Hertfordshire sixth former wins award for work with elderly

Commodore Hennessey with Erik

Erik Kerr is a truly inspirational young man. Erik, a sixth form student at John F Kennedy Catholic School, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, is an active volunteer who has been working over the past year to bridge the gap between teenagers and the elderly.

‘Bridging the Gap’ is a programme run by YOPEY (Young Person of the Year) whereby Sixth Form volunteers are trained and then use their skills to befriend elderly people in retirement homes, particularly those suffering from dementia. Erik was highlighted by the home for his outstanding work with one of the elderly residents; his visits were much welcomed, and of particular note was the maturity he showed in the last days of his elderly person’s life.

Erik has come away from the experience with new life skills, gaining patience, awareness and putting the needs of others before his own. His faith is an important factor in Erik’s philosophy towards people and plays a significant role in his life’s decisions. Being part of the YOPEY programme, Erik felt, was a rewarding opportunity. He found that the elderly have many entertaining stories and excellent insights of wisdom to share. It also made him think of his own family, especially his grandfather, whom he says, “was an inspiration” to him. In the coming autumn term Erik will be a mentor for the new cohort of Sixth Form students and aims to encourage his fellow students to embrace the YOPEY programme and hopefully gain from it in the way that he has.

In recognition of his outstanding work, on 16 July Erik was presented with a YOPEY Silver Award for Volunteering by Commodore Tim Hennessey RN DL Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire presented the award to him. The Commodore was representing her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Also present at the ceremony were Tony Gearing, founder of YOPEY and Logan Logeswaran, MD of Runwood Homes.