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
Residents join Green Goddess for exercise
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Dovedale Court were treated to an armchair work out courtesy of the Green Goddess, Diana Moran, and Shackleton’s furniture company, followed by a mindfulness session led by Shackleton’s Emma Raybould.
Diana rose to fame as a glamorous fitness guru on BBC’s Breakfast Time in the 1980’s and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the UK. She now brings that experience to Shackletons as their Health and Wellness Adviser
National Vegetarian Week
To celebrate National Vegetarian Week, staff and residents at Barchester’s Dovedale Court were treated to an interactive virtual cookery demo courtesy of chef, Alex Connell, from Vegetarian for Life.
Chef Alex whipped up some tasty, healthy vegetarian snacks in a live, interactive cookery demo. Much to residents’ delight, Dovedale Court head chef had prepared the same recipes so that residents could try all the dishes. Residents sampled delicious, light and summery veggie dishes including Borlotti bean and dill pate, Greek fritters with Tzatziki and Coronation 'chicken' pastries. All finished off with a sweet and simple but totally yummy banana bread.
Residents enjoy trip to seaside
Staff and residents at Dovedale Court care home in Preston were celebrating being able to go on short excursions again as lockdown restrictions ease across the country. Residents are now able to go on a short trip to outdoor spaces without having to isolate on their return.
Residents from Dovedale Court care home enjoyed a long-awaited trip to Lytham St Anne’s where they were able to enjoy a short walk enjoy the lovely views of the sea and Fairhaven Lake. The residents commented on the scenery and how they would like to come back on a brighter day, maybe with a picnic next time.
Rachael Watson, General Manager at Dovedale Court care home commented: “It is absolutely wonderful to be able to take our residents out for trips again. We have all been waiting for this day and we are so thankful it is finally here. Our residents have enjoyed all sorts of different entertainment during lockdown but nothing beats some fresh air and a change of scenery to blow away the cobwebs.”
Easter Monday
The Easter bunny visited and delivered gifts to all the residents. We also had a great service delivered by our retired minister. The residents enjoyed joining in with the prayers and hymns during the service and it was beautiful to hear. We have videos on our Facebook page of the service.
My New Dear Friend
We have recently become a part of ‘My Dear New Friend’ with one of our local schools. We had received letters from the school which the residents were thrilled about, and some residents wrote back to them, whilst others made Easter cards for them.
We are looking forward to continuing our communication with the school pupils and hopefully get to have some intergenerational sessions when we are allowed again.
Senior carer celebrates 10-years service
A senior care assistant at Dovedale Court care home in Preston has received a prestigious Long Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 10 years.
Irene Joyce, Senior care assistant, started at Barchester in November 2008 but had a short break in 2011 and returned to us here at Dovedale Court and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
