Activities at Newlands Care Home

We’re honestly not sure how much work has actually been done, because everyone has been completely distracted by the arrival of some very special little guests… our beautiful baby chicks! From watching them hatch out of their eggs to seeing them feather up into tiny troublemakers, they’ve completely stolen all of our hearts. 

One chick in particular has already earned a reputation and has been lovingly named after our Deputy Manager, Lisa for being the bossiest chick in the bunch! Some leaders are simply born, not made.          

Our gents made the most of the beautiful weather with a spontaneous minibus adventure down to the shore—and what’s a seaside trip without a very important stop for ice cream? 

There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and a few expert directions from the back seats (whether we needed them or not!)     

With brilliant entertainment from Sasha the Entertainer, plenty of laughter, lots of dancing, and a drop (or two!) of Guinness, our residents had a fantastic time celebrating in style. There was toe tapping, singing, and some dance moves that definitely deserve their own spot on the activity calendar… although we’re not sure all of them were strictly health and safety approved! 

A wonderful afternoon full of smiles, music, and mischief — just how we like it! A wonderful day was had by all. By the end of the day, everyone’s feet needed a rest.       

Love and friendship were at the heart of a very special afternoon here at Newlands. The residents and families enjoyed a lovely hearty 3-course meal made by Chef James. Moments like these remind us that Valentine’s Day is not just about romance — it’s about kindness, connection, and sharing smiles with those around us. 

Because love is best celebrated together.       

Our residents enjoyed a heartfelt dinner of Haggis, neeps and tatties. Thereafter they took to the dance floor to enjoy some Scottish music by the charismatic Bailey and Kream Entertainment.    

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, these adorable therapy dogs brought plenty of smiles, cuddles, and tail-wagging happiness to our residents and staff alike. It’s safe to say everyone fell paws-over-heels for Dodge — our residents simply could not keep their hands off him! There were lots of laughs, cuddles, and heart-warming moments shared throughout the visit. 

We truly saw first-hand how animals can brighten moods, spark conversations, and give everyone’s mental wellbeing a well-deserved boost.           

Our residents had a blooming lovely time celebrating National Gardening Day by bringing the outdoors in! From fragrant herbs to cheerful plants, there was plenty of potting, planting, and a little bit of “where did I put that trowel?” along the way. 

All in all, a day full of laughter, greenery, and just a tiny bit of soil in unexpected places!          

Our residents, families, and staff were delighted to welcome the Skiddaw Ukulele Group for a very special afternoon of music and togetherness. Their wonderful performance brought smiles to so many faces, with residents singing along to familiar songs and enjoying the warm, joyful atmosphere. Meaningful moments like these are so important in supporting wellbeing, connection, and happiness within our home, and it was lovely to see everyone sharing such a memorable experience together. 

A sincere thank you to the Skiddaw Ukulele Group for bringing such kindness, fun, and community spirit to our day.

We heard that our Margaret used to do a lot of baking and teaching, so we then spent the afternoon getting a few baking tips from her. In our life enrichment programs, we aim to recreate those exciting moments or hobbies that our residents love and enjoy. 

And we can tell from the smiles that she enjoyed the outcome.     

We were delighted to get a visit from St Johns Church in Workington. Our residents and staff were blessed with some sweet Christmas Carol melodies. It is the season to be jolly.   

Today our residents, families, and staff had an absolutely fabulous time celebrating VE Day in true style! We danced, sang, laughed, and possibly showed off a few moves that haven’t been seen since the 1940s! Our Dementia Disco was brought to life by the wonderfully talented and energetic Sasha, who had everyone singing along from start to finish. 

Of course, no celebration would be complete without amazing food, and our chef Seb certainly did not disappoint — safe to say there were very few crumbs left behind!                

We have enjoyed a wonderful Easter celebration here at Newlands. Our residents and staff were delighted to receive Easter eggs from the Easter Bunny, who made a special visit around the home in search of carrots. 

It was a lovely occasion that brought smiles, laughter, and plenty of Easter cheer to everyone.              

We’re excited to introduce the life-size Happi Table to our home – an innovative, interactive table designed to support engagement, wellbeing, and meaningful moments for our residents. The Happi Table offers a wide range of activities including games, music, quizzes, and sensory experiences that can be enjoyed individually or together. 

It’s designed to be accessible and easy to use, helping residents of all abilities take part. Benefits of the Happi Table include: encouraging social interaction and shared activities, •supporting cognitive stimulation through games and quizzes, promoting gentle movement and coordination, providing sensory engagement and relaxation, • Creating fun, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Every month we thrive to introduce food delicacies from all over the world. Our dining rooms were transformed into Chinese restaurants, our residents and staff enjoyed Chinese food made by our creative chef. For some, it was the first time I had Chinese food, and it was received very well. We look forward to our next destination. 

Where do you think we are heading to next?     

Our gents enjoy going for a visit to the barber. 

They always look forward to having a chat with the barber man. The transformation is always incredible.