BIG -HEARTED students at Leamington College have been giving hospital patients makeovers with a twist.
Instead of eyebrows and blow-drys, students from Leamington College have been offering hand and arm massages to elderly patients on the frailty wards at Warwick Hospital and Leamington Hospital.
The massages have worked wonders for their recipients while also providing invaluable hands-on experience for the students applying them.
Alice Cooksey, 16, excelled in her first hospital visit to the point she was asked to sign up as an ambassador for Kissing It Better, the charity that facilitates the scheme alongside Leamington College.
Alice said: “I really enjoyed it. Especially the way it makes the patients feel better. It was really nice to see a smile on their faces when we left.”
Kissing It Better discussed the idea of hospital placements with the college soon after the healthcare charity and training provider launched six years ago.
They proved a massive success all round and continue to be well received. Two more field trips will be held later this academic year to ensure all 22 level 1 hair and beauty students get to experience and benefit from them.
The students have also been offered the opportunity to do voluntary work in the holidays.
Leamington College’s salon supervisor Frances Blakeman added: “The last time we visited, the outlook of our students changed dramatically. They were quite scared and nervous when we got there.
“By the time we finished they came away with real confidence and were really quite happy. Our students have gained communication skills and a change in environment from the classroom as well.
“The patients love it too. It’s nice for them to have a change and someone different to chat to, especially if they’ve been in there for quite a while.”
