Activities at Dovedale Court 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.
Brian Sandham
My name is Brian, I’m the activities coordinator down here at Dovedale. I’m new to the care sector, I’ve been a photographer and photography tutor since 2004 dealing with different ages groups and abilities. I’m looking forward to putting my people skills to good use down here at Dovedale.
I might be new to the care sector but I’m super looking forward to spreading a bit of extra sunshine and cheer around the home.
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 Dovedale Court Care Home
Sea Life Trust virtual tour
We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.
Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!
It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.
Residents get snap happy
To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents were treated to a live streaming photography masterclass courtesy of top professional photographer, Damian Bailey.
A professional photographer since 2003, Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers, having photographed over 700 weddings. Damian travels all over the country shooting weddings, events and families and loves to help people create memories by capturing wonderful images that will be passed on from generation to generation.
Damian’s talk explained how he goes about capturing special moments and what makes a great photo in terms of technique and composition. From landscapes to portrait photos, Damian shared his hints and tips for getting the best shots whatever the subject matter.
International Youth Day with creative workshop
We celebrated International Youth Day virtually with English National Ballet’s youth dance company, ENBYouthCo and their Creative Director, Richard Bermange.
We had the opportunity to watch A Comedy in Long-shot, participate in a chair-based creative dance workshop and observe an open rehearsal where Richard and the young dancers created a performance inspired by our childhood memories.
It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.
V&A Dundee - Night fever
We had a lovely time joining V&A Dundee curator, Kirsty Hassard, as she introduced us virtually to the history and design of night clubs and the club culture from the 1960s to present day.
We explored the evolution and development of night clubs around the world, from Italy to America, and closer to home, looked at their importance as cultural venues and designed spaces.
This current exhibition celebrates night clubs at a very important moment, as we all look to a brighter future where everyone can come back together, to dance and to enjoy nights out once again.
We all enjoyed the virtual talk.
Residents learn about robots
We enjoyed a wonderful virtual introduction to the world of robots with V&A Dundee Curator, Kirsty Hassard.
Kirsty talked us through the history of robots and their early beginnings, the presentation traced the fascination of all things wired and wonderful and considered what the future might hold for our relationship with a multitude of mechanical machines.
It was absolutely thrilling to learn what robots can do now and what they might be able to do in the future.
A breath of fresh air
Residents of Dovedale have been taking advantage of the home’s minibus and the remarkably good weather to enjoy trips out, with firm favourite – Lytham St Annes – high on the agenda for ice-creams, refreshments and to simply enjoy the views. Everyone looks forward to their trips out and it has been wonderful to be able to go out and about on their mini adventures. Where will we end up next?
