Activities at Newlands Care Home

Activities within our home are tailored around the requests of residents. Our Activities Coordinator holds regular activity meetings to seek new thoughts and ideas. The home is committed to offering a varied range of activities for all residents, from hand and nail care to gardening for those who have green fingers. We carry out reminiscence activities, including planned entertainment days, bringing the seaside into the home or dance hall meetings.

We hold strong links with the community, especially schools and local children's sports teams, who visit the home to provide entertainment and engagement with residents. We also maintain relationships with the church to ensure that residents’ spiritual beliefs are met. Externally, we have our own minibus, and outings are planned and carried out, again tailored to residents’ preferences, whether it be shopping, visits to the local pub, tea and coffee afternoons, or a scenic day out in the lakes and lovely countryside that surrounds us. However, the fun does not stop at the residents we care for, but we also hold events to involve family and the wider community.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Hlabekile Nyoni (Nayoni)

Activity Coordinator

Hlabekile Nyoni known by everyone as "Nayoni" is the Activities Co-Ordinator at Newlands Care Centre as of  December 2023.  Hlabekile joined the Barchester team in August  2023 on a part time basis  then later became  fulltime at the end of December 2023.

 "Nayoni" says, ‘ I love sharing my ideas and knowledge to make residents life at Newlands enjoyable and memorable for them  and their families. Each day is a different day and each resident is different therefore I always put that into consideration when coming up with activities that can suit each individual. I am so glad to work with a great team throughout the home, from housekeeping, clinical, care, kitchen, maintenance, admin and managers all play a pivotal role in my work. With my strong artistic  background I find it easier to come up with creative ideas. I love my job here at Newlands.

Life-encriching activities booklet

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 Newlands Care Home

Residents enjoy virtual 'Summer holiday'

Residents and staff at Newlands were taken on a virtual ‘Summer Holiday’ as they celebrated Sir Cliff Richards birthday with a fun-filled day of music.  Residents enjoyed a Sir Cliff themed quiz, medley of his hits were played which had everyone toe-tapping and dancing along too. 

In the afternoon, Residents were able to sit back and enjoy his iconic film ‘Summer Holiday’ and everyone shared their memories of child-hood holidays and favourite destinations.  Sir Cliff Richard was born Harry Webb in 1940, and has sold over 250 million records worldwide making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Everyone had a wonderful day!

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.   

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.

Scottish Designs live event

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.

Virtual trip to Beluga Whale Sanctuary

We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.

Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!

It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.

Photography Masterclass with top photographer

To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents were treated to a live streaming photography masterclass courtesy of top professional photographer, Damian Bailey.

A professional photographer since 2003, Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers, having photographed over 700 weddings.  Damian travels all over the country shooting weddings, events and families and loves to help people create memories by capturing wonderful images that will be passed on from generation to generation.

Damian’s talk explained how he goes about capturing special moments and what makes a great photo in terms of technique and composition.  From landscapes to portrait photos, Damian shared his hints and tips for getting the best shots whatever the subject matter.

Upcoming events

Come dine with your loved one

We know meal times are important and we extend a warm invitation for you to join your loved one. For more information get in touch.

Dominoes Club

Come and enjoy our Friday Dominoes Club and make new friends over a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake.