Construction students have been making a real difference in their community by crafting and donating handmade benches to local care homes in Weston-super-Mare.  

This initiative took place over the course of three days, with students from various construction disciplines working extremely hard to create these high-quality benches. They even added a Weston College plaque to each bench which read, "Weston College Benches & Biscuits Initiative: Building a Community, One Seat at a Time".

Each group of students hand-delivered their bench along with a box of biscuits, spending an hour with the residents over a warm cup of tea. This thoughtful visit provided a fantastic opportunity for intergenerational bonding, as students and residents shared stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations. 

The benches were delivered to Dewdown House, The Manor in Uphill, St George’s Care Home, Beach Lawns Nursing Home, and Acer House. They were placed in outdoor spaces, where residents can enjoy them all year round, particularly during the warmer months.

The care home residents were delighted with their new outdoor seating, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the students’ hard work and craftsmanship. Many residents were extremely impressed by the quality of the benches and appreciated the chance to interact with young people, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.  

The experience was equally rewarding for the students, who enjoyed hearing stories from the past and learning about life in different generations. Conversations ranged from family histories to career aspirations, leaving a lasting impact on both students and residents alike. 

In addition to their generous donations to care homes, the students also crafted three extra benches which were auctioned off in a charity silent auction. The proceeds from the auction went towards supporting Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal as part of RAG Week fundraising efforts.  

The highest three bidders received a beautifully handcrafted bench, with all funds directly benefiting these important local charities. 

This initiative is a testament to the skill, dedication, and generosity of Weston College’s construction students.  

Their work has not only provided practical benefits but also brought joy and companionship to the elderly residents of their community. 

You can find out more about out our construction courses, by clicking here.