Activities at Spen Court Care Home
Activities are an integral part of life at our care home. We want to ensure that the people we support have as much fun as possible during their time with us, so it’s important that our activities programme is created with the interests of residents in mind. Our skilled Activities Coordinators bring a certain uniqueness to the home that can’t be found anywhere else, and which is reflected in the activities they organise.
Angela Blackburn
My name is Angela and I am the Head Activities Coordinator here at Spen Court. I get so much satisfaction out of knowing I have made a difference to people’s days and have filled the home with a sense of community and happiness.
We feel it is important to build community connections and maintain our resident’s social interaction outside the care home.
We ensure we deliver a person-centered program of events and activities and build strong relationships with our residents, their families and friends.
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 Spen Court Care Home
Resident's Afternoon Tea
Spen Court celebrated the completion of the WOW within the home.
Residents were treated to a fabulous Afternoon Tea as a Thank you for their patience during the refurbishment.
Residents had a lovely afternoon. Anne Clough said “She had been thoroughly spoilt and felt very lucky to be looked after so well”
Bird Watching
Resident Edith Rowell enjoys nothing more than bird watching and feeding them.
Edith gets so much enjoyment from watching the birds go about their daily lives.
Edith is a centenarian and she is so passionate about the birds, we provide bird food and houses to ensure the wellbeing of the birds.
World Heritage Day
Spen Court enjoyed World Heritage Day. Residents and the activities team spent the morning discussing monuments and sites of culture in the United Kingdom. Many places the residents had been lucky enough to have previously visited.
Resident, Malcolm Smith took the lead in reading the booklet to the entire group.
Information booklets were pre made by the activities team to ensure each resident had their own copy. The session brought back many happy memories for some residents, which was shared amongst the group.
It was lovely to the hear the experiences of others shared and enjoyed by those that have not experienced by themselves.
Pets As Therapy at Spen Court
Spen Court enjoyed a wonderful visit from Pets as Therapy dog Mr Mac and owner Joyce.
Mr Mac was indeed the star of the show and loved by all. He spent time on both floors, in residents bedrooms and communal areas. Residents were able to stroke and pet Mr Mac.
Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. We strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal.
Our volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, and bring smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone — and stroke a friendly dog or cat.
A Visit from our local MP
Spen Court was proud to welcome our local MP for Spen and Batley, the wonderful Kim Leadbeater MP.
Kim visited our monthly Memory Lane Dementia Café and spent time with each of our residents, conversing with them as they enjoyed a variety of beverages and refreshments.
Our residents and visiting family members were delighted as Kim danced away the afternoon with the ladies.
We also welcomed members our police force who enjoyed spending time speaking to our residents.
The Dementia café is held on the last Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm.
Chocolate themed afternoon with Nestle
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Spen Court Care Home in Heckmondwike were treated to a chocolate extravaganza courtesy of Ellie Prail and Paul Vernon from one of the world’s best-known confectionery companies, Nestlé.
Residents and patients were invited to think back as far as 1904 when Nestlé first started to sell chocolate bars and how the company was involved in the development of milk chocolate as far back as 1875. Ellie and Paul hosted a fascinating talk about how Nestlé Confectionery was first created and how the company has grown over time to become one of the biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Residents were taken on a virtual tour of one of its factories to see Easter egg production in full swing. There was an interactive quiz where residents put their chocolate knowledge to the test before Ellie and Paul gave a demonstration on decorating Easter cookies, which everyone then got to sample.
Upcoming events
November
The leaves are falling, November is calling and we are looking forward to a fun filled month ahead - all welcome.
Countdown to Christmas
Counting down to Christmas with a fun filled month ahead and we extend a very warm welcome for you to join us. Merry Christmas!
Could you be a Volunteer?
Your time could make a real difference! If you would like more information we'd love to hear from you.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all Emergency Services Personnel - come and take a break on us! There may be a cake or two available....
Dementia Cafe - Last Thursday of the month
We know the importance of supporting our local community and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly Dementia Cafe, from 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm.