The Friends of Fieldway Care Home supported the work of the home situated near Mitcham town centre. Fieldway is a friendly care home that offers nursing, residential and residential dementia care.
The Friends aimed to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives. The Friends of Fieldway were looking to develop services on the site. We found that this was particularly valued by some residents who through deteriorating health did not have the confidence to come out of their rooms. Alongside this we supported the care homes’ activities’ coordinators by providing extra pairs of hands during organised activity sessions and outings.
Friends of Fieldway update
In less than a month it feels like everything has changed. As I was looking at my diary for March, we had committee meetings planned for most homes, and lots of volunteers on the brink of starting. I did get to a Dementia Cafe in very early March but within days we were having to look at everything differently.
Dear Care Home Friend,
In less than a month it feels like everything has changed. As I was looking at my diary for March, we had committee meetings planned for most homes, and lots of volunteers on the brink of starting. I did get to a Dementia Cafe in very early March but within days we were having to look at everything differently.
In all homes, we have no volunteers going in. Understandably, most care homes won’t even allow families to visit residents except in very extenuating circumstances.
We regularly hear from volunteers who want to help, to continue to do something to support the residents and staff of the home that they are supporting. If any of you have any thoughts about something volunteers might practically do, please let us know.
So what are we doing? The King’s Fund, where our offices are located, shut down at very short notice. The last few hours looked a bit like we are passengers on the Titanic grabbing the essentials for an unknown period in the lifeboats. At this point, the care homes support team are all set up to work from home.
You may continue to hear from Sona who is totally reviewing and updating all our records relating to volunteers. We are contacting some as part of the process. Also we are continuing to have regular enquiries from people who want to get involved once we come out the other side of this current situation. We are processing their applications, taking up references etc.
Alongside this Said and Kim are getting the financial records up to date. Today is the last day of the care home groups financial year, so there is plenty to do to prepare the draft accounts.
Alongside this we are continuing to look for funders who might support the projects you have told us you would like to do.
So, while perhaps less physically present, we are continuing to work hard to ensure these projects are in the best position they can be, once we return to practical day to day volunteering in the homes.
Once again, if you have any ideas on what else we might do now, do get in touch. In the meantime, do stay safe and well.
With very best wishes
Nichole Wheaton
Head of Projects Delivery
Tel: 020 7307 2570
Email: nichole.wheaton@attend.org.uk
Web: www.attend.org.uk
Online shop: www.buy.at/attend
At the heart of healthy communities.
Attend is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales No: 1113067 and in Scotland under no. SC039237 with a head office at Attend, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN. Registered Company no. 5713403.
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Volunteering opportunities
We know your time is valuable and any time you can spare for us will make a big difference. You could volunteer at a one off event or regularly, it is entirely up to you.
If you don’t see a volunteering opportunity to suit you then please get in touch because we could develop an opportunity just for you. If you would like to volunteer please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Befriending
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Helpful disposition with an interest in local community
When: Monday to Sunday (AM to PM)
How long: 3 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk