Activities at North Park Care Home

On a cold wet day in Darlington our residents got creative and enjoyed an arts and craft afternoon. Some of our residents turned their hands to rock painting choosing the brightest of colours which will be used to enhance our beautiful garden amongst the flower beds. Whilst others enjoyed a ‘blast from the past’ and made paper aeroplanes which they then turned into a competition to see whose could fly the furthest!  It was a fun-filled afternoon for all.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s North Park were treated to a photographic tour and talk about the era of ocean travel by V&A Dundee Curator, Charlotte Hale.  The presentation forms part of a series of six talks and virtual tours that V&A Dundee is hosting for Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and private hospitals across the UK.

V&A Dundee is Scotland’s design museum, it showcases Scotland’s outstanding design achievements and features world-class exhibitions alongside the permanent Scottish Design Galleries, and a changing programme of commissions, events and activities.  

Staff and residents at Barchester’s North Park were treated to an armchair work out courtesy of the Green Goddess, Diana Moran, and Shackleton’s furniture company, followed by a mindfulness session led by Shackleton’s Emma Raybould.

Diana rose to fame as a glamorous fitness guru on BBC’s Breakfast Time in the 1980’s and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the UK. She now brings that experience to Shackletons as their Health and Wellness Adviser.

To celebrate National Vegetarian Week, staff and residents at Barchester’s North Park were treated to an interactive virtual cookery demo courtesy of chef, Alex Connell, from Vegetarian for Life.

Chef Alex whipped up some tasty, healthy vegetarian snacks in a live, interactive cookery demo.  Much to residents’ delight, North Park head chef had prepared the same recipes so that residents could try all the dishes. Residents sampled delicious, light and summery veggie dishes including Borlotti bean and dill pate, Greek fritters with Tzatziki and Coronation 'chicken' pastries. All finished off with a sweet and simple but totally yummy banana bread.

Staff and residents at North Park care home in Darlington were celebrating being able to go on short excursions again as lockdown restrictions ease across the country.  Residents are now able to go on a short trip to outdoor spaces without having to isolate on their return.

Residents from North Park care home enjoyed a long-awaited trip to Broken Scar Picnic Area and Redcar Sea Front where they were able to enjoy the lovely views while reminiscing about past outings and enjoying making plans for future excursions.  

Lisa Frame, General Manager at North Park commented: “It is absolutely wonderful to be able to take our residents out for trips again.  We have all been waiting for this day and we are so thankful it is finally here.  Our residents have enjoyed all sorts of different entertainment during lockdown but nothing beats some fresh air and a change of scenery to blow away the cobwebs.”

Residents at North Park Care Centre enjoy the occasional cocktail and mocktail afternoon where they are able to choose from a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Residents enjoy these regular get togethers for an afternoon of fun with music, dancing, chit-chat and most importantly laughter.