Hemel teenager raises hundreds to buy board games for care homes

A student has raised £400 to buy board games for the elderly in care homes in Hemel Hempstead.

Joba Thomas, 16, from Hemel Hempstead, wanted to donate board games to the homes as he thought the lockdown could be having an affect on the residents' mental health, he wanted to give them something to help alleviate the stress, and he thought board games could do that.

He came up with the idea as part of a social entrepreneur challenge at school, they had to come up with solutions to problems in the local community.

Last month he appealed for the public's helpand he has raised £400 and bought 36 games, which he has donated to care homes in the area, including Jasmine House Care Home and The Lodge Care Home in Hemel Hempstead and Portobello Care Home in Chesham.

He said: "Some of these games also include garden games such as Boules sets, which are useful when the weather is desirable and residents wish to spend some time outside.

"Raising funds and purchasing games is one thing, but when you see the residents actually playing with their games it really gives a full scope of the good the project is doing.

"Seeing the residents smiling and clearly enjoying their games really makes me happy and shows the difference that a single individual, supported by those around him, can make to the community.

"I am still raising money to buy more board games for the residents in the local care homes, I'm grateful to everyone who has donated."

To help Joba buy more board games for the elderly in care homes, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/board-games-for-care-homes.