A group of students from Nova Hreod School in Swindon visited Ashbury Lodge care home to add some Christmas sparkle. The students decorated their Christmas Tree and living room. One of the students got so caught up in the event that he started chatting to one of the residents in Italian.

The students got involved in the community project as part of the SkillForce C3 course delivered at Nova Hreod School. The C3 Programme is a 2 year engagement curriculum delivered two day’s a week at Nova Hreod School. The curriculum is based on three pillars: Character; Community, and Contribution. The programme aims to raise students’ aspirations, build their knowledge and skills, improve their level of attainment and support them in making a valuable contribution to their community as a responsible citizen.

SkillForce instructor Matt Weekes said the event had been a success stating, "It is about putting things back into the community. We decided to come down here and give the kids a day out with the local folks. They put all the decorations up and did the Christmas trees and they have been talking to the residents, making them drinks and walking around the home. It is all about building their self-esteem and confidence. We try to get them to re-engage and learn about the importance of giving."

Harry Doherty, 15, said, "I am enjoying talking to the older people. I have been decorating the lounge and the tree."

Fellow pupil Sam Lavagna, 15, not only helped spread the Christmas cheer with the community, but also had an Italian conversation with one of the residents.

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