Working with the Hospice since 2016, this rich partnership not only provides a unique and enriching service to the community, it offers the College’s Greenock students an inspiring opportunity to carry out work experience in a realistic and challenging environment.

Speaking to Lecturer Sandra Docherty about the project, she said, “The students become hospice volunteers, carrying out treatments on patients, family members and careers. Coming into an environment like this can be daunting at first for the students, but with some additional training from Sheilia McKenzie a McMillan Specialist Nurse, they are quickly put at ease and you can see their confidence build. It’s a fantastic experience for them, helping develop their time and self-management skills – they leave with a real understanding of and the subsequent benefit to those that they help.”

The College have been lucky enough to secure sponsorship from Ellisons, one of the UK’s leading beauty suppliers who have very kindly donated a range of products for the students to use.

Sandra continued,

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Ellisons. To have a company of their status on-baord donating essential products and equipment enables us to continue offering treatments to the patients of CHATS. We are extremely grateful and see first-hand the difference it makes to those at the hospice.

Ellisons Chief Executive, Geoff Morris met with the staff and students to hear more about their unique work with the hospice.

Speaking to Geoff he commented, “Ellisons are delighted to be working in partnership with West College Scotland on this wonderful project. This unique programme will provide valuable experience for students and will support CHATS patients when they need it most.”

Elaine McDonald, Ellisons Scottish College Manager added, “Providing the best products to support staff and students in their efforts is a privilege and we look forward to developing this relationship in the years ahead.”

If you'd like to know more about our Complementary Therapies Course starting in August then click here.