Activities at Hunters Care Home
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.
Ben Sandall
Hello I am Ben and I am the Activities Coordinator at Hunters. I started working at Hunters as part of the hospitality team, but when a vacancy came up on the activities team I jumped at the opportunity. I have seen how important a varied activities programme is and the team ensure we offer something for everyone including regular past times.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
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 Hunters Care Home
Exotic Animal Visit
We were joined by Carla from Animal Mania with her exotic collection of animals. The residents were treated to a show of animals, which included a corn snake, an Australian frog and a tortoise, and for those who prefer their animals to be of the furry variety, there was a chinchilla with its six week old baby.
As part of our community engagement programme, the residents were joined by the children of North Cerney and Bibury Primary Schools for a fun and entertaining afternoon.
Shopping Trip
At Hunters, we know how important it is for the residents to maintain their independence and have choices that we all take for granted, but quite often are denied when people move into a care setting, which is why there are regular shopping trips to the local supermarket. These trips are used in conjunction with our home's own mobile shopping trolley to give the residents choice and a feeling of independence.
The residents that are able to can walk around the shop independently to choose their own shopping, with everyone meeting at the end for a well-earned cup of tea in the café.
Harvest Festival
Recently at Hunters we held our annual Harvest Festival service, Don, our local parish vicar visits the home monthly for Holy Communion with the residents and for other special occasions and events.
Every year Hunters makes a collection for the local food bank in Cirencester to help those in the local community in need, the collection is displayed during the service, receiving a blessing by Don before it is donated.
The residents are still able to attend worship regularly and still feel part of the local parish and community with the regular visits made by the Parish of Preston and South Cerney.
Activities Coordinator of the Year
Steve Chamberlain, Activities Coordinator at Hunters, was recently crowned as the national winner in the Activities Coordinator of the Year category at the 2019 Barchester Care Awards on 3rd October.
The judge for the category, Resident Experience Manager Lucy Tomlinson said of Steve that “Steve puts residents at the centre of his planning, making sure there are a variety of activities, each a reflection on what residents truly enjoy. Steve is committed to his work, understanding that structure and consistency is required to enrich lives and bring out the value of meaningful activities, for not only the residents at the home, but their loved ones, their friends and family and neighbours in the community. Some of the feedback Steve received thanked Steve for his positive enthusiasm and commitment he brings to the day to day life of residents, staff, visitors and families. Steve leaves each person he meets with a shining impression, and he is an asset to the home and to Barchester.”
Steve said of his win that, “I am very proud, and very honoured to be receiving this award. We work hard here at our hospital with a focus on the people we care for, and not for accolades, but it really is very special to be recognised in this way.”
Well done, Steve!
Autumn Newsletter
Riding for the Disabled
At Hunters, we know how important it is for the residents to maintain links with the local community and to carry on with their interests and hobbies when they move into the home. Recently, we visited Riding for the Disabled Association, during their tea afternoon with a pony.
At Hunters, there are many residents who have a lifelong love for horses, and so it was no surprise that the afternoon proved very popular. Everyone enjoyed afternoon tea whilst watching a riding lesson before the horses were brought over for the residents to stroke.
The afternoon was ended with a walk through the stables, tack room and a sensory garden. Everyone had a lovely time and we will be visiting again as soon as possible.
