PROJECT UPDATE JANUARY 2012
- This quarter one of the project’s volunteers has received a national award from Age UK for their contribution to health and social care services for older people, as part of the European Year of Volunteering 2011.
- Activities this quarter have included a film night, arts and crafts, music, dance, games, gardening, hand massage, flower arranging and reminiscence sessions with a drama therapist. Staff from Thornton’s have done chocolate tasting at different venues, and Lakes Leisure held Indoor Bowling and Skittle sessions that were so popular residents are clubbing together to purchase a set of boccia bowls. Residents also got involved with duties such as folding towels and setting tables, as well as homes’ development, planning, and the delivery of activities.
- To date, more than 600 different sessions have been delivered to over 600 people, with at least 570 individuals evidencing positive benefits to their wellbeing through their engagement with the project. The project has also supported homes in achieving CQC standards and in recruiting and developing volunteers.
- The project’s learning is being disseminated through a series of events and resources, and is now being developed to benefit those receiving domiciliary care. Resources include:
•Enriched Opportunities “How To” guide
•Domiciliary Care “How To” Guide
•Reading Groups for Older People guide
•Younger Dementia Guide
•Café D (Dementia café) Guide
•Nutrition Scoping Guide
•Physical Activity Guide
•Reference Guide for Cumbria

Project Workers work with staff at residential homes and within other care settings to provide a variety of activities tailored to the needs of the homes and individuals.

They engage with the local community to bring in volunteers to help with activity provision and, along with care staff, continue when project workers are not there.

Activities have included:
- 1940s and the war years
- hand massage
- exercises
- vegetable growing and fruit tasting
- art and craft projects such as flower arranging
- calendar making

Residents are also encouraged to take an interest in the surrounding area, for example putting up bird tables to attract local wildlife.