Ashleigh makes residents laugh (From Witney Gazette)

Ashleigh makes residents laugh

8:44am Saturday 18th November 2006 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

AN 11-year-old girl has been honoured for fighting for the right to do community service in her grandfather's nursing home.

Ashleigh Wiles, of Tristram Road, Ducklington, has been given a BT Seen and Heard Award for getting her voice heard and making a difference. More than a year ago, she came up with the idea of doing voluntary work at Southmoor House residential home, where her 83-year-old grandfather Jim Wiles stays.

She wanted to do the work for a St John Ambulance Cadet Award Scheme badge, but was told she was not allowed, as it would be inappropriate for her to spend time with people suffering from dementia and confusion.

She spent six months persuading St John Ambulance, the nursing home, and her parents to let her do the work.

Her father, Bret Wiles, said: "Ashleigh really had to fight. They put a huge climb in her way. She had to do an accident risk assessment, and be criminal record bureau-checked to get permission from the home, and meet with the staff to see if they would back her. She was very determined.

"What she does at the home is fantastic. She brings them out of themselves, makes them laugh, and seems to get through to them. There was a music and movement session, which was quite depressing really - a guy plays music, and just a few of them would move their hands or feet.

"Ashleigh started joining in, and just being silly, and had them falling about laughing. Then others heard the laughter and wanted to join in. Soon everyone got involved, and now they look forward to every Wednesday.

"She also managed to get through to one lady who is nearly blind, almost deaf, and confined to a wheelchair. Ashleigh got her clapping, and she absolutely loved it. Some give up on eating, and Ashleigh was happy to sit and help feed people."

Ashleigh would like to be a children's nurse. She said: "It was very enjoyable. They liked me because I made them laugh."

Sophia Jeskins, care manager at the home, said: "A lot of the residents don't have any visitors, so they are very happy to have someone come and spend time and talk with them."