Activities at North Park Care Home
Our home is always full of life, and we can thank our wonderful Activities Coordinators for this. Dedication to creating a unique and interesting activities programme is what sets us apart from other homes. We always take into consideration that some people would prefer to pursue their own interests, which is why our team strive to incorporative activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and hobbies. Our trips out are always fun and exciting as well, and residents are guaranteed to return with stories to tell their loved ones!
Claire Liddy
Hi, my name is Claire, and I am Lead Activities Coordinator at North Park. I have 15 years’ experience in the role, three years at North Park and absolutely love my job. I like to involve the local community in events within the home, so we have connections with local churches, schools and community groups. We have a PAT dog that visits weekly, so our residents can enjoy pet therapy, and lots of external entertainers, who come into the home regularly as well; in addition to fairs, monthly coffee morning and so much more.
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 North Park Care Home
Young visitors bring joy to Residents
North Park Care Centre, in Darlington hosted an intergenerational playgroup between residents and children of a local family. The event welcomed Charlie Robinson aged 8 and his sister, Anna Galloway aged 7 with their mother, Sarah to enjoy music, games and activities with residents at the home.
The children also enjoyed sing along with residents to nursery rhymes such as ‘The wheels on the buses, ‘Polly put the kettle on’, Twinkle twinkle little star’ and ‘Hey diddle diddle’ which residents had been practicing all week whilst sharing their memories of their own children growing up.
The homes hospitality team provided a selection of healthy snacks on the day, including a stunning fruit platter which everyone remarked how tasty it was.
Senior General Manager, Lisa Frame of North Park Care Centre said: “We were delighted to welcome the family to the home, the residents had a lot of fun on the day, and love our young visitors. If anyone ever wants to stop in for a lovely afternoon with your young ones, or just for a cuppa and a break in our beautiful garden we’d love to have you join us subject to our visiting guidelines”.
Fun at the Fair!
North Park were delighted to host their first large event, a Summer Fair since lockdown began in last year. It was a truly magical afternoon for residents, families and staff who participated in a host of fun-filled activities planned for everyone to enjoy.
The local fire brigade came along to show their support and local children thoroughly enjoyed squirting water from the fire hoses and sitting in the appliance. There were plenty of delicious cakes and pastries for all to enjoy or take away to enjoy later, live music and plenty of stalls to peruse throughout the afternoon whilst enjoying a selection of hot and cold refreshments.
The fun didn’t stop there as staff members were placed in the stocks with colleagues, residents, friends and families paying for the pleasure of throwing large sponges soaked in ice cold water at them! It was a fabulous day for all.
Residents enjoy talk on Beluga Whales
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.
Snap happy as we celebrate World Photography Day
To celebrate World Photography Day, we were delighted to hear from Professional Photographer, Damian Bailey who spent some time guiding us through different photography tips and techniques.
We all had a wonderful afternoon and are excited to be taking part in the #BaileyBarchester competition where we look forward to putting all the tips and ideas learnt during the talk into practice.
Thank you, Damian Bailey Photography.
Century celebrations for Resident
Celebrations have been in full swing at North Park Care Centre as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style.
The Day began for Rita Sigfrid with a visit from her daughter and son in law who brought a truly amazing cake in for Rita as well as lovely cards and gifts from family and an incredible bouquet of fresh flowers. Rita was then joined by staff and other residents as she received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by Tasty Treats for the special occasion. Later Rita open all her cards from friends and well-wishers before joining fellow residents for her special birthday party.
Doll therapy brings joy to residents
After the successful introduction of doll therapy here at North Park with mosses baskets, cots and dolls for residents to look after, nurse and tend to. We will be setting up a nursery here at the home in one of our smaller lounges so residents can continue to care for their new friends. Residents have thoroughly enjoyed being able to tuck in their ‘little darlings’ on a night time, change their clothes and generally tend them as their own real babies. This has also led to conversations around parenthood and how they enjoyed being ‘mams’ ‘dads’ ‘aunts’ ‘uncles’ and great grandparents.
Upcoming events
July
Summer is in full swing! We can't wait for you to see what activities we have to offer in July
Meeting Room for Hire
Are you looking for a venue? Look no further! North Park is also close to local amenities and not far from the A1.
Could you be a Volunteer?
We recognise the impact a Volunteer can make on the lives of our residents, do you have any spare time? For more information we'd love to hear from you.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all emergency services personnel - police, ambulance and fire services, district nurses - come and take a break on us, there maybe a cake or two available....
