Out and about

Story: Nick Edmondson

Pexton Grange Care Home have been working with local organistions to help their residents have more contact with the local community.

Jubilee

Geri and Andrea, activity workers at Pexton Grange Care Home are determined to get residents out and about and be part of the neighbourhood. So they ran a ‘Big Lunch’ Jubilee event on June 3rd, and sent out invitations, asking people to bring food to share. It’s a great way to get to know each other. The two workers plan more publicity for future events – like their Summer Fete on Saturday 28th July at 1pm.

Getting out

The Pexton Grange team also join in at the Coffee Morning at St Peter’s. The ‘Dementia? Welcome! Café’ at Verdon St opens most Wednesday mornings between 11am and 1pm. It’s a place where anyone can pop in for tea and biscuits. People from Pexton Grange, The Limes, St Catherine’s, Loxley Court, Jasmin Court and Woodhill Grange all go. Regular attendee Dennis says, ‘The best thing is the biscuits.’ Kathleen says, ‘I’m a nobody but meeting other people is what changes all that.’

Uplifting

Everybody benefits from sharing stories like this. They help us to learn more about our neighbours and help us work together to solve common issues.

‘Dementia? Welcome! Café’ volunteers occasionally visit these local homes. Volunteer posts are advertised on Voluntary Action Sheffield’s website (www.vas.org.uk). Training is provided.

Michelle Wattam of the Care Homes Support Team says,

‘Everybody needs something out of the normal routine to lift their spirits. People with memory problems are no exception.”

Summer Fete at Pexton Grange Nursing Home

Pexton Road, Sheffield, S4 7DA

Saturday 28th July 2012 from 1pm until 4pm. Free admission

Cakes, Books and Clothes Stalls, Tombola, Bric-A-Brac. Children's Sandpit, Hook-A-Duck, Face Painting, refreshments and raffle.

Everyone welcome to join in the fun.