by putting on an afternoon tea for the hard working group.