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Wirral Met Students help to restore Age UK’s Dementia Memory Village

The Memory Village at Age UK’s Devonshire House was officially opened on Thursday 18th May by the Civic Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jerry Williams.

The restoration project will be featured on the popular Channel 5 show "Challenge Anneka," hosted by the renowned Anneka Rice. Residents from across the borough, including Wirral Met Carpentry and Joinery students, were called up on to help Anneka and her team to completely refurbish the dementia care building and garden.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the team of local volunteers, the memory village now includes a pub, café, cinema, record shop, bakers, and post office among other areas for residents to use. The village provides a safe and engaging environment for individuals living with dementia to wander around, featuring items that will trigger memories.

Students studying Carpentry and Joinery at Wirral Met College enthusiastically contributed their skills and expertise to revitalise the space. The project involved restoring benches, constructing a beautiful gazebo, and enhancing the overall ambiance of the memory village.

Lynne Hamilton, Fundraising & Events Manager at Age UK expressed his admiration for the students' work, saying, "We’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone from Wirral Met who came along to support this project, this would not have been possible without you. We hope you enjoyed being a part of this unique experience.” The restoration efforts have undoubtedly brought joy and comfort to the residents of the Devonshire House memory village.

The Civic Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jerry Williams, personally thanked the students for their hard work “The students have been an integral part of this project and we are thankful for Wirral Met’s continued dedication to supporting initiatives that benefit the Wirral region” This unique opportunity allowed the students to witness the positive impact their craftsmanship has had on the community.

The lead tutor for the project at Wirral Met College, emphasised the significance of this project for the students, stating, "This is such a great opportunity for the students to get out here and experience the joy their work has given so many of the residents here at Devonshire House." The restoration project served as a valuable work experience for students, an integral part of the career focused courses offered by the college.

Paul Crawford, Head of Construction at Wirral Met College, expressed his gratitude to Age UK for involving the college in the project, saying, "It's the work experience opportunities that take the students' learning to another level. They get a real-life insight into the different tasks and interactions between different trades. This gives a well-rounded insight into the experience when they go out full-time into the trade." Crawford extended a heartfelt thank you to Lynne and the team at Age UK for their collaboration, describing it as a pleasure to be involved in such a meaningful project.

The successful restoration of the dementia memory village stands as a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion of the students from Wirral Met College. Through their efforts, they have made a lasting impact on the lives of local residents living with Dementia, creating an environment that promotes well-being, comfort, and cherished memories.

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.