Activities at Hickathrift House Care Home
We have two Activities Coordinators here at Hickathrift House. We have a wide range of activities within the home, including musical entertainment, arts & crafts, clubs for like-minded people, such as flower arranging and gardening, board games, baking (where the best bit is the eating afterwards!), and we celebrate special events throughout the year. We also have trips out on a regular basis using our own minibus, where we find out places of interest each person would like to visit.
It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these activities as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join in with activities and events as often as they can.
For the less mobile residents, we unique one-to-one session, such as simple chats over a cup of tea, reading or listening to music. Activities are some of the most important aspects of a care home, so it is essential that our team are dedicated to ensuring that residents are entertained, and that life at Hickathrift House is fun and active.
Kat Colangelo
Hello, my name is Kat and I am the Activities Lead here at Hickathrift House.
Since 2017 I have been working in the field of well-being and I am passionate and enthusiastic about enriching all our of residents' quality of life.
As the Activities Lead at Hickathrift House, my focus is learning about each of our resident's likes and dislikes and supporting them to remain receptive and active in addition to supporting them to engage with our local community friends.
I organise activities to stimulate the mind, body and soul in an enjoyable, comfortable way. My aim is to diversify and increase activities ensuring that there is something for everyone - from Wine and Cheese events, excursions on our home Mini Bus as well as individual bespoke person-centered activities.
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 Hickathrift House Care Home
Home launches Dementia Cafe
Hickathrift House in Marshland St James, Wisbech, have recently launched a dementia café for residents as well as members of the local community after upgrading their activities room, ‘the Snug’. The new Dementia Café was launched as a welcoming space for carers in the community and their loved ones who may be living with dementia. Taking place every third Friday of the month, guests will have a chance to meet other carers, gain support and advice for their loved ones living with dementia and have a chance to meet the team at the home, to discuss any questions they might have about care.
Armistice Day
Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland st James commemorated the signing of the Armistice Day agreement on the day that the guns finally fell silent. They joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, along with members of the local community at the war memorial in Wisbech, including the Mayor and Mayoress, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Steven Barclay MP and the local cadets and military attendees.
High Sheriff visits Hickathrift
Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James welcomed the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Dr Bharat, his wife Mrs Khetani and Kim Taylor of ‘Wisbech Tweet.’ The residents and staff were thrilled to be approached and asked for a visit due to the High Sheriff being so happy with what he saw online about the home.
On Monday 13th November, the High Sheriff and his lovely wife arrived at Hickathrift House and was welcomed by General Manager Paula Colman, Deputy Manager Sarah Sage and Activities Coordinator Emily Jackson, before being given a grand tour of the home and introduced to all the residents
Pumpkin Patch
Barchester’s Hickathrift House care home, in Marshland St James, got in the Halloween spirit by visiting Worzals to see Rusty’s Great Pumpkin Patch.
On the 29th of October, Hickathrift House Care home, while working with the team at Worzals, took a bus full of residents and 3 carers to the pumpkin patch. Residents and staff had a brilliant time exploring the various themed areas from Stanger Things to Hocus Pocus. In additional to the beautiful themes the residents and staff loved seeing the various types of pumpkins available to purchase.
Black History Month Events
Black History Month, held in October every year, not only provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Britons now and throughout history but also how Black History influences our present and our future world.
To begin the celebrations, we held a Caribbean party with the local entertainer the Banjo Man. The banjo originated from descendants of African and Caribbean heritage. Everyone enjoyed listening to this unique instrument and sang along over some pina colada cocktails. We have hosted a variety of activities to celebrate and raise awareness including watching Hidden Figures as part of our film club, discussing famous influencers in our history club, and an interactive talk with Rhiannon Watkinson from the RAF Museum London. These activities were enjoyed by all and offered an opportunity to learn more about a different culture.
World Mental Health Day
On the 10th of October, we raised awareness of mental health and took steps to support residents' own mental health. We celebrated by calming and stimulating the mind, body, and soul with a range of activities.
At Hickathrift House, we spent the morning having a pamper with nail painting and hand massages, while listening to mindful music and watching beautiful aquarium scenes. The afternoon residents felt reinvigorated and refreshed with the incredible Amanda from Wings of Eagles Yoga Therapy and Wellbeing.
Betty especially loved the activities as the yoga reminded her of her ballet days. She shared a few ballet exercises with us which we all enjoyed.
Upcoming events
Spring Fair
Come and join us at our annual Spring Fair - there is lots for everyone!
Newsletter - March
We are delighted to share our newsletter - March / Easter edition.
May
May is the gateway to summer and we have lots of fun filled activities planned - all welcome.
Dementia Cafe - 3rd Friday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly dementia cafe.
Knit and Natter - Bi-monthly
Do you enjoy knitting? Come along and make new friends at our bi monthly Knit and Natter group - all welcome.
Gentleman's Club - Last Sunday of the month
Come along and enjoy a variety of activities over a beverage or two! Make new friends - all welcome.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all emergency personnel! Come and take a break on us - there may be a cake or two available!
Coffee Morning
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly Coffee Morning - make new friends and enjoy a slice of homemade cake.
Volunteer Coffee Morning - every Tuesday
We recognise the special impact volunteers can have on the lives of our residents and we hope you can join us.
