Fun had by all at our seasonal Craft Day!
A day of fun and creativity was had throughout Sussex Housing & Care’s care homes and schemes last Wednesday, 17 November, as residents, staff and families came together to participate in seasonal crafts.
Craft kits were organised by Sussex Housing & Care’s Craft Club team who distributed materials and equipment to all locations. Residents and staff had a choice of creative projects including festive wreaths, paper crafts including card making and pyramid Christmas trees, decorations and decorating small boxes.
Our senior management and support services were also able to get involved and join in the activities. Chief Executive, Tracy Evans who joined in the session at Oakwood Flats in Haywards Heath said,
“Artistic activities can have a positive impact, and promote feelings of wellness as well as being a lot of fun to take part in. It’s been wonderful to see residents, staff, families and our support services team be able to finally meet together (safely) and have some fun.”
Chief Executive, Tracey Evans at Oakwood Flats, Haywards Heath
Oakwood Flats, Haywards Heath
Over at Saxonwood care home in Battle, Home Manager Sigita Kaleja said,
“We had a fantastic craft morning making Christmas wreaths from pom poms which residents, staff and families had helped make over the previous couple of weeks, in readiness for the session.”
New Administrator, Sandra Everley at Saxonwood adds,
“It was enjoyable for all and gave me the opportunity to get to know the staff and residents. There was Christmas music, chocolates, drinks and plenty of fun and laughter.”
Residents thoroughly agreed with Marjorie saying,
’It was fantastic to come all together and make something nice for our home for everyone to enjoy.’’
Georgie said,
’I loved that staff delivered activity to my room and I was able to take part. I enjoyed very much and Ganga was a great partner.’’
Rosemary added,
“‘I had a wonderful time to engage with other people, had a great laugh and observed such a nice and caring atmosphere created by our staff.”
Regional Manager, Vafa Hurst who was also at Saxonwood for the events noted,
’It was lovely to see Saxonwood residents come together to make lovely wreaths with pom poms made by many residents, staff and families. I had a lovely time making wreaths with Sheila, Eileen and Rosemary - we had great fun!‘’
Saxonwood care home, Battle
Over at Martlet Court in Brighton, Denise said,
“I’m not a crafter, but I really enjoyed my morning making cards for some family members.”, while Sandie wanted to say “Thank you for organising the event. It’s great to see residents together again doing activities.”
Martlet Court, Brighton
In the meantime, at Yvonne Robertson House in Bexhill, resident Eleanor said,
“The home craft session was really good, it’s been very enjoyable. I’ve not got a lovely wreath to hang on my door and I particularly like having used natural foliage which smells beautiful.”
Sylvie added,
“It’s been a very therapeutic afternoon, nice to relax and have a chat and the craft box we received was incredibly well stocked with all the bits and pieces we needed to make our wreaths. It was nice to see Kyle, our scheme manager, join in and we enjoyed the cake!”
Yvonne Robertson House, Bexhill
At Woodlands care home in Crowborough, they made flowers which was a wonderful activity, with everyone finding they could quickly get the grasp of it, including Regional Manager, Diane Knight.
John couldn’t stop smiling and as he held his flower, spoke about giving it to his lovely wife and where they met. The flowers were scented with a natural rose spray and this somehow brought them to life!
Pom poms were their next task and wow, did this require a lot of concentration!
“The residents really enjoyed this too – a different dexterity required”
said Julia Styles, activities co-ordinator at Woodlands.
“Shirley’s daughter Heidi joined us which was delightful, and even Doris which was really nice. She doesn’t normally enjoy crafts, preferring crosswords and keep fit, but Doris loves story telling and remembers them. I asked her to start the story, then I continued, then Heidi and Shirley… It was a lovely morning”.
Woodlands care home, Crowborough
Across in the east of the county, Isabelle Maréchal, Scheme Manager at Bourne Court in Hastings said,
“Our residents enjoyed the day and had fun making wreaths and Christmas decorations.”
Bourne Court, Hastings
Just further along the coast at Devonport House in Rye, Scheme Manager, Colin Stack said that
It had been a very successful day and it was great for Debbe, our HR Manager who was supporting the creative session, to meet residents in a casual setting too”.
Devonport House, Rye
Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath reported a great arts and crafts session had been held, with lots of creativity and traditional music setting the scene for an enjoyable morning, with Director of Housing & Care, Amanda Hodge also joining in the fun!
Relatives got involved too with Sarah, Claire and even Edna’s great granddaughter, Ella also joining in from home,
“We had a lovely time crafting”, reported relative, Chris, “Ella loves crafting in my craft room, come dining room!”.
Oakwood Court care home, Haywards Heath
Plus these are just a few of our relative's makes too!
Clevedown, Lewes
Here’s some photos from Clevedown in Lewes, where our Finance Director, Sharon Daley joined Scheme Manager Leica Ward and residents…
Cheneys Lodge, Seaford
