CREMATORIUM BENEFITS FROM STUDENTS' HELP IN UNIQUE COMMUNITY PROJECT

A group of NWSLC students are helping to maintain the memorial gardens at a Nuneaton crematorium as part of a project believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. The project was devised by college tutor Ian Lee after he became aware that the Heart of England Crematorium on Eastboro Way in Nuneaton required additional help to maintain the gardens and grounds of the facility. Ian agreed with the facility’s owners, Dignity, that the college’s foundation learning students would help the groundworks team to keep the planting, hedgerows, and trees tidy, and to clear any litter or debris from the memorial gardens and car park.

Students at Heart of England Crematorium

Ian said, “We worked closely with the crematorium team to plan and prepare before work started, including taking a detailed tour, and participating in a health and safety induction. We addressed the sensitivity of the location with our students and spent a lot of time discussing respectful behaviour.”

“This experience is teaching our students life skills as well as employability skills and teamwork, and they are developing emotional intelligence and confidence. During the project, there have been lots of discussions about bereavement with many students sharing stories about family and friends that they have lost.”