Activities at Strachan House Care Home

Our activities team are great at building the activities programme around the likes and interests of the people we care for. Ensuring that our social events offer fun and adventure is part of the ethos of our home; it’s important that those we support can enjoy an active and social lifestyle. Of course, there will always be those who prefer peace and quiet, and in these instances, a cup of tea and a chat are always welcomed.

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

Natasha Rubin

Activities Coordinator

G’day! My name is Natasha and I am the activities lead here at Strachan House. I am Australian born and bred, braving the dark and the cold here in Edinburgh to enjoy the beautiful nature and wonderful people! I have a background in team management and design. I have always loved working with people and have a strong interest in mental health and well-being, recently embarking on a psychology degree with an interest in specialising in Art Therapy. I am working with the team to create a vibrant, engaging and person-centred home.

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 Strachan House Care Home

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Memory Lane afternoon tea back in full swing!

On the second Saturday of each month we invite the family and friends of our Memory Lane community, (as well as those who may struggling with, or caring for someone with dementia) along for a delightful afternoon of music, games, arts & crafts, warm drinks and delicious snacks! This month our talented chef baked delicious biscuits and scones for all to enjoy! Corrine our music therapist joined us in song, as we ate and sang along to some golden oldies, reminiscing on times gone by and getting to know each other’s favourite music! Each table had puzzles to put together, we worked as teams to complete them and felt a great sense of accomplishment putting in that final piece! It was a joyous afternoon socialising and we can’t wait to see everyone again.

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A BIG climb…

WE DID IT! A big congratulations to our residents who participated in the Mount Everest Walking challenge during December. We walked a total of 273, 260 steps over a 4 week period - that's almost 11 times up mount Everest from base camp! Four residents climbed over the height of Mount Everest, totalling an average of 25,000 steps each! A big Hip hip hooray to Alex Laird, Alec Morris, Lily Taylor and Lorna Ferguson. What an achievement. Our winning floor this year goes to our 1st floor residents who cumulatively covered the most ground - Alec accepted the floors certificate on everyone's behalf. All should be very proud of their achievements and we look forward to staying active in the coming months. A special thank you to our amazing physios and their encouragement and support during this time!

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New Year, more smiles!

What a beautiful way to bring in the New Year here at Strachan House! We watched the fireworks on the television, listened to great music whilst drinking champagne, demolished beautifully put together cheeseboards, and spent time with our loved ones who came in to visit. The atmosphere was one of happiness and tranquillity. In addition to this, our staff brought in food to share with everyone on the day and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to bring in 2024. A big THANK YOU to all of our families, entertainers, volunteers and friends, your support has been integral and so appreciated. And of course, to all our valued staff; Thank you for the hard work, love and care you have given throughout 2023 - Our home wouldn't be the same without your passion and we know 2024 is going to be just as great!

Big Quiz of the Year

All over the country our care homes and hospitals linked up for Barchester’s Big Quiz of the year!

Residents tested their knowledge with a variety of questions, from historical humdingers and musical musings to pictorial puzzlers and connective conundrums.

Everyone who participated had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.

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Century celebrations at Strachan House

Celebrations have been in full swing at Strachan House as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style. Olive Duncan was joined by staff, relatives and friends for a champagne afternoon tea that was held at the home. Guests not only enjoyed a delicious spread of sweet and savoury food, they also got to try not one but two delicious cakes! A special birthday cake was made by the home’s chef Paul; in addition to this, Olives family had an incredible bespoke cake made, using a photograph of Olive during her time in the military, to pay homage to her life work as a civil servant. 

Olive is a very proud veteran, her history as a civil servant moulding her into the person that she is today. Olive is a social butterfly, a deeply family orientated woman and loving mother. She ensures she stays on top of current affairs and enjoys interacting with staff and residents at Strachan House, where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life.

The birthday girl was enlivened all week in the lead up to her centenary, she eagerly awaited a telegram from the king in recognition of her landmark birthday. In anticipation for the big day, Olive stated, “It’s all very exciting, I very much look forward to sharing this special occasion with family and friends! I am lucky to be able to celebrate this milestone.”

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Local scout group visit and spread Christmas joy

Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall have enjoyed visits from the Beavers scout group in the countdown to Christmas, revelling in activities such as Christmas card making and Christmas bingo.

Residents of Strachan House care home have been sharing their knowledge and stories of the past with the children, whilst making new friends in the inter-generational scheme. Both Residents and Children have benefitted greatly from these visits as they enable connectivity to the community.

Upcoming events

A taste of Strachan

On Wednesday16th July we're delighted to welcome our neighbours and the local community to sample and enjoy the delicious food and drinks offered to our residents.

July

Hello July! We extend a warm invitation for you to join us for a fun filled month ahead - all welcome.

Knit and Natter

Join us for our weekly Knit and Natter group and make new friends over a selection of tasty snacks and refreshments.

Afternoon tea - Memory Lane

Join us for Afternoon Tea, 2nd Saturday of each month from 2.30-4.30pm in our Memory Lane communtiy

Community Cafe

Join us for our monthly Community Cafe - Last Friday of the month from 2.30 pm. All welcome.

Respite - Are you looking for a little care break?

If you are looking for a little care break for yourself or a little care break pop in and see what we have to offer.

Volunteers - Could you make a difference?

We recognise the special impact that volunteers can make on the day to day lives of our residents. If you would like more information we'd love to hear from you.

Emergency Services - Take a break on us!

We offer a warm welcome and a hot drink any time you need one - to all emergency services personnel, police, ambulance, district nurses - pop in any time!

Gentleman's Club

Join us every Wednesday from 2-4pm for our Gentlemen's Club.