A group of Tamworth school pupils have enjoyed an insight into life at a local hospice as part of their enrichment day. Nearly fifty Year 10 pupils from six schools in Tamworth took part in the day on June 15th at St Giles Hospice in Whittington.

Staff and pupils from Landau Forte Academy QEMS, Landau Forte Academy Amington, Rawlett School, (AET Academy) Wilnecote School, Tamworth Enterprise College (TEC) and Two Rivers School took part in a range of workshops.

Pupils involved in the day found out about careers in healthcare and also gained a better understanding of what a hospice does, said St Giles Head of Education and Training Theresa Barker.

“There can be a real anxiety about coming into a hospice as people often don’t know what to expect and can be a little fearful,” she said.

“Opening the doors to students gives us the opportunity to showcase the wide range of job roles and volunteering opportunities which are available in the hospice and it also helps to take away some of that fear.

“The students gave fantastic feedback for all of the sessions, but were also really surprised at what the hospice was actually like.

“Before they arrived, they said they were expecting the hospice to be sad, dark and like a hospital where people go to die.

“After their visit they described it as calm, bright and peaceful with a team of staff and volunteers who make it a positive place to be – which is just the message we want people in the community to know.”

Workshops throughout the day included dementia awareness training, teamwork sessions, information on occupational therapy and a session on clinical observations.

Feedback from the schools was very positive from staff and pupils.

“What an amazing informative and eye opening event, many thanks for helping our students to understand more about health careers and support,” said Claire Wright, QEMS Information, Advice and Guidance Co-ordinator.

Belinda Forster from Tamworth Enterprise College said her students thought the whole day was inspiring and not at all what they envisaged.

“In my group I had potential paramedics, physiotherapist and a surgeon.  The girls really engaged with the members of staff, asking questions and taking a real interest in the work the hospice do,” she said.

For more information about St Giles and the expert care it provides, please visit www.stgileshospice.com.