STUDENTS set to work tidying up Abbotswood to enhance the area through a volunteering project.


A group of nine students from the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, came together with the action group on Monday, February 16 to help tidy up the area, including the town’s shopping precinct and car park.


The group, all aged 18 and older, performed several tasks over the course of the day, between 10am and 4pm, as part of project Widening Occupation Weeks which sees students go out into the community as part of their Occupational Therapy course.


One set of students was asked to root out the weeds growing between the tiles of the mosaic at the front of the shops and another set went to clear the brambles and weeds around the car park at the back.  


Four of the students were able to visit the Friendship Club in the St Nicholas Family Centre, and they joined in the seated exercises followed by a curling game.


Leading the exercise were Caroline Jacques and Ruth Ward of Jacob’s Well who arranged for gloves and all other equipment such as the ubiquitous black litter bags to be supplied.


Chairman of Abbotswood Action Group, Mary Wright, said: “The aim of the exercise was to join and understand the workings of a community group, and they were all given a copy of the Abbotswood Community Plan which outlines what AAG are aiming to achieve in this area.  


“Unfortunately it was one of the few mornings recently when the heavens opened and all the students, plus members of AAG got very wet, so the intended painting of the seats had to be postponed.


“The students worked extremely hard and AAG are very grateful for their efforts.  Another highly successful event in Abbotswood.”


Senior lecturer occupational therapy at UWE, Vanessa Parmenter, said: "Each student aims to do eight days of work with at least four different organisations. Research has shown that through this experience students learn how to analyse diverse activities and consider how these activities occupations have the potential to impact on health and well-being.

Alongside this, students also develop personally and professionally through the challenge of engaging indifferent groups, with different tasks in different organisation.

"They also identify gaining a greater understanding of what community is and its potential to be harnessed therapeutically.


"This is a project that runs every year and is a great way for UWE to connect to the community."