Activities at Woodland View Care Home
Activities at Woodland View
Woodland View is passionately committed to providing residents with a varied choice of entertainment, social, health and well being, craft and relaxation based activities.
Activities will all be meaningful and based on the likes of residents and will continue to evolve depending on our residents. The activities provided will also include involvement from other local community based organisations and are open to all residents, family and friends of residents. Our activities will be facilitated by staff from all departments as well as invited guests. Families are also enthusiastically encouraged to play a part in activities when possible.
There will always be at least one person at every activity who has been DBS checked to ensure the safeguarding of our residents. The dignity of our residents and our respect for them is at the centre of everything we do, each and every day.
We are always reviewing and changing our schedule of activities to be a centre of excellence and actively invite feedback and suggestions for new and meaningful activities and ideas.
Petra Hardman
Hi my name is Petra and I'm the Activities Coordinator here at Woodland View. I love seeing the difference that activities can make to each individual, and finding out what interests they have and ensure I incorporate that into our activities here.
I love music and drama coming from a musical background as a singer all over the country, music is important to me and I feel it makes such a difference to everyone, it evokes memories, and creates happiness. I also love to boost residents self esteem by creating pampering sessions and having one to one time to relax and reminisce.
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 Woodland View Care Home
Chris' Birthday
At Woodland View, we joined General Manager, Riet Jones, and Deputy Manager, Juliet Driver, in wishing resident, Chris, a very happy birthday. All other residents, friends and family had a slice of birthday cake and some drinks to celebrate with Chris.
Words From a Volunteer
My name is Lauren and I am 15 years old.
On the 30th August. I attended Woodland View Care Home to spend some time as a volunteer.
In the morning, at about 11:00, the residents participated in an activity that was based on the game 'Play Your Cards Right'. Six residents participated and all gave it a go! After the game had ended, it was time for lunch, and all the residents went into the dining rooms. The one I visited was located on the 1st floor. Residents heading for this dining room were escorted by the Activities Coordinator, Kevin.
After lunch had ended, Kevin asked residents if they wanted to go on a minibus trip. Four residents accepted the invitation and we went to Maldon Promenade. It took about 25-30 minutes to get there from the care home, which is based in Colchester. Once we arrived, we took a walk along to where a cafe was located. Two of the residents had a hot drink and the rest, including myself and Kevin, had an ice cream instead.
We then took a walk up to the harbour where the Thames Barges were located. Kevin took a photo of us all with the boats as a background. Then, at the insistence of the residents, Kevin took a selfie with us all - it was a great day! Then I assisted in pushing a resident's wheelchair, which I enjoyed because we had a chat whilst doing it.
When we approached Woodland View my mum was waiting, ready to take me home.
I can't thank you all enough. From the residents to the staff, thank you for making my time here special.
I look forward to seeing you soon
Fete Brings People Together
Saturday 3rd September saw Woodland View Care Home's very first fete. Staff and residents worked together to create a wonderful event which was well-supported, raising funds towards the purchase of a life-saving portable defibrillator.
The End of Summer Fete featured a range of attractions, including a tombola, brik-a-brak, homemade popcorn, face painting, embroidered goods and a 'guess how many sweets in the jar' and painting competitions. We also had a BBQ, serving burgers & dogs (not Huskies!) - there was something for everyone.
Highlights of the day included singer, Lindsey Walker, and the wonderful Harwich Sings choir. Woodland View was also very honoured to have a team of rescue Huskies take part in a 'Hug-a-Husky' game.
Following the fete's success, the Woodland View Care Home team (combined staff and resident-based effort!) are already planning a Christmas season full of events.
Please contact Kevin Riley on 01260 855390 or email kevin.riley@barchester.com if you'd like to be added to the email subscription list for the regular eNewsletter, 'The View'. Recipients are kept up to date with what's been happening at Woodland View and what's coming up.
Keep watching this space...
Sun, Sea, Sand... and an Air Show!
Clacton on Sea Air Show was the latest destination for the Woodland View minibus and its residents.
There were thousands of people crowding the pier, beaches and the promenade to enjoy the gorgeous hot and sunny weather, cooling breeze and incredible air show.
Lucky residents managed to find a great parking space with a great views of the aircrafts. This was thanks to a kind local home owner who offered her drive when she saw the minibus looking for somewhere to park on Clacton seafront during a day of road closures and few parking spaces.
Residents celebrated the day in style with glasses of chilled lemonade, served from an ice bucket full to the brim with ice cubes.
Bouncing Bombs! Who Knew?
Abberton Reservoir, in Essex, is the 4th largest reservoir in England. Residents of Woodland View were interested to find this out on a recent trip to the site which has been designated a wetland of international importance.
The reservoir has capacity of up to 41,000 megalitres of water, which is supplied from 3 river sources: the River Stour, Blackwater and Chelmer.
The information that really raised eyebrows among the visiting residents was when they were told that the reservoir was used by the RAF's 617 Squadron ('The Dam Busters') for practice runs for the bombing of the German dams in the Ruhr during World War II (Operation Chastise).
Woodland View residents are always learning new things about their area!
Entertainment, but with Strings Attached
One Ukulele sounds great, two... even better. Woodland View Care Home had the pleasure of hosting a musical trip through the ages, performed by no less than eight ukulele players.
Residents sang, hummed and clapped along, tapped their feet and were all smiling as they enjoyed the sound of classic and contemporary tunes being played.
The atmosphere in the coffee lounge at Woodland View was wonderful and, by the end of the set, residents were expressing their gratitude in person to the musicians who had played for them.
A date is now being discussed for a Christmas season return visit!
