Activities at Sutton Valence 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.
Our activities team are great at building the activities programme around the likes and interests of the people we care for. Ensuring that our social events offer fun and adventure is part of the ethos of our home; it’s important that those we support can enjoy an active and social lifestyle. Of course, there will always be those who prefer peace and quiet, and in these instances, a cup of tea and a chat are always welcomed.
Jacinta Wilson
The job description of Activities Coordinator fitted me perfectly and brought me out of retirement; I did miss the social aspect of working life... Enriching resident’s lives through art & crafts coupled with a vibrant caring nature is me to at T. I have a passion to give our residents access to their own self-esteem and confidence. Re-gain, explore or enhance their quality of Winter Life. Share the tools to make each moment the best it can be and if, it's, not then let's explore why? My team buddy laughs with me when I recall or mention Golden/Platinum moments I've been blessed with. I witness them every day. Finding a way to give purpose to a day is a mission of mine and I do my very best for our resident family to gain that.
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 Sutton Valence Care Home
All aboard the Sutton Valence Cruiser
Captain Maureen and sub Captain Ann greeted everyone whilst boarding our ship.
We sailed from Portsmouth, moared in Wales & Scotland to sing a few tribute songs and then smoothly sailed on the the Emerald isle of Ireland
Captain Ann then revealed our secret destinations; Spain, Mexico, Brazil finishing back in England for the Grande Finalè celebration and fine dining with the Captain
Of course, our mascots, Bart 'n' Chester joined us. Watch out for their next adventure
All aboard The Kingfisher Mark
In 1990 John Lockhart, whose son has Down's Syndrome, had a boat built to take disabled and disadvantaged people down the River Medway. The Kingfisher project was born. In 2004 a group of volunteers raised funds to have a new boat built. Withing 2 years they raised enough and in 2007 The Kingfisher (built in Faversham) was launched.
Over the years the Kingfisher was costing more and more in maintenance, the diesel engine and hydrologic system were beginning to show signs of their age and use.
It was agreed to put aside funds each year towards replacing her for a more economical version but based on the original design.
In 2019 The Kingfisher Mark was built with funds kindly donated by The Mark Master Masons.
I'll let the photos of our trip express our day out BUT will finish with Pam's comment at the end of our day ...
"I've had a lovely day. Let's book it again for next week and the week after and after that!"
Ascot Day
What a memorable day for us all!
‘Sunday best’ was the dress code for the day
Our talented Residents keenly designed and created their own fascinators to be worn with smiling pride.
Volunteer Hairdresser Nicki Oliver came in especially to enhance those fascinators with imaginative hair stylising. All done with pure heart and love. Needless to say Nicki was a big hit.
Ready set go
Headwear jewels, best dress, bow ties, gloves hats and cummerbund and most importantly beaming faces.
We had live entertainment to get us in the mood, glorious three course meal pimms galore and strawberries and cream for after.
Then came the best kept secret arrived!
Sheila from skreppa-horses.co.uk an amazing therapy horse.
Sheila indulged in hay treats as she greeted every Resident even travelling in the lift to enhance the day for the Residents that were unable to join us.
Thank you Becca and Kate for introducing us to the lovely Sheila.
Intergenerational Art
Although Joan and Grace are generations apart they both share a love for art.
Joan is a retired year 3 School teacher; her passion certainly was re-ignited!
Ten of Year 3 students from Sutton Valence Private School and their Teachers came to our home to include us in an Art competition they are entering. The winner will be displayed at the National Art Gallery!
A great community spirit oozed from all involved.
Beautiful moments in our home
The role of an Activity Co-ordinator is one of variety with the core of our work being about our fabulous residents.
Each week we're privileged to be a part of a Skype call between one of our residents, Madge, and a very, very close neighbour, Julia. Every week Julia plays the piano for Madge and recites prayers to which a calm and peaceful look falls upon Madge's face.
Madge had a huge influence upon Julia's life; the bond between them is overwhelming and still continues.
Today was exceptional; beyond any words that could be written.
Madge talked to Julia about her brothers and family, finished every other line of the prayer Julia recited and spoke the words of the hyme played.
An honoured privilege to be party too
This was a very personal moment and out of respect a photo of Madge has not been taken. The rose picture represents the beauty of our story and reflects that with a little imagination a lot may be achieved.
