Students from Young High School and volunteers for the Raise Foundation have donated a sensory blanket to Young's Southern Cross Aged Care Facility.
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Ten volunteer mentors from the Young community during school terms two and three spent two hours each Wednesday morning supporting a student from Young High School.
The program is coordinated by the Raise Foundation, an Australian charity that provides mentoring programs for high school students, with a vision to create thriving communities by empowering young people to become resilient, capable and connected.
The program has been run annually in Young since 2015
"We have a community project we do each year. This year is a sensory blanket we donated to local Southern Cross Care," Raise program counsellor Bianca Perkins said.
Each student involved in this year's program is represented by a hand which was traced onto a piece of leather and sewed onto the sensory blanket.
A word which resonates with them, or one of their strengths, was embroidered onto their respective hand, and trinkets were chosen by the mentees.
"We really wanted the mentees to have their stamp on the blanket. Each hand represents a mentee in the program," Ms Perkins said.
"We chose to make the blanket because during one of our sessions, the theme was hope where we discussed mental health and well being. We realised that anxiety is experienced across all generations and that sparked an idea to make a sensory blanket for people living with dementia, to help calm and reduce their anxiety.
"Studies have shown that sensory or fidget blankets are beneficial because they are stimulating and can be constantly played with."
Camille Williams, the lifestyle coordinator at Young's Southern Cross Care, accepted the blanket on Wednesday morning at Young High School.
She said it will be displayed for sensory opportunities and social opportunities.
"The residents are truly grateful for the support of the Young High School and Raise. On behalf of the residents I'd lake to thank the mentors and mentees for all their effort and thoughtfulness.
"It's a beautiful present. A plaque will be made so the mentees, mentors and the school is recognised.
"It's wonderful to see students still value the aged care community. They and the rest of the community are welcome to come and see the finished product."
Ms Perkins added that the Raise Foundation is looking to recruit more volunteers for the 2020 program. For more information and to apply to be a mentor, go to raise.org.au/volunteer
"We know the power of having someone neutral to talk to, who really listens and actually hears you is extraordinary. Mentors can change thinking and save lives."
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