A few weeks ago, three member of Homelink visited our school to give us a talk explaining what Homelink is, and the work the organisation does. We offered to help the organisation in any way we could. During the talk, we learned that Homelink was organising a Christmas Party in the Royal Hotel in Bray for the elderly. We had a sudden flow of inspiration and thought that this was the perfect opportunity to connect with the elderly and be involved Homelink. As our project is based around loneliness in the elderly and learning the about the stories and lives of the elderly, this was exactly what we were looking for! A picture of the YSI group and Homelink members when they came to visit us at school and talk to us about Homelink On the day before the Christmas Party, I phoned Homelink to tell them the logistics and number of students coming to the party. I told them we were willing to do any little jobs for them, and that a few students had offered to perform a song at the party. Once this was done, buses were booked, forms given out and signed and plans made! After school on Wednesday the 23rd November, all the YSI members gathered at the front of the school, and got into the bus around 2 o’clock. We arrived at the Bray Royal Hotel a few minutes later. I had never been here before, and wasn’t sure what to expect. There were two buses bringing the 20 YSI members to Bray Royal Hotel. Our bus arrived first, so we waited patiently in the hotel lobby. A receptionist then guided us towards the hall where the Homelink Party was being held. As we followed the man, I honestly felt a bit nervous. Questions were racing through my mind. Should I smile? Should I wait for the other group before we enter? Should I speak, or will someone else? The Royal Hotel, Bray It was a little awkward as we walked through the big hall filled with large circular tables, christmas decorations and elderly people. I felt a little like we were intruding their party, they also looked a bit confused as to why a big group of teenagers were joining their party! However the awkwardness vanished almost immediately, and I was happy and excited to be here! We then we all went off in different directions to chat with the people. I first sat next to an elderly women from Greystones, and as we talked about her grandchildren, her former occupation and many other things, it felt as if we already knew each other! We moved around tables, talking to people and asking whether they wanted more tea or water for the next hour or so. It was very heart-warming and enjoyable! There was live music, which created a lovely atmosphere; but at times it was a little too loud and made it hard for the elderly to hear what we were saying. Darcy and I were asked to escort an elderly lady to the bus stop. She kept saying“this isn’t necessary, this really isn’t necessary” but was eventually glad that we came along! We did Christmas Crackers, there was great live music and there were lots of scones to eat, and tea to drink! After a while the love music stopped, and the YSI member were asked to sing a few songs! Darcy volunteered first, which was quite brave. She sang ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel. It was wonderful when the people started singing along, and the musician accompanied her on the guitar. Then I went on the stage, to say the least very nervous, and sang ‘Think of Me’ from Phantom of the Opera. It was an amazing experience, singing in front of a group of strangers, in a big Christmas themed hall. However, though I was nervous at the beginning I gradually enjoyed myself and gained confidence as the song went on! For the rest of the afternoon, we talked some more, danced and sold raffle tickets. We also presented Homelink a cheque of €500, that we had raised from a YSI bake sale! We were all sad to leave, and stayed long good byes to all the people and the Homelink volunteers who invited is to the party! Camille, me and Darcy with a HomeLink memeber at the Christmas party! I thought it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, chatting to elderly people and dancing to old classics. I really enjoyed myself and I’m very glad to be a part of YSI. Today I have learned many new and fascinating things!
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YSIYSI stands for Young Social Innovators. For our YSI project we have decided on helping loneliness in the elderly and putting unity back in community! I will keep you updated on events that occur in YSI during the year. Archives
April 2017
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