Basingstoke care home invites community to help spread festive cheer

A care home team in Basingstoke is gearing up to spread some festive cheer this Christmas.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, are inviting local people to join in with this year’s Doorstep Carols – Britain’s biggest ever carolling sing-along – on Wednesday 15^th December at 6pm. 

Following on from last year’s success, which saw more than 125,000 people take part, Doorstep Carols aims to inspire the nation to take to their front doors and sing-along to well-known carols and Christmas songs in unison. Streets taking part are also encouraged to use the opportunity to raise money for a charity of their choice. This year, Care UK is an official supporter of the initiative, with residents in most of its 126 homes taking part in various ways.

Having practiced their songs and learnt their lyrics, Dashwood Manor is calling for those in the area to also head to their front doors and take part in the festive activity, in unison, at 6pm. Relatives will also be joining residents, and everyone will be treated to mince pies, mulled wine and home-made soup.

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Christmas is officially coming to Dashwood Manor – and so is the magical Basingstoke community spirit.

“Last year saw some wonderful scenes across the country as people stood on their doorsteps to have a good old sing-along with their neighbours and we are delighted to be helping to bring that spirit back this year once again.

“Singing can have many benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia. From lifting spirits, to assisting in memory recall and improving cognition and speech, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the power of music and its ability to improve health and wellbeing while encouraging positive memories and reactions. 

“We are looking forward to bringing residents and the community together through a memorable experience, and look forward to hearing everyone joining in!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new care home, which opened earlier this year, will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities will include a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson, on 01256 805988, or email Leahanne.Wilkinson@careuk.com.

For more information about Dashwood Manor, visit: careuk.com/Dashwood-Manor.