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.
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 Kirkburn Court Care Home
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The Kirkburn Speedway
Our Kirkburn Speedway event saw residents and staff take each other on in some ‘friendly’ remote controlled car races! It was the Audi versus the Maclaren as we staged lots of different races and the competition was fierce to win the coveted Kirkburn Cup! It was a great activity to encourage the hand movement and coordination of our residents and it was lovely to see the smiles as everyone watched the cars zooming around the track! Great fun was had by all and the poor cars were well and truly worn out!
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Wild things!
We have recently teamed up with a local organisation called Wild Things who have kindly gifted us some craft and nature resources to use. This month we have tried our hand at flower pressing and making bird feeders. The activities have greatly helped to get our residents out into nature and they have also allowed us to learn a few new skills. The bird feeders proved very popular with our feathered friends and the residents have enjoyed watching them snacking from the windows!
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Alzheimer's Scotland Memory Walk
A team of Kirkburn staff entered this years Memory Walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Scotland. They completed a 12 mile sponsored walk on the old Buchan and Formartine Railway Line on Sunday 19th September. The team were fundraising for a few weeks in the run up to the event and thankfully the weather held out for them on the day. The team thoroughly enjoyed themselves and raised an amazing £1400 in the process. Well done to the Kirkburn Kavaliers!
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Wine tasting virtual event
We had a lovely time joining Hospitality Manager, Christophe Noel and special guests Lee Isaacs DipWSET and Nick Parker from Unity Wines and Spirits – as they introduced us to wine tasting techniques, the history of wine and wine making, as well as consumer attitudes.
Our residents had the opportunity to try a variety of wines from sparkling and white to rose and red, alongside a selection of delicious treats.
It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.
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Last night of the Proms
We celebrated Last Night of the Proms virtually with members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Gavin Sutherland.
We listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took us on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert got our feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!
It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.
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V&A Dundee - Scottish Galleries
We had a lovely time joining Becca Clark and James Wylie – members of V&A Dundee’s exhibitions team – as they took us on a virtual tour of the museum’s incredible Scottish Design Galleries.
We were introduced to the wide range of unique objects at the galleries from architecture and engineering, jewellery and textiles to theatre and their fascinating stories.
And we were able to learn more about the importance of all objects in telling the rich and varied history of Scottish design.
It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all.
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