Care UK celebrates Christmas with the community with Care to Share

Throughout the festive season, Care UK is here to help combat loneliness in their local communities by spreading the joy of Christmas with the Care to Share initiative.

The Care to Share initiative is designed to support older people throughout the holiday season and beyond. Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year*. 

From Edinburgh to Bournemouth, more than 100 Care UK homes will continue to ensure that they create a social and welcoming space for older people within their local communities.  This month, they will enjoy festivities including singing carols, hosting Christmas fairs, or welcoming the community in to watch festive films whilst eating delicious traditional treats prepared by our chefs.

From making themed crafts to baking Christmas cakes, family board game tournaments to festive concerts, Care UK homes will be welcoming their local communities to enjoy Christmas together. Residents will be at the forefront of celebrations, and as well as socialising, will be celebrating with loved ones and will be encouraged to reminisce about festivities from their past. 

At Field Lodge in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, the team has been hard at work spreading Christmas cheer and warming up their vocal cords ready for the home’s very own carol concert. Visitors will be able to enjoy a sing-along to some classic seasonal tunes, as well as indulging in everyone’s favourite winter treats – mince pies and mulled wine.

Commenting about the upcoming festivities at Field Lodge, Home Manager Linda Martinez said, “We’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted to be opening our doors for our Christmas carol service.”

In Horley, at Amherst House, the team has organised a cinema event where visitors can get into the festive spirit by enjoying a classic Christmas film, eating sticky toffee pudding and gingerbread cookies while making new friends and being joined by loved ones.

All the way in Littlehampton, Darlington Court’s team is looking forward to welcoming the community to their dementia-friendly Festive Café. Diane Tapp, Customer Relationship Manager, said, “We know December can be a difficult month for many, so this is a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and a great opportunity for everyone to build new friendships – as well as reminisce over fond memories.”

Meanwhile, at Blossomfield Grange in Solihull, visitors of their Dementia Café will be treated to a special afternoon tea, themed sandwiches, scones and of course, mince pies and Christmas cake. There will also be live entertainment from Libby Service who will be singing festive tunes, and everyone will be encouraged to join in a good old-fashioned sing-along to some old favourites.

The team at Murrayside care home in Edinburgh has been working hard to spread the Christmas cheer by adorning the home with festive decorations and warming the ovens up, ready to bake traditional treats for the community. Those dropping by will also have the opportunity to meet other people from the community and enjoy games and carols.

At Chester’s Deewater Grange, the team is brushing up on their creative skills ahead of their crafting demonstration to inspire the Christmas Craft Club attendees, which will include creating a decorative wreath. On the day, those joining will also be treated to Yuletide treats, specially prepared by the home’s chef.

To ensure the West Drayton community is in the Christmas spirit, the team at Franklin House have arranged for local magician, Alex Sparkling from Cheeky Trickster, to join  guests for a spellbinding  performance. Guests will be able to enjoy everything from card games to pizza, and there will be nail painting and chair yoga on offer too. 

To discover more about the Care to Share and Christmas events happening in your local community, visit: https://www.careuk.com/company/care-uk-campaigns/care-to-share

*Age UK, 2023