The Wellbeing Team at Katherine House and Griffiths House of Sabina, Raj and Imogen continue to provide a busy and varied programme for the homes, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. At SMV we’re incredibly grateful to the team, and all the staff, for their constant enthusiasm, commitment and cheerfulness in providing such fabulous care for the residents. Through personal visits, regular newsletters and a lively social media presence, SMV’s members enjoy hearing about the many wonderful events the Wellbeing Team have worked so hard to deliver.

Residents and staff celebrated a belated Christmas and New Year together as a community, following another period in isolation at the end of December. Coming out of lockdown in the New Year, the staff pulled out all the stops to deliver plenty of Christmas cheer – and presents – to the residents, including via the tinsel-covered trishaw!

Residents were thrilled to receive a visit from Lauren at Flourish Dance Wellbeing who ran a dance and mobility class known as ‘Seated Strictly’. Residents of all ages and abilities enjoyed an inclusive gentle movement session. Thank you, Lauren!

Residents have also been taking part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch. Many are passionate about the natural world and are keen to do their bit to protect birds and wildlife in the beautiful grounds of Katherine House and Griffiths House. A fun afternoon was spent learning about conservation and making bird feeders to help local birds survive the colder months.

The homes have their very own free-range chickens who provide not only therapeutic support, but also a regular supply of fresh eggs. Led by the Wellbeing Team, residents benefit from the positive affect of visiting the coop, where they have been feeding and looking after the chickens. This is part of an ongoing commitment to animal therapy at the homes; in recent months the residents have also been visited by pet dogs, donkeys and even alpacas.

The Wellbeing Team have committed to giving every resident the opportunity to have a wish granted, no matter how big or small, through their One Wish Project.

One Katherine House resident wished to ride on a vintage bus he used to see pass his house every day, a wish that was made possible thanks to Bristol Vintage Bus Group.

“Never in my life did I think I’d be able to ride this bus again…”

On National Science Day, the residents made their own volcanoes, which erupted during their experiments!

The residents and staff of the homes never pass up an opportunity to celebrate, whether it’s Elvis’ birthday with singing and dancing; a delicious selection of luxurious cheeses and a glass of wine for National Cheese Lovers Day; or sharing the love on Valentine’s Day via homemade cards and flower arranging.

On Burns Night they celebrated the life and poetry of Robert Burns with the help of some traditional singing and dancing, and a discussion about Scottish folklore and customs. Residents enjoyed a hot toddy and shortbread, followed by a viewing of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

As the residents and staff look forward to warmer days, the team are planning to welcome new entertainers and try out new activities this year, as well as enjoying firm familiar favourites.

The happy atmosphere at Katherine House and Griffiths House is a wonderful illustration of the special combination of kind, dedicated staff and lovely residents who, on a daily basis, never fail to bring their positivity and good humour to life at the homes.