Care home partnership benefits students and residents

A partnership between Derby College Group and a care home provider is helping learners take their first steps into long-term careers in the sector.

For the past four years, Sanctuary Care has welcomed students to its three Derby residential care homes on placement, with a number of them progressing into permanent care roles within the organisation after completing their studies.

All three homes provide residential, dementia, nursing, respite and palliative care for older people. On average, each home employs around 40 staff working shifts to deliver round-the-clock care.

In a statement, Derby College Group said: “The partnership gives students the chance to put their classroom learning into practice while developing valuable empathy, communication and teamwork skills in real-world care settings, often leading to a permanent place in the Sanctuary Care family once their studies are complete.”

Yunus Giwa, Sanctuary Care’s volunteer engagement manager, said: “The Derby College students are a breath of fresh air.

“Our residents love seeing a new face, especially when it’s someone young.

“Some are grandparents and really enjoy interacting with younger people and spending time with them.

“Students don’t need experience when they come to us, but they do need to be caring and supportive. Carers must have empathy, good listening skills and be team players.”