Meet our Activities Coordinator, Claire Burden
I began my career with Barchester in December 2017. Having worked within the teaching profession for the preceding 8 years, I feel that I bring a range of transferable skills to the activities team.
I strongly believe that the provision of activities is about so much more than just structured, planned events – capturing and celebrating the little moments in daily life, such as enjoying a chat and a cup of tea together, are equally as important.
Activities, no matter how big or small, should be at the heart of every home and that individuality should be celebrated. In addition, I feel that activities should take a person-centred approach, which is why I enjoy spending time with the residents and learning about their preferences and their history.
My own interests include football, politics, crafting and drinking tea, and I enjoy nothing better than engaging with residents on these topics! I aim to bring energy, a friendly smile and a willing ear to the home each day.
Activities at Kirkburn Court
Here at Kirkburn Court, we aim to facilitate a personalised programme of meaningful activities, which are designed to promote independence, social stimulation and cognitive function. We strive to create a comfortable and safe environment where fun, creativity and individuality are encouraged. We feel it is important for us and residents to place value on yesterday, today and tomorrow – which is why we invest heavily in getting to know residents and learning their life history.
Our inclusive, yet respectful ethos is reflected in the wide range of activities we offer – ranging from larger structured group activities to one-to-one sessions. Our monthly activity programmes are extremely varied, but some of the activities you may expect to find include concerts, crafts, games, exercise sessions, reminiscing and outings. We also have a strong relationship with the local community and often invite external guests into the home, including performers, schools, and choirs.
Life at Kirkburn Court Care Home
Residents enjoy tour of Hereford Cathedral
We had a lovely time joining the team from Hereford Cathedral for an exciting virtual session.
We enjoyed a glimpse of this spectacular building and its treasures in a series of short pre-recorded videos. From the stunning gardens which lead down to the River Wye, to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.
It was wonderful to learn more about the history and beauty of Hereford Cathedral.
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The Sound of Music
Kirkburn reached a very important milestone this month – the long awaited return of a music concert! Previous to the restrictions, we had a live music concert every week so it was absolutely brilliant that we have now been allowed to host our very first outdoor concert. We were all hopeful that the Peterhead weather would hold out and thankfully it did! Calum McDonald was a regular performer here at Kirkburn so we were pleased to welcome him back – along with his range of sing along classics! Our patio area around the back of the building was used as the stage and our residents watched from room windows, the lounges and some even braved the elements and sat outside to watch! It was an amazing sight, seeing our residents singing, dancing and waving arms along all the windows of the building. Claire Burden, Activities Coordinator, said “It is difficult to put into words just how amazing this concert has been – music is such a big part of life here at Kirkburn and we have missed our concerts so much, it was actually quite an emotional afternoon.”
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Kirkburn Claik
This month we have been touring the home with the ‘Kirkburn Claik’ Newsagent Trolley. We have visited all the residents with a complimentary array of reading materials with something for everyone including fishing, cars, football, crafts, gardening and lots more. We also had a lovely selection of sweeties which went down a treat! We even had some extra help along the way in the form of some residents lending a hand pushing the trolley! Claire Burden, Activities Coordinator, said “It has been great seeing everyone get involved and all the residents were delighted with their new goodies.”
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Flower arranging
Some of our lovely ladies have been spending time creating decorations for our dining room tables. They selected a range of fresh flowers and arranged some in jars and other as small posies. Everyone agreed that they really brightened up the tables. It was a great effort by the ladies. One resident, Sally, said “they look beautiful.”
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V&A Dundee - Ocean Liners
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Kirkburn Court were treated to a photographic tour and talk about the era of ocean travel by V&A Dundee Curator, Charlotte Hale. The presentation forms part of a series of six talks and virtual tours that V&A Dundee is hosting for Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and private hospitals across the UK.
V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum, it showcases Scotland’s outstanding design achievements and features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.
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Mental Health Awareness Week
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Kirkburn Court were treated to an armchair work out courtesy of the Green Goddess, Diana Moran, and Shackleton’s furniture company, followed by a mindfulness session led by Shackleton’s Emma Raybould.
Diana rose to fame as a glamorous fitness guru on BBC’s Breakfast Time in the 1980’s and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the UK. She now brings that experience to Shackletons as their Health and Wellness Adviser.
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