AN Alcester high school student has been volunteering at a care home, organising activities for residents.

Brad Thomas, aged 17 is a student at St. Benedict’s Catholic High School and has been helping residents at Cherry Trees Care Home in Alcester.

Brad has been taking part in the St. John’s Ambulance Health Citizens programme, part of which involves doing voluntary work at the home.

He has brought singers and musicians, a bubble show artist and a magician as well as bringing his fellow students along to chat with residents about their lives and take part in arts and crafts projects.

Activities lead, Sally Ashford-Devey, said: “Brad has really made a difference to the lives of our residents over the last few weeks he has been coming in.

“It’s important for different generations to mix together and our residents have really enjoyed hearing about Brad’s life and sharing their stories with him.”

Brad said: “Being a volunteer gives me a confidence boost and improves my self-esteem.

“I am not a naturally confident person and so having the opportunity to meet new people and organise things often takes me out of my comfort zone.

“When I am successful in doing this, it makes me feel good about myself and I also like the way that my volunteering is truly making a difference in the lives of many people.”