Celebrating life at Barchester
Whilst the world outside is in uncertain times, safe inside our Barchester homes our residents are carrying on with fun activities and we are joining forces with our local communities to share some cheer. Take a look at what we've been up to...

International Pen Pals
An exciting new scheme is being rolled at Ashchurch View to try and keep residents engaged in active and meaningful activities during lockdown.

Pen Pals
Before COVID-19 came along, we had weekly visits by children from the nearby St Catherine’s Primary School. They cannot visit at the moment, so we have established a pen pal scheme with them.

Giving Thanks
Moors Manor has been lending a helping hand to NHS staff at St Leonards Hospital as they start their COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Virtual Christmas Quiz
This week’s Virtual Classroom session was a Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland. The students at Coopersale Theydon Garnon School created a fun Christmas quiz for our residents, which lead to reminiscing about Christmas past, as well as a wider discussion on seasonal holidays, including Hunukkah.

Keeping in Touch
Contact with loved ones is so much more important during these changing times. We assist our residents to make cards and drawings that we can post with that extra special loving touch.

Halloween celebrations
Our residents enjoyed Dementia friendly activities this Halloween with pumpkin carving, window dressings and Tracy, our activities coordinator dressed as a beautiful witch! We also had delicious tasty treats too

Keeping in Touch
Although our residents have been keeping in touch with their families with garden visits, zoom calls, Facetime and telephone calls, they have also been writing to their families in 'the old fashioned way'.

Hurstwood Birthdays
Birthdays may be celebrated a little differently at the moment, but with plenty of banners, balloons and cake, we have been able to make magical memories during resident garden visits.

Virtual Concert
Despite the restrictions of lockdown, music lives on and our residents had a wonderful time listening and singing along to music performed by Philippa Mo, a professional violinist, and Jennifer Begley, a professional opera singer.

Messages of Kindness
We have received many cards of thanks and kindness during this time. It is lovely to receive positive feedback from families and friends.
So a big thank you to you all!

Letters of Kindness
Team members and residents at Queens Court were thrilled to receive colorful and positive letters from Dundonald Primary School pupils. The staff and residents appreciate the continued support and kindness shown by the community. Thank you!
Family Visits
Recently, we have been able to allow residents to have visits from their family and loved ones. After the COVID-19 lockdown, it has been a huge relief for everyone to be reunited and able to speak to each other face-to-face.

Creations of Inspiration
Christy and Hayley, who love to crochet, came up with an idea of crocheting hearts for all residents and their families.
Virtual Reality Goggles
The residents at Westergate House enjoyed an interesting and fun afternoon whilst testing out our new Virtual Reality Goggles. Ronald, one of the residents, said that the experience of virtual scuba diving on the Coral Reef and watching all the sea life swim by was simply amazing.

Queens Birthday Celebrations
Corrina Lodge enjoyed a very royal knees up and celebrated the Queens special day with her. Her Royal Highness arrived and brought a smile to everyone’s faces at Corrina Lodge. There were some tasty treats to enjoy at the party, including a particularly delicious Victoria sponge.