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Hills students join forces with InCommon to bridge generations

In March 2025, a new chapter in student volunteering started to take shape.

Published on 27/10/2025

Anita Irving from our Careers department contacted Volunteer Cambridgeshire about meaningful opportunities for Hills students seeking valuable work experience. The request led to a partnership with InCommon, a UK charity dedicated to connecting younger and older generations through shared community experiences.

Following an engaging video discussion, InCommon introduced a unique initiative at School Court, a residential care home in Cambridge. The project invited Hills student volunteers to spend time with residents in July, share stories, and participate in the Cambridge Intergenerational Walking Project—an effort to strengthen community ties while promoting wellness and understanding across age groups.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the School Court Care Home. It was a brilliant opportunity to exercise clear communication as well as empathy, patience and teamwork - all of which are fundamental skills for the future. We practised group discussions, breathing work and learnt about different mobility exercises.

Ross, Hills Road student 
Students chatting with a School Court resident

When news of the opportunity reached the College's Medicine Society (MedSoc), interest was immediate. With only 12 places available, spaces filled quickly, a clear sign of students’ enthusiasm to give back to their community while gaining hands-on experience relevant to their future careers.

For aspiring medical students, volunteering in a care home offers more than just an impressive experience for university applications. It cultivates empathy, patience, and communication skills—qualities essential to anyone entering the medical field. As many students discovered, these intergenerational connections also offer valuable lessons beyond textbooks, reminding them that medicine is as much about compassion as it is about knowledge.

Thank you so much for helping us so generously with setting up the workshop and recruiting students! They were all really polite, kind and personable with the older neighbours.

Rosie Shamrock, Programme Manager at InCommon

As the collaboration between InCommon and Volunteer Cambs continues to grow, it stands as a powerful example of how volunteering can enrich education. By bringing generations together, the initiative not only strengthens communities but also inspires young people to lead with care and understanding.