Lingo Flamingo Partners with the Open University to Bring Language Learning Back into The Care Sector

Since 2015, Lingo Flamingo have been training volunteer linguists to provide foreign language lessons for senior learners in care facilities and community centres across Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Studies show that learning a second language can help delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimers and improve brain function and ability, while overcoming the challenges of learning new grammar and vocabulary improves confidence and self-esteem. The social aspect of group classes is also significant in battling loneliness and building community relationships. With the current health crisis restricting opportunities for care home residents, staff, and visitors, it’s more important than ever that senior citizens have access to stimulating hobbies and engaging social activities. With Covid-19 health and safety measures making it difficult for tutors to travel to care facilities while ensuring the wellbeing of senior learners, Lingo Flamingo has worked to create a different approach. One option could be online classes using Zoom or Skype, but these may be inaccessible for those hard of hearing or visually impaired, and can be impersonal, lacking the social atmosphere that makes language learning classes so enjoyable for senior learners. Face-to-face learning simplifies communication, making it easier and more satisfying to learn and form connections with tutors and other learners.

So - how do you continue face-to-face learning while upholding Covid-19 safety guidelines and ensuring the safety of tutors, care staff and residents? Believe it or not, there is a solution! Lingo Flamingo have partnered up with the Open University to develop a training course for junior care staff, trainees and volunteers currently working in care. The online course will provide them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to provide in-house language lessons directly to residents in care establishments. This new model will enable care staff and volunteers to offer recreation and stimulating activities to users and residents, while benefiting from the opportunity to upskill and develop new care techniques in these challenging times.

These new language tutors will take part in a ten-week course with Lingo Flamingo, supported by the Open University, as well as having the opportunity to join Lingo Flamingo’s in-house language courses for any tutors who’d like to brush up on their skills before teaching for themselves. Participants will gain access to Lingo Tutor starter packs, containing materials to run several classes, including pre-prepared lesson plans, workbooks, PowerPoints, activity resources and more. Tutors who subscribe to an ongoing Lingo Flamingo membership will be able to access further resources and support from Lingo Flamingo’s own language experts.

This amazing pilot is run free of charge in 2020 with the invaluable support of tutors and senior staff from participating establishments, who are contributing with ongoing and valuable feedback to ensure the model has the positive impact expected on the senior learners. Lingo Flamingo is working hard behind the scenes to source funds and offer more opportunities like this in other care homes and care centres in Scotland from 2021. With the satisfaction of care staff, care facilities management, and residents, this initiative will roll out to be more widely accessible from January 2021 and many more care establishment will be able to join in as members or supporters.

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