Students from Woolston Sixth Form College, a special educational needs (SEN) school has launched a heart-warming pop-up café in collaboration with Keate House care home.
Keate House Care Home’s relationship with Woolston sixth form began with them offering work experience to students in both hospitality and horticulture, fast forward two years and they now have Amy working alongside their hostesses two times a week, Ben and Tyler who come one morning a week to serve drinks and spend time with the residents and staff.
During an event the team became aware of a young lady, Isabella who was very keen to work in a catering environment which led to a six week project working with six students from the horticulture group and Issabella, with the support of Pete and his maintenance team. Transforming the Covid visiting hut into a Cafe. During the six weeks they painted the area, spruced it up, and added personalized touches such as flower pots, ornamental bees, wind chimes, and table decorations. This project characterized by mutual support and collaborative working is a testament to the strong partnership and shared commitment to enhancing community life.
“The pop-up café has brought joy and laughter to our daily routine. It’s a delightful place where we can gather and enjoy the fresh air,” remarked one resident. The maintenance team also noted the increased engagement and vibrant atmosphere the café has introduced. The café, will currently operate once a week, run by the dedicated students from Fox Wood. While it will primarily serve residents and their families, it offers significant potential for further community engagement. The vision for the café includes enhanced outdoor activities, promoting independence, and providing residents with a sense of connection while they help out in the café. This café represents more than just a place to enjoy a cup of tea, It symbolizes the positive impact of inclusive community projects and the incredible capabilities of Fox Wood students and the residents. As this project continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, creating meaningful and joyful experiences for all involved.
Keate House Care Home is an award winning dementia home based in Lymm, for more information please contact them on 01925752091 or see www.keatehouse.com
