Activities at Florence Court Care Home
Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.
Activities are the cornerstone of a wholesome home experience, and our Activities Coordinators are always putting their creative minds to the test by organising new and exciting social events for residents to partake in. Of course, we take into account the likes and dislikes of those we support, so if someone doesn’t feel like trying something new, there will always be something on offer to reflect their personal interests. For the people who may just prefer some peace and quiet instead, we also offer one-to-one time that can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or just a simple chat – whatever they desire.
Jessica Duery
I have been working in the Care Sector for 5 years and started out as a Domestic and Laundry Assistant. I decided that I wanted to progress my career in an activities capacity, so I became an activities provider, then progressed to an Activities Co-Ordinator which I did for 2 years prior to joining the team at Florence Court.
I have a real passion for Activities and get a great deal of pleasure in enriching the residents' lives through meaningful activities. I love getting to know the residents and spending time with them finding out what they love to do. Every day is very different and rewarding.
I am currently studying to advance my knowledge and career path. I am very grateful for the support Barchester gives to enable me to do this.
When I'm not at work, I love to travel and visit new places. I also enjoy the time I spend with my cocker spaniel, Cooper.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Florence Court Care Home
Gardening Fun at Florence Court
Our residents had a wonderful time getting their hands dirty recently! First, we enjoyed replanting our lovely herb garden – the scents of rosemary, mint, and thyme filled the air and sparked lots of happy memories.
Then, we had some very special little helpers join us! Year R students from West Hill Park School visited and together we planted cheerful sunflower seeds. It was a heart warming afternoon of laughter, learning, and intergenerational fun.
We can’t wait to see our sunflowers bloom and enjoy the herbs all summer long. A big thank you to our young friends for their helping hands and bright smiles!
National Picnic Week
This week our lovely residents enjoyed a fabulous minibus trip out for a picnic to celebrate National Picnic Week! We visited Royal Victoria Country Park and enjoyed a walk in the beautiful grounds.
With sunshine, smiles, and tea and cake all around, we had a wonderful time in the great outdoors ... sharing stories, laughter, and of course, some delicious treats!
Barchester's Get Moving Week!
What a fantastic week we've had at Florence Court during our Get Moving Week!
Our residents, staff, and even a few visitors joined in on the fun with chair yoga, dance-alongs, walks in the local community, exercise classes, gardening and interactive games! The energy, smiles, and community spirit have been truly heart warming!
A big thank you to our amazing team and residents who made this week so special with laughter, movement and memories in the making. Let's keep the momentum going and stay active together!
A Century of Cheers!
Celebrations have been in full swing at Florence Court Care Home, as one of its residents reaches his centenary in style.
Len was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as he received a telegram from the King in recognition of his landmark birthday. An afternoon high tea reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef.
Len is a lifelong Portsmouth FC supporter, he went to his first home game at Fratton Park at age 5 with his father. He was also signed to the club but unfortunately didn’t get to play for them due to the war and being conscripted for National Service. Len later played for Airspeed Football Club, and went to watch Portsmouth play and win the FA Cup in 1939 with his colleagues and again in 2008 with his son. Len has been a devout Pompey supporter his whole life, passing this passion on to his family. So to make this birthday extra special, we had a surprise visit from none other than ex-professional player Guy Whittingham at the weekend!
Seeing Len's face light up as he chatted football with his sons and a Pompey legend was truly unforgettable. Len couldn’t believe Guy was visiting him, saying; “I can’t believe it, I think it’s marvellous you’ve got this man to come and see me”. It was an emotional moment for Len—sharing coffee with his sons, all lifelong Pompey supporters, and Guy Whittingham, a club legend he never imagined would visit.
To make Len’s actual birthday even more special, Alan Knight MBE - a true icon of English football and record-breaking goalkeeper for Portsmouth FC, paid us a visit to personally wish Len a very happy birthday. Len was so grateful to have been honoured by two visits from Portsmouth FC legends this week for his birthday. We’re incredibly grateful to both Alan and Guy for their kindness and taking the time to come and visit Len.
Sensory Balcony Garden
We created a beautiful sensory balcony garden on our Memory Lane Floor bringing Chelsea Flower Show to our Home! Residents and staff joined hands to design a peaceful outdoor haven filled with fragrant herbs, vibrant flowers, and textured plants all carefully chosen to stimulate the senses and spark joyful memories. This project is more than just gardening, it's about connection, comfort, and creating meaningful moments together. Watching our residents light up as they explore the new space has been truly heart-warming.
We created the Sensory Balcony Garden during Dementia Action Week, which is from 19th- 25th May 2025 and aims to raise awareness of dementia.
ITV film crew at Florence Court
With the 80th celebration of VE Day upon us … we were privileged to host the crew from Meridian ITV who filmed our 99 year old resident Phyllis Bassett. Together with two residents from sister homes in Hampshire, Iris Café from Snowdrop Place, Hedge End & Tony Maasz from Shawford Springs, Winchester!
They shared their recollection of events at that time with reporter Dereck Johnson from ITV & Ann Churcher camera operator… on our third floor Sky Terrace!
Whilst enjoying our hospitality the crew and our guests were relaying their commitment to serve and experiences shared of that time in our history. Our resident Phyllis, served at Bletchley and although nervous at first humbly relayed the important work that she did.
We all feel so honoured to have residents in our care who are willing to recount the history and stories of that time … a whole hearted felt thank you to you all!
We featured on ITV on the 7th May & ITVX on the 8th May!
Upcoming events
Gentleman's Carers Club
We are hosting a new Gentleman's Carers Club, this will be held on the 3rd Wednesday monthly from 2 - 4 pm. All gentlemen carers are welcome to enjoy our hospitality.
Musical Moments
Musical Moments is held every fourth Tuesday monthly from 2.00 - 3.30 pm, we contribute to the community with Dementia Support Hampshire and IOW. Everyone is welcome!
