Students on The Prince’s Trust’s newest project at Ayrshire College brought together the socially isolated in the community.
At the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity initiative, participants came up with “Bags of Happiness” to cheer up socially isolated residents.
Can Do attendees – or Can Doers – completed fitness sessions, learned about food hygiene and fundraising while working on the rule of thirds in photography.
Vicki Hall, Can Do coordinator for Leonard Cheshire in Scotland said:
“The Can Doers wanted to give something back to the local community and decided to do ‘Little Bags of Happiness’ to cheer up vulnerable people during the lockdown.
“The participants identify their own strengths and interests and learn that a positive contribution has to be made. They overcame the challenges along the way, did a good job as a group and, along with their team leaders and me, were proud of everything they achieved. “
The Bags of Happiness contained some of her ornate designs, such as sensory cards and Easter baskets, and were sent to the Nightingale House nursing home and the Butterfly Club, a parent-run vacation club for children with learning difficulties.
The groups are also making a music video that will be posted on the Ayrshire College website.
Kimberly Greenaway, another participant in the Ayrshire program, said:
“During the project, I enjoyed sharing my life experiences with my classmates to encourage them to move on with the project.
“I am a mother of three and, like many other parents, found the lockout extremely difficult. Can Do and The Prince’s Trust gave me back my confidence, a sense of purpose and really made me feel part of something just for me. “