The Friends of Alexander Care support the work of the home. Situated within Lewisham, London, Alexander Care Home is a purpose built 78 bedded care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Residential, Respite and End of Life care. Alexander Care Home also provides specialist care for young people with physical disabilities.
The Friends aim to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives.
The Friends of Alexander Care are looking to develop services on the site. We have found that this is particularly valued by some residents who through deteriorating health do not have the confidence to come out of their rooms. Alongside this we support the care homes’ activities’ coordinators by providing extra pairs of hands during organised activity sessions and outings.
New Project - Friends of Alexander- Walking Through Walls
The Friends of Alexander are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our application to receive funding from Awards for All, to begin a new project at Alexander Care Home.
This project will create new social spaces, in which we will deliver 22 workshops over a year, and would involve the local community. The workshops will be related to the Arts and will include music and dance theatre, to entertain and include the residents, families and friends, and volunteers. Each arts session will be 2 hours, and will include a group workshop for up to 20 residents and family members supported by staff and volunteers in a communal space. The second group will involve one-to-one work for those who are unable to leave their rooms.
The project will be specifically designed with the residents in mind and will work to encourage cross-generational exchange. Creative professionals will work to undertake outreach work with activities co-ordinators. These music, dance and story-telling workshops will give the residents something to look forward to and will help them find new ways to express themselves, especially for those who struggle with communication. The workshops will culminate into two events, one in the care home half way through the year, and one journey to the Albany Tea Dance, marking the end of the year. The first event will bring into the home a specialist 21st Century Tea dance including live dance music from London’s top jazz musicians with the Spitz jazz collective. This will be an opportunity the youth groups to perform alongside residents. The event will be open to everyone in the care home and the local community.
Throughout the project, the workshops will be photographed and documented so that the residents and families can cherish the memories and look back on what they achieved. This project will be an exciting and social opportunity for the residents to meet new people and rediscover their talents, finding new and interesting ways to communicate, and having something fun to look forward to!
Friends of Alexander Care Committee meeting
On 2nd November 2016 the Friends of Alexander Care held their Committee meeting
A funding bid has been made to finance an arts project and the Friends and care home are hoping to work with Barclays and NCS to develop and maintain the garden.
Visit of Duke of York
On Tuesday 11th October 2016, the Duke of York visited Attends offices to be updated on our work.
On Tuesday 11th October 2016, the Duke of York visited Attends offices to be updated on our work.
As part of his role, he is patron of each of the friends groups in care homes.
Pictured here, he is talking to Nichole, project manager, and Kahlil who is newly appointed to the team. He was delighted to hear of the progress to date.
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 – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 3 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Lunch Time Companion “Let’s Do Lunch”
- Patience and understanding
- A calm relaxed nature
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
When: Monday – Sunday (Lunch Time)
How long: 1 - 2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
