Activities at Chacombe Park Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Heather Gooch
My name is Heather and I am the Head of Activities here at Chacombe Park. My role is to ensure that all residents are supported in enjoying hobbies and events that enrich their life.
I have a Bachelors degree in Theatre Performance, as well as a PGCE in Secondary Drama. I have previously worked for another Barchester home back in 2012 before working as a secondary school teacher, teaching Drama at both GCSE and A Level. I have a passion for person centred care, which has come from my love of pastoral work during my time as a teacher. I want each resident to feel appreciated and supported to enjoy the skills/hobbies that they have treasured before their time at Chacombe.
In my spare time I enjoy singing, cross stitch and learning new skills. I endeavour to bring these hobbies and passions into my role here at Chacombe, as well as learn some new skills from the vast range of knowledge that our residents can bring!
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 Chacombe Park Care Home
Back on the Road
Residents were overjoyed to be able to get back on the road. Our first minibus trip was a marvellous afternoon at Burton Dasset Hills, admiring the spectacular countryside views whilst eating a delicious picnic with a glass of fizz to celebrate.
Projects & Planning
We ensure that all the residents are involved with decisions, projects and planning around the home. This month, residents have been busy helping to get the mobile bar ready for plenty of outdoor events throughout the summer, deciding what colour it should be painted and then giving it a fresh lick of paint.
We have also been making sure that the minibus is in tip top condition for our minibus trips, getting the buckets and sponges out and giving it a clean.
Nature Walking Club
Our nature walking club combines residents' love of nature whilst learning something new. Each week we go out in to the garden to explore the wildlife and nature and learn about the various species of flowers, trees and wildlife that live in the garden.
We are lucky to have some birthing ewes within the grounds and whilst out on our nature walk, we learnt about the lamb's life, its feeding regime and how the farmer identifies each lamb to its mother.
Residents were able to cuddle and feel the softness of the lambs wool and help feed the lamb. For one resident, this was particularly meaningful, having lived on a farm nearly all her life and being able to be a part of that experience again was just wonderful.
Be Free Young Carers
Residents and team members have been cycling alongside their sister home, Southerndown, to support a cyclethon challenge, raising money for Be Free Young Carers.
During the course of the challenge, the home will be cycling 124 miles. Residents have had great fun cycling on the YouBike and following a virtual countryside video, which really gives them motivation to cycle those few extra miles.
Later in the week, we had a Hawaiian-themed party to celebrate the arrival of Southerndown on their first leg of the journey, enjoying delicious fruit smoothies, fruit cocktails and refreshing with fresh fruit skewers.
Mothering Sunday
Residents spent the morning reminiscing about Mother’s Day and how times have changed through the years, all whilst enjoying a sherry before lunch.
Throughout the morning, the home gifted several afternoon tea boxes filled with sandwiches, fresh scones, brownies, fruit tarts, chocolate and sweets to our community.
The residents enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea and music and were delighted to have received a chocolate bouquet from Bealey’s Bouquets as a special gift.
Mobile Drinks
Team members set up a mobile bar to visit residents in their rooms, serving cold refreshing beverages, whilst the residents enjoyed watching the rugby or football. Residents could choose from either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy whilst watching their chosen sport.
