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
Three Lions on a shirt!
Residents and staff at North Park care home in Darlington have been cheering on their home sides throughout the Euros. The home has been decked out with flags and residents have been enjoying all the action over the past three weeks. Everyone at the home has been so excited that Gareth’s boys have been playing so well!
Fans of the beautiful game at North Park were delighted to be able to watch this year’s fixtures after the disappointment of last year’s tournament having to be postponed. Residents and staff have been getting together to watch the matches and celebrate with a cold beer and footie-inspired bar snacks whipped up by head chef, Karl Aylward.
Lisa Frame, General Manager at the home, said: “We have loved watching the Euros, we have watched pretty much all the matches – lots of our residents are footie fans. It has been fantastic to be able to cheer on all the home sides and England did really well to get so far in the tournament.”
Residents virtually meet Atlantic Puffins
We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland’s Puffin Rescue Centre at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
We were able to virtually meet some of the rescued Atlantic Puffins and to learn interesting facts about their care and unique lives. We took a peek into their lives in the wild, the Puffling rescue program in the Westman Islands, and how SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary’s team takes care of these charismatic little birds each day.
It was a very exciting experience, enjoyed by all.
Virtual talk with Blenheim Palace
Ahead of Armed Forces Day, we were transported back in time for a World War II themed talk and tour of Blenheim Palace, hosted by Antonia Keaney, the Palace’s social historian and author.
Entitled ‘Evacuees and Espionage,’ Antonia’s wartime themed talk focused on how the Marlborough family, estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort.
The talk and tour told the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys being evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5.
It was a lovely experience, enjoyed by all.
Father's Day
Staff at North Park were overjoyed to welcome small family groups back in to celebrate Father’s Day. The groups were given a lovely picnic food tray of freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries, cream scones and cakes to enjoy while sharing memories of childhoods and special occasions. Those who lived overseas or far away were able to video call or Skype to share the special occasion.
Singing the Faith
North Park residents were overjoyed to welcome Chris and Lyn back into the home for a morning of prayer and hymn singing. Although staff had kept the ‘Mornings of Faith’ going throughout lockdown, for which we were all grateful, they just weren’t the same.
Residents enjoy tour of Hereford Cathedral
We had a lovely time joining the team from Hereford Cathedral for an exciting virtual session.
We enjoyed a glimpse of this spectacular building and its treasures in a series of short pre-recorded videos. From the stunning gardens which lead down to the River Wye, to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.
It was wonderful to learn more about the history and beauty of Hereford Cathedral.
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....
