The Friends of Chandlers Ford support the work of the home. Situated in the village of Chandlers Ford, just south of Winchester, Chandlers Ford Care Home is a purpose built 45 bedded care home offering Nursing care.
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 Chandlers Ford 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.
Visit of Duke of York
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.
Mizjinky Romelb
Mizjinky, while studying A levels, decided that she wanted to get some experience working with individuals with dementia in care homes before attending her future University. At the moment, she is looking to pursue a health related degree. She was keen to work with the elderly or children because she felt that by working with age groups on opposite ends of the spectrum, she could really expand her social and leadership skills, while also fulfilling her duty of giving back to the community.
She envisions herself attending Southampton University in the future. Mizjinky looks to finish her undergraduate schooling, get actual real life experience, and then pursue her nursing degree in the later years of her schooling at a more advanced level.
The Friends of Chandlers Ford Care Home was the first care home she ever volunteered at. Even though Mizjinky has no specific experience in her personal life of working with people who have dementia, she still feels like she is given responsibility in helping to run events or activities at the care home when volunteering each Friday.
“By working at the care home, my communication and time management skills have improved tremendously,” says Mizjinky. She loves seeing how happy the residents get when they win a game of bingo. Her main reason to volunteer was to give something back. Mizjinky loves the warm feeling in her heart when she gets to see the residents smile and say thank you with such gratitude to her after they have participated in an activity she set up.
Mizjinky looks forward to attending University with more confidence than she had before she began volunteering.
Reaching out to the community
On Sunday 28th September, The Friends of Chandlers Ford had an awareness raising session in the community.
They had a stall at the Hiltingbury Extravaganza. It was a fantastic day, which included a dog show. (Won by a miniature Dachshund called Slinky)
The Friends were particularly interested in talking to people about the project, which was very enthusiastically received. Lots of application forms were given out, which is great news for the home.
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: 1-3 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