City of Glasgow College apprentices use their skills to help local charity.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, students from the Built Environment department have refurbished the outdoor seating areas at the nearby Marie Curie Hospice. This project has enhanced the hospice’s outdoor spaces and provided students with a meaningful opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
The partnership between the college and Marie Curie Hospice began through the college’s Facilities Management services, with the hospice’s Facilities Manager, who also serves as a part-time lecturer. A conversation sparked by personal experiences with the hospice highlighted the need for an upgrade to its outdoor furniture. Recognising the opportunity to make a positive impact, the Built Environment team eagerly took on the challenge.
Guided by staff, second-year apprentice painters and decorators took the lead in the transformation. They applied their training in surface preparation, sanding, priming and cleaning, ensuring the furniture was primed for professional-grade painting and staining. Durable, weather-resistant coatings were applied, and a vibrant colour scheme was chosen to create a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere.
Key improvements included restoring worn seating by smoothing imperfections and applying protective finishes. Many pieces of furniture featured personal inscriptions from families who had supported the hospice. These were carefully re-highlighted, with gilding added where appropriate. The joinery team also repaired damaged pieces, replacing deteriorating sections to extend their lifespan while maintaining their original character.
A major challenge for the hospice had been the difficulty of finding suitable facilities to dry and maintain the furniture. To address this, the college transported the items to its City Campus, where students worked in a controlled environment to prepare and refurbish them. This collaboration ensured the furniture was restored to a high standard while relieving the hospice of logistical challenges.
Michael Kenny, Facilities Manager at Marie Curie Hospice, expressed his appreciation for the work: “We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by the students and staff. The refurbished outdoor spaces have brought new life to our garden, creating a peaceful and uplifting environment for our patients, families, and staff.”
The refurbished outdoor spaces now serve as a sanctuary, offering a serene environment for relaxation and reflection. The colourful furniture enhances the emotional wellbeing of visitors, fostering a sense of comfort and care.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for our students to make a tangible difference,” said Michael McEwan, Painting & Decorating Lecturer. “It has developed their technical skills and allowed them to experience the profound satisfaction of giving back to the community.”
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, demonstrating the college’s commitment to practical learning and community engagement. The revitalised garden spaces at the Marie Curie Hospice stand as a symbol of care, dedication, and the potential for education to create lasting, positive change.