Activities at Kirkburn Court Care Home

Here at Kirkburn Court, we aim to facilitate a personalised programme of meaningful activities, which are designed to promote independence, social stimulation and cognitive function. We strive to create a comfortable and safe environment where fun, creativity and individuality are encouraged. We feel it is important for us and residents to place value on yesterday, today and tomorrow – which is why we invest heavily in getting to know residents and learning their life history.

Our inclusive, yet respectful ethos is reflected in the wide range of activities we offer – ranging from larger structured group activities to one-to-one sessions. Our monthly activity programmes are extremely varied, but some of the activities you may expect to find include concerts, crafts, games, exercise sessions, reminiscing and outings. We also have a strong relationship with the local community and often invite external guests into the home, including performers, schools, and choirs.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Claire Burden

Activities Coordinator

I began my career with Barchester in December 2017. Having worked within the teaching profession for the preceding 8 years, I feel that I bring a range of transferable skills to the activities team.

I strongly believe that the provision of activities is about so much more than just structured, planned events – capturing and celebrating the little moments in daily life, such as enjoying a chat and a cup of tea together, are equally as important.

Activities, no matter how big or small, should be at the heart of every home and that individuality should be celebrated. In addition, I feel that activities should take a person-centred approach, which is why I enjoy spending time with the residents and learning about their preferences and their history.

My own interests include football, politics, crafting and drinking tea, and I enjoy nothing better than engaging with residents on these topics! I aim to bring energy, a friendly smile and a willing ear to the home each day.

Life-encriching activities booklet

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 Kirkburn Court Care Home

Last night of the Proms

We celebrated Last Night of the Proms virtually with members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Gavin Sutherland.

We listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took us on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert got our feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!

It was a wonderful experience, enjoyed by all.

V&A Dundee - Scottish Galleries

We had a lovely time joining Becca Clark and James Wylie – members of V&A Dundee’s exhibitions team – as they took us on a virtual tour of the museum’s incredible Scottish Design Galleries.

We were introduced to the wide range of unique objects at the galleries from architecture and engineering, jewellery and textiles to theatre and their fascinating stories.

And we were able to learn more about the importance of all objects in telling the rich and varied history of Scottish design.

It was a lovely talk, enjoyed by all.

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Kirkburn heads to the beach

This month, we decided to hit the beach and enjoyed a big beach party. Complete with our own tiki bar, limbo and beach volleyball court – residents and staff had great fun donning their summer gear! In true Peterhead style, it was raining outside but this did not dampen our spirits! Great fun was had as we attempted the limbo and sampled some Pina Colada mocktails.

Virtual trip to Beluga Whale Sanctuary

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.

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Kindness Corner

We have recently been working hard on a garden project whereby we have created two ‘kindness corners’ for our residents to visit when they are outside enjoying garden time. Residents and staff have been putting their artistic skills to good use by painting lots of rocks with kind messages and bright colours. We very much wanted to create a bright and cheery corner to bring a smile to all those who visit.

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The Kirkburn Olympics

August 2021 saw us host our very own Olympic Games. We kicked off with some crafts by making our own Olympic rings and torch – it was a great effort by our residents! Our events then included basketball, pool noodle javelin, bean bag high jump and duster sprint. Great fun was had and competition was fierce as our residents competed to get the highest scores in each event! We then rounded things off with a staff/resident relay and sack race outside. Once the final scores had been tallied, residents were awarded gold, silver and bronze certificates along with medals. It really was a brilliant week and it was lovely to see staff and residents working together.

Upcoming events

Community Cafe - Last Tuesday of the month

Do you fancy some company and a good blether? Come and join us at our monthly community cafe.

Carer's Support Group - 4th Wednesday of the month

Hosted by Dementia Advisors from Alzheimer's Scotland, come along for advice, support and guidance on local services. All welcome.