St ThomasBarchester Healthcare

Activities at St Thomas Care Home

Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.

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.

Life-encriching activities booklet

Read our brochure ‘Life-enriching activities’ for more information about life in our care homes.

Read our brochure
Chloe Stapley

Chloe Stapley

Activities Coordinator

Hello, my name is Chloe, and I’m the Activities Coordinator at St Thomas. I’ve been part of the team since 2020, starting out as a General Assistant before progressing into my current role. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and working in care allows me to do just that every day. 

I love planning engaging events and activities, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the positive impact they have on our wonderful residents.

Celebrating life at St Thomas Care Home

Country & Western Fun at St Thomas!

Country & Western Fun at St Thomas!

This month, our residents enjoyed a fun-filled Country & Western themed disco, bringing a little taste of the Wild West to St Thomas!

Everyone enjoyed some delicious American-style foods and snacks while listening to a selection of country classics. There was plenty of toe-tapping and smiling as the familiar tunes filled the room!

Our staff got into the spirit of the occasion by showing off their line dancing skills, which brought lots of smiles and laughter from our residents. Some couldn't resist tapping their feet along to the music, making it a wonderful afternoon of shared enjoyment. 

It was lovely to see everyone getting involved and enjoying the music together. With country classics, tasty treats and plenty of laughter, our Country & Western disco was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon at St Thomas! 

A little kindness

A little kindness

Sometimes, it is the simplest acts of kindness that can bring the greatest joy. A wonderful family member kindly donated a beautiful selection of flowers to our home. This thoughtful gesture brought an instant touch of colour, warmth and happiness to our residents and staff.

Our residents were delighted to get involved, carefully arranging the flowers and deciding where they should be displayed. Together, they created some lovely arrangements which have now been placed throughout the home, brightening our rooms and shared spaces for everyone to enjoy. 

As the flowers found their new homes, there were plenty of smiles and conversations along the way. For our residents, being involved in arranging the flowers was not only enjoyable but also provided a lovely opportunity to spend time together, share memories and appreciate the surrounding beauty.

It is thoughtful gestures like this that make such a difference. A simple gift of flowers has brought colour to our surroundings and, more importantly, brought happiness to the people who call our home their home. We are truly grateful for this generous donation and for the kindness behind it. 

A little kindness can go a very long way and these beautiful flowers are a wonderful reminder of that.  

 Monthly Chapel Service

Monthly Chapel Service

Each month, our residents have the opportunity to come together for a peaceful and meaningful time of worship in our beautiful chapel.

This month’s service was a lovely occasion, with residents joining together to sing some much-loved hymns, listen to readings from the Bible and spend time reflecting in the company of others.

Our regular chapel service provides a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, comfort and quiet moments of faith. It is a special time for residents to pause, reflect and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our chapel.

We are delighted to be able to continue offering this monthly service, providing a welcoming space where residents can come together, share in worship and enjoy meaningful moments of connection.   

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day

Our residents recently enjoyed a delightful afternoon celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a fun and creative ice cream sundae activity.           

Everyone had the opportunity to build their own delicious sundae, choosing from a selection of favourite ice cream flavours before adding an assortment of tasty toppings, including fresh fruit, chocolate and sweet treats. It was wonderful to see residents getting creative, chatting together and sharing plenty of smiles and laughter throughout the afternoon.

The activity brought a real sense of fun to the home, creating happy memories and giving everyone the chance to enjoy a simple pleasure in great company. Moments like these remind us that it is often the little things that bring the greatest joy.

At St Thomas, we believe in creating meaningful experiences that encourage friendship, laughter and wellbeing, and this was certainly an afternoon to remember. 

A Lovely Outing to Conkers Garden Centre

A Lovely Outing to Conkers Garden Centre

This week, a group of residents from St Thomas enjoyed a delightful trip to Conkers Garden Centre.

The outing provided a wonderful opportunity for residents to get out and about, enjoying a gentle stroll around the shop and gardens. Taking their time to browse the beautiful displays, residents enjoyed chatting together and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

No visit would be complete without a stop at the café, where everyone enjoyed a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake. The refreshments were very well received and provided the perfect ending to a lovely afternoon.

Trips like these are a great way to encourage social interaction, enjoy a change of scenery, and create special moments together. We are delighted that everyone had such an enjoyable time and look forward to our next outing.

We’re All Mad Here at St Thomas!

We’re All Mad Here at St Thomas!

Recently, our residents enjoyed a wonderfully fun Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in our conservatory! 

Everyone settled in to enjoy a lovely selection of sweet treats, with plenty of tea and coffee to go around. It was a fantastic opportunity to sit back, have a chat, and spend quality time together in good company.

There were lots of smiles, laughter and lovely moments shared throughout the afternoon, making it a truly special occasion for everyone involved. 

Our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was a delightful way to bring everyone together and enjoy a little magic at St Thomas. After all, a little tea, cake and good company make for a wonderful afternoon!   

Once upon a memory

Once upon a memory

Recently, our residents were transported back in time through the magic of music as we enjoyed a wonderful live performance from the talented Sadie.

Her show, Once Upon a Memory, was a beautiful journey through the 1950s and 1960s, bringing back familiar songs, treasured memories and plenty of smiles. As the music filled the room, our residents happily sang along to some much-loved favourites, sharing memories and reminiscing about times gone by.

Adding even more sparkle to the morning, Sadie delighted everyone with a fabulous selection of costume changes. Each new outfit helped bring the songs and characters to life, making the performance feel like a wonderful trip down memory lane. There was something truly special about seeing our residents singing together, tapping their feet, smiling and remembering happy moments from their younger years. Music has such a wonderful way of connecting us to people, places and memories, and this morning was a lovely reminder of just how powerful those memories can be.

It was a morning filled with music, laughter, nostalgia and togetherness, a truly memorable experience that our residents thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, Sadie, for taking us Once Upon a Memory and creating such a joyful morning for everyone!    

Circus Summer Fete

Circus Summer Fete

We recently brought a little bit of circus magic to our garden for a wonderful summer fête! Our residents enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon surrounded by colourful circus-themed decorations and enjoyed getting involved with a variety of garden games and photo opportunities. There was plenty of laughter and smiles as everyone got into the spirit of the occasion.

Our delicious BBQ was a real highlight, giving residents, families and loved ones the chance to enjoy some tasty food together while making the most of the sunshine and our beautiful garden.    

The afternoon was made even more special by a fantastic performance from the wonderful Brian the Pianist. His music had everyone singing along to some much-loved songs, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

It was lovely to welcome so many families and loved ones to join us. These special occasions provide a wonderful opportunity for everyone to spend quality time together, create happy memories and enjoy life at home.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Circus Summer Fête such a memorable afternoon. We are already looking forward to our next celebration!

An Afternoon Filled with Music, Memories and Smiles

An Afternoon Filled with Music, Memories and Smiles

There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout our home recently as residents came together for a delightful afternoon of music, reminiscence and friendship.

We were delighted to welcome Heather from Inner Sanctuary Reminiscence, who led a truly engaging sensory sing-along session inspired by life in 1945 and the wartime years. Through familiar songs, meaningful conversation and thoughtfully chosen sensory experiences, residents were encouraged to reflect on treasured memories and share stories from their lives.

It was a joy to see everyone singing along with such enthusiasm, reminiscing together and enjoying one another's company. The room was filled with smiles, laughter and heartfelt conversations, creating a truly special afternoon for all who attended.      

Activities such as these are an important part of life in our home, helping to promote wellbeing, encourage social connection and celebrate the rich life experiences of each resident in a fun and meaningful way.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Heather for delivering such a memorable session. We are already looking forward to welcoming her back for another afternoon of music, memories and friendship.

A Musical Morning with Brian the Pianist

A Musical Morning with Brian the Pianist

Our residents enjoyed a wonderful morning of music and memories as we welcomed Brian the pianist to our home.
Brian delighted everyone with a fantastic selection of songs from the 1950s, along with much-loved favourites from classic films, including The Sound of Music. Residents thoroughly enjoyed singing along to the familiar tunes, sharing memories inspired by the music, and spending quality time together.

Music has a special way of bringing people together, and the room was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of participation throughout the morning. It was lovely to see residents reminiscing and enjoying the uplifting atmosphere created by Brian's performance.

A big thank you to Brian for providing such an enjoyable and memorable morning. We look forward to welcoming him back again soon!

Beautiful Pumpkin Flower Arrangements at St Thomas

Beautiful Pumpkin Flower Arrangements at St Thomas

Our residents recently enjoyed a lovely creative activity, making beautiful pumpkin flower arrangements to celebrate autumn! 

Everyone had a wonderful time getting creative and putting together their own arrangements, adding their own special touch to each one. Once completed, the arrangements were proudly displayed around our home for everyone to enjoy. The colourful flowers and autumnal pumpkins have brought a lovely seasonal feel to St Thomas, brightening up our surroundings and giving everyone something beautiful to admire. 

It was a wonderful way to spend time together, enjoy a little creativity, and welcome the beauty of autumn into our home! 

A Little Shopping Trip and a Sweet Afternoon Ahead

A Little Shopping Trip and a Sweet Afternoon Ahead

Recently, our residents enjoyed a lovely little outing to the local shop, picking up everything we needed for a special afternoon of baking. 

There was plenty of excitement as we wandered around the shop, choosing the ingredients for our delicious white chocolate and raspberry loaf cake. With juicy raspberries and creamy white chocolate on the shopping list, we knew we were in for a real treat!
The shopping trip was a wonderful opportunity to get out into the local community, enjoy a change of scenery and spend some quality time together. Everyone helped with the shopping, and there was lots of conversation and anticipation about what the afternoon would bring.

Once we had gathered everything we needed, we headed home looking forward to getting back into the kitchen. 
We were so pleased with how our white chocolate and raspberry loaf turned out, and, of course, we enjoyed a slice together afterwards!         

Cheese and Wine Tasting Evening

Cheese and Wine Tasting Evening

A lovely evening was enjoyed at St Thomas Care Home as our residents came together for a relaxed and enjoyable cheese and wine tasting.

Residents had the opportunity to sample a selection of delicious cheeses, accompanied by tasty crackers and a variety of wines. It was a wonderful occasion for everyone to try something a little different, while chatting, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.

Our chapel provided a calm and peaceful setting for the evening, creating a lovely atmosphere for residents to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience together.

It was a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with one another, enjoy some delicious treats and make happy memories. We look forward to creating more special evenings like this for our residents to enjoy.

An Uplifting Afternoon of Music and Togetherness

An Uplifting Afternoon of Music and Togetherness

There was a wonderful atmosphere at St Thomas recently as our residents enjoyed a truly uplifting afternoon of live music.         

We were delighted to welcome a talented gospel choir to our home, whose beautiful performance filled every room with joy, warmth and inspiration. Their wonderful voices created a vibrant atmosphere, with residents singing along to familiar songs, clapping to the rhythm and sharing plenty of smiles throughout the afternoon.

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and it was heart-warming to see residents enjoying the performance, connecting with one another and creating special memories to treasure.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the choir for sharing their time and talents with us. Their performance brought so much happiness to our residents, and we hope to welcome them back to St Thomas again soon for another memorable afternoon of music and companionship.

A Wonderful Armchair Journey to India

A Wonderful Armchair Journey to India

Recently, our residents embarked on a wonderful virtual journey to India as part of our popular Armchair Travels activity.
To bring the experience to life, our home was beautifully decorated with vibrant colours and traditional touches, creating an authentic Indian atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Residents sampled a variety of delicious Indian foods, snacks, and refreshments, adding to the cultural experience.        

Our fantastic team fully embraced the occasion by dressing in traditional Indian attire and entertaining residents with lively dance performances. The room was filled with smiles, laughter, and conversation as everyone joined in the fun and learned more about India's rich culture and traditions.

Activities like Armchair Travels are a wonderful way to explore different parts of the world, spark memories, encourage meaningful conversations, and bring joy to our residents. It was truly a memorable afternoon, and we would like to thank everyone who helped make our trip to India so special.

We look forward to our next adventure!

Country & Western Fun at St Thomas!

Country & Western Fun at St Thomas!

This month, our residents enjoyed a fun-filled Country & Western themed disco, bringing a little taste of the Wild West to St Thomas!

Everyone enjoyed some delicious American-style foods and snacks while listening to a selection of country classics. There was plenty of toe-tapping and smiling as the familiar tunes filled the room!

Our staff got into the spirit of the occasion by showing off their line dancing skills, which brought lots of smiles and laughter from our residents. Some couldn't resist tapping their feet along to the music, making it a wonderful afternoon of shared enjoyment. 

It was lovely to see everyone getting involved and enjoying the music together. With country classics, tasty treats and plenty of laughter, our Country & Western disco was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon at St Thomas! 

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

English National Ballet
Together With Music
Blenheim Palace
Oomph!
NAPA
Bloomin Haus
Vegetarian For Life
Sea Life Trust - Beluga Whale Sanctuary
Historic Environment Scotland
Five Sisters Zoo
Damian Bailey Photography

Life enrichment

With us, it's all about making every day meaningful for our residents. We do this through our Life Enrichment programme, designed to suit the needs of each person in our care, and support individuals in retaining their joy, purpose and life skills for as long as possible. We offer a range of daily activities for individuals to get involved in, whether that's socially as part of a group, solo or with a team member, ensuring everyone receives the support that adds enrichment to their life.

Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

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Food & Nutrition

We offer a constantly evolving menu that caters to the tastes and dietary requirements of those we support.

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St Thomas Care Home offers Dementia care, Nursing care, Respite / Short stay.

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