Students from the University of Bristol transform the outlook for residents at a Clifton care home

8-4-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Staff at Carlton Mansions, on Apsley Road, already had a good relationship with student volunteers and decided to ask the University of Bristol Students’ Union (UBU) for their help in creating a fun scene.

The Painting and Decorating Society stepped up to the challenge, initially finding out what residents wanted and then dedicating a total of 25 hours to complete the project – even braving the snow and freezing temperatures.

Final year anatomy student Nicola Chivers, 21, who coordinated the project, said: “We spoke to residents about what they wanted to see and came up with the final design, which incorporated iconic images of Bristol such as the ss Great Britain, hot air balloons and the Suspension Bridge.

“The initial plan was to finish the mural during Volunteering Week in February but the weather was just awful so we had to find time in between the snow, rain and deadlines. We’re so pleased with the final result and all the residents have been so enthusiastic, each having their own favourite part of the mural. It was lovely to do it for them.”

The University of Bristol Students’ Union (UBU) was able to secure some funding for the cost of materials.

Jemma Harford, Community Engagement Coordinator for UBU, said: “We already have groups of student volunteers going into the home to befriend residents and provide musical entertainment, so we were delighted that they came to the Students’ Union first for help.

“We contacted our Painting and Decorating Society and asked them if they would like to coordinate the job and they jumped at the task. We have such a talented pool of students at Bristol who are only too willing to give up their free time to give back to the community.”

UBU Volunteering gets students involved with the wider Bristol community, building positive relationships and meeting local volunteering requirements in a variety of areas, through both long-term projects and one-off events.

For more information about UBU Volunteering, contact Jemma Harford on jemma.harford@bristol.ac.uk or (0117) 954 5768.

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After: the finished mural, depicting iconic Bristol landmarks