The Friends of Elmwood supported the work of the home. It was situated within a residential area of Croydon, Surrey, Elmwood Care Home and was a purpose built 60 bedded care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Respite care and End of Life 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 Elmwood 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.
Reverend Catherine Tucker - Case Study
Reverend Catherine believes her role as Vicar at Holy Saviour Church is what makes her a good volunteer at Friends of Elmwood Care Home- her faith means her dedication to helping others is ingrained in her.
When approached by representatives of Elmwood Care Home, Reverend Catherine did not hesitate to accept. As a priest, she believes it is her duty to care for others, especially those in more vulnerable situations. Reverend Catherine uses her status to promote the idea of helping others as much as she can, hoping to bring residents of Elmwood some relief.
Reverend Catherine finds her time spent at Elmwood fulfilling and worthwhile- while it can sometimes be hard seeing the residents vulnerability, Reverend Catherine tries to focus on the positives of her role; knowing that she is benefitting others through offering services such as prayers, remembrance, or just building personal connections with residents is something she finds rewarding.
Being aware of the fact that her presence makes a difference to the lives of the residents at Elmwood Care Home inspires Reverend Catherine to continue her efforts with them- everyone at the care home, whether it be staff or residents, are certainly very appreciate of her company.
Four Seasons project - Elmwood Care Home

On 5th April 2019, Friends of Elmwood Care Home received a grant from Awards for All to launch the Four Season project.
The project was born following a series of consultations with family members, carers and residents of the care home themselves who indicated a strong need for an outdoor space that could make their lives at home a little more joyous and comfortable, so the Four Seasons garden project came about following a suggestion that indicated a building a garden space that represented all four seasons.
We hope that the Four Seasons garden project will improve the mental well-being of the elderly residents. Being outdoors means spending more time in the sun, which we hope will mean residents will notice a positive change in their mood as well as find themselves more stress-relieved.
The project is a way for residents to get together. In addition to this, specially-trained volunteers will engage with the residents to cultivate and enjoy working on the seasonal project together. A responsibility shared between the residents will give more opportunities to socialise, build new friendships, and eventually bond with other residents or volunteers.
With the combined efforts of Friends of Elmwood and the staff and volunteers at the care Home, the residents will be given a therapeutic chance to make the most out of their garden and health, and as a result, age gracefully.
Christmas festivities - Elmwood
This season, Friends of Elmwood are making sure that no one is left out of the Christmas festivities. To make the season a little warmer for the residents at Elmwood we delivered 12 bottles of prosecco for them enjoy. We wish all the residents and staff a very Merry Christmas from the Friends of Elmwood team.
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
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
Volunteer Befriender
- 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 per week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk