Residents from Carter House Care Home were delighted to take part in Dundonald Church’s annual Holiday at Home programme, a four day-long event designed to bring local people together through workshops, talks, and activities.
The sessions, organised by Dundonald Church in Raynes Park, provided an inclusive programme featuring creative, educational, and social opportunities for older people in the community. Dundonald Church has a strong focus on community engagement that ensures that activities such as Holiday at Home offer enrichment and connection for all who attend. Programme organiser Moira Kirkpatrick said, “The Dundonald Church Holiday at Home organisers were delighted to welcome our friends from Carter House and see their real pleasure at joining in with our activities”.
Wellbeing Lead at Carter House Care Home, Lucy Skibchyk said; “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our Holiday at Home week; we’ve taken a group of residents every day and they’ve loved the crafts and opportunity to get to know people from the local area.” Lucy added; “Dundonald Church are regular visitors to Carter House, and we take a group of residents there on the last Friday of every month for coffee and cake. Our residents' continuing connection with their faith is important to them, so we make sure they take every chance to join in.”
The opening day featured a varied programme, including Pipe Cleaner Flowers, Hymns We Love, The Historical Accuracy of the Bible, and Creative Card Making. Participants also enjoyed a freshly prepared lunch and time to socialise.
As the week progressed, residents from Carter House joined in workshops such as Local History, Cooking for One, The Sound of Music at 60, and Cupcake Decorating. The programme also included light-hearted competitions, with prizes to be won and plenty of laughter. One Carter House resident, Irene, was delighted to win several table tennis matches.
The final day brought the week to a close with talks and activities including The Life and Times of Jane Austen, Birdsong Identification, Caring for Houseplants, and a creative workshop on Pipe Cleaner Flowers.
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed not only the structured sessions but also the opportunity to share meals together, take part in quizzes and games, and build friendships within the local community.
Shera Hinchley, Home Manager at Carter House Care Home, said:
“It was a joy to see our residents so engaged and enthusiastic throughout the week. Events like Holiday at Home are invaluable in providing opportunities for older people to try new things, meet new people, and feel part of the local community. We are very grateful to Dundonald Church for their thoughtful organisation and hospitality.”
Carter House Care Home would like to extend sincere thanks to the Dundonald Church team for delivering such a well-planned and memorable programme.
For more information about life at Carter House Care Home, please contact our Senior Customer Relations Manager, Alex Ulatowska, at careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com or call 02089 466566.
