Wellbeing Ambassadors build bench to donate to community

Coleg Menai Wellbeing Ambassadors built a bench which has been donated to Aberffraw Community Council.

Scarlet Lewis, Luke Owen Hughes and Thomos Evans built two benches from leftover recycled timber in the carpentry workshop at the Llangefni campus.

One of the benches is now providing a much-needed space for reflection in the cemetery in Aberffraw, while the other is set to remain on campus.

Tom Coulthard, a practical skills supervisor in the college’s Construction department, had pre-cut the wood and designed the benches using 3D modelling.

Scarlet, Luke and Thomos then measured up and built the bench, with the help of Wellbeing Activity Officer Naomi Grew.

The project means the students have accrued volunteering hours as part of their Wellbeing Ambassadors accreditation.

Wellbeing Activity Officer Naomi Grew said: “Tom had pre-cut the wood and had designed a 3D model, so we had that as a basis of what it should look like.

“The Wellbeing Ambassadors then spent three and a half hours in the carpentry workshop at Coleg Menai building the bench.

“We had to measure everything, such as how far we needed to drill, then did all the drilling, fitted the screws, stained it, sanded it and chiselled it.

“The chairman of Aberffraw council then came and collected it, and it’s now in the cemetery in Aberffraw.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to develop skills and the students were vocal about their enjoyment.”

The Wellbeing Ambassador Programme is designed to develop leaders of the future, promoting the importance of health and wellbeing.

Wellbeing Ambassadors act as the learner voice for wellbeing in the college and the community, promoting the values of positive health and wellbeing and increasing inclusive participation opportunities for all.

As part of the programme, Ambassadors also complete voluntary hours in the college and in the wider community, which can include working with clubs such as youth and sports groups.

Ambassadors take part in project ideas, are part of the learner wellbeing steering group, and can access additional training and qualifications.

Would you like to become a Wellbeing Ambassador? Email lles@gllm.ac.uk for more information.