Activities at St Thomas Care Home

Our activities coordinator is dedicated to organising meaningful activities on an individual and group basis to fulfill the daily needs of our residents, as we understand how important mental and physical stimulation is for their wellbeing. Our activities are available to everyone who wants to take part and there is something different going on everyday. We often go out on day trips including visiting shopping centres, garden centres, evening meals at the local pubs, visits to local schools and also coffee mornings with other care homes. We have a wide range of entertainers that visit us at our home including musical therapists, Millers Ark Farm, pantomimes as well as our local salvation army and lots more. We encourage families to join us on trips out and also in home activities such as baking, arts and crafts, dancing and singing, we believe this is a great way for our residents to live an active and fun life here with us at St Thomas.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Charlie Burns

Activities Lead

Hello!

I'm Charlie and I am the Activities Lead here at St Thomas. I have worked for Barchester since 2017, and have recently transferred here to the wonderful St Thomas Care Home.

I enjoy delivering enriching and fun activities to the residents here and am looking forward to meeting you!

Life-encriching activities booklet

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 St Thomas Care Home

Sweet Memories: Celebrating Cadbury During Dementia Action Week 2024

At the beginning of this special week, the residents of our care home embarked on a delightful virtual journey celebrating 200 years of Cadbury chocolate. The event was a nostalgic voyage through the rich history of this beloved brand, captivating our residents with stories of its origins and evolution. 

To make the occasion even sweeter, Cadbury generously gifted us beautiful memory boxes filled with an assortment of their delicious chocolates. These thoughtfully curated boxes became more than just treats—they were catalysts for sparking wonderful conversations and evoking cherished memories.

As residents savoured the chocolates, they reminisced about their favourite Cadbury moments, from childhood treats to special occasions marked by the iconic brand. The memory boxes bridged the past and present, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and heartfelt stories.

A huge thank you to Cadbury for their thoughtful gesture and for supporting Dementia Action Week. Together, we’re creating moments of joy and connection, enriching the lives of our residents and celebrating the power of memories sweetened by chocolate.

Tea Party Delight at St Thomas!

The residents of St Thomas care home gathered for a delightful tea party in honour of International Tea Day. The tables were set with fine china, and the room was adorned with colourful flowers, creating a picturesque setting for the celebration. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes and scones filled the air, promising an afternoon of indulgence and joy.

Laughter and conversation flowed freely as residents sipped on their favourite teas and savoured the homemade treats. The sight of old friends and new acquaintances enjoying each other's company brought warmth to everyone's hearts. The tea party was not just a celebration of a beloved beverage but a testament to the enduring spirit of community and connection within St Thomas.

The event was a resounding success, marked by smiles, shared stories, and the simple pleasure of being together. As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the gathering, it was clear that the true delight of the day came from the laughter and joy that filled the room, making this International Tea Day a cherished memory for all.

A Heart-warming Birthday Celebration for Gerald at St Thomas

Today, the halls of St Thomas care home were filled with joy as we celebrated the birthday of one of our wonderful residents, Gerald. The festivities began with a delightful cake, lovingly prepared and adorned with candles that Gerald eagerly blew out to a chorus of cheers and birthday wishes from the staff.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Gerald's day was made even more special by a visit from Cuddly Cavies, our beloved therapy guinea pigs. These furry friends brought smiles and laughter, their gentle presence adding a unique charm to the celebration. Gerald’s wife, Greta, was also there, her eyes twinkling with happiness as she joined in the revelry. It was a day of pure joy, marked by the simple pleasures of companionship, delicious treats, and the soothing comfort of the guinea pigs.

Many happy returns, Gerald, from all of us here at St Thomas! Your birthday was a reminder of the love and community that make our home so special.

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Easter Joy: United in Celebration

As Easter approached, the halls of our care home buzzed with anticipation and the residents eagerly joined together to prepare for a special celebration.

The scent of chocolate filled the air as residents gathered to indulge in sweet treats and share stories of past Easter celebrations.

But the highlight of the day was yet to come: an Easter quiz designed to test their knowledge and spark memories of seasons past. As questions were read aloud, residents huddled together, pooling their collective wisdom to find the answers. Laughter bubbled up as they debated each response, their minds sharpened by the challenge and their spirits buoyed by the sense of accomplishment.

When the final scores were tallied, cheers erupted as residents discovered they had achieved an impressive 50 out of 60. It wasn't just a testament to their individual knowledge but a triumph of teamwork and shared experience.

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Furry Friends

A special visit awaited the residents at St Thomas. Trained guinea pigs, with their soft fur and gentle demeanour, brought a burst of joy and excitement to the day. As they scampered into the common area, eyes lit up and smiles adorned faces.

With tender hands, residents reached out to stroke the furry visitors, their fingers dancing with newfound purpose. Each gentle caress was a celebration of fine motor skills, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Memories, once dormant, stirred at the touch of a soft nose or the sound of a contented squeak.

As the guinea pigs nestled in the laps of their new friends, a chorus of laughter and conversation filled the room. For some, it was a chance to reminisce about childhood pets; for others, it was an opportunity to share stories of love and companionship. The therapeutic power of these furry companions was evident in the smiles that lit up the room and the voices that echoed with newfound vitality and the simple joy of connection. 

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Memories in the Mix

In the cosy corridors of our care home, a group of residents found joy in a simple yet meaningful activity: baking banana bread. They found comfort in the familiar task of mixing ingredients. With each turn of the spoon, memories stirred, and laughter filled the air. Together, they measured, poured, and mixed, guided by muscle memory, the warmth of companionship and the discussion of creations made in their own kitchens years ago. 

As the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the kitchen, anticipation grew. With smiles as bright as the golden crust, they eagerly sliced the bread, savouring each bite. For a moment, time stood still as they savoured not just the flavour, but the memories intertwined within each delicious morsel. In that simple act of baking, they found not only nourishment for the body but also for the soul.