Barnsley FC teens brighten elderly residents’ lives

BARNSLEY FC volunteers have been brightening the lives of elderly residents at Deangate Care Home.

The teenage helpers from the club’s National Citizenship Service (NCS) spent three days in the home, in Mapplewell.

During their visits, they created a colourful activities cart to store the residents’ games, baked cakes, offered hand massages and painting nails.

They also added to the pom pom Christmas tree the home has been creating following donations of wool from the Barnsley community.

On their last day, the volunteers baked, decorated and presented the staff and residents with a cake as thanks for hosting them over the three days.

Julia Chambers, home manager of Deangate Care Home, on Towngate, said: “The young adults thoroughly enjoyed their time in the home and said it exceeded their expectations of what care home life is like.

“Our residents loved having them around, being treated to cakes and hand massages, but simply being able to chat to them really brightened their week.

“Our thanks go to the Barnsley FC NCS. We can’t wait to have them back in future.”

Jo Thornton, NCS Coordinator at Barnsley FC, said: “The visit was a really positive experience and a fantastic opportunity for the students.

“We hope that we can continue with these visits and activities with the residents in the future.”