The Friends of Milliner House support the work of the home. Situated within a residential area on the outskirts of Luton, Bedfordshire, Milliner House is a purpose built 40 bedded care home offering Dementia, Residential and Mental Health 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 Milliner House 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.
Friends purchase a Karaoke machine
The Friends of Milliner House purchase another Karaoke machine
If you ask a resident about their favourite activities, chances are they’ll mention sing-alongs.
Singing anything from famous hymns to the songs that defined their generations, residents love karaoke sessions as they lift their spirits and bring back fond memories. Music is in fact great at improving mood, behaviour and wellbeing.
Friends of Milliner House were delighted to purchase another karaoke machine for the care home. Both staff and residents appreciated the addition. It’ll mean even better karaoke sessions, bringing residents together to share their joy of singing.
Thank you to Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Communities Fund
As mentioned previously on the website, The Friends of Milliner House Care Home are grateful for receiving Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Communities Fund for £500.
Following the lockdowns, Tesco set up a short-term fund to support local communities: the Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund. It provides £500 to organisations supporting vulnerable groups. The Friends of Milliner House are delighted to announce they have received the funding.
The money served to buy tablets, which can help reduce residents’ isolation, provide them with entertainment, and aid them in their physical activities. Part of the fund went towards games such as playing cards and jigsaws, and resources to help residents keep an active mind, like puzzles and quizzes. Moreover, thanks to the Tesco funding, the Friends and the care home staff were able to purchase a dartboard, a karaoke machine and a pool table.
Reducing isolation and helping residents stay active is especially important during challenging times like those we’re currently living. Hence, the Friends of Milliner House truly appreciate programmes like the Tesco Bags of Help, which allow organisations to make a real difference and positively impact lives.
Keeping Connected Project
The Friends of Milliner House Care Home are participating in Keeping Connected Project.
The coronavirus lockdown has suddenly changed everything. Volunteers had to stop going in to the care home and, in most cases, not even families are now allowed to visit their relatives. In such a difficult situation, there’s something that could make things worse and shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s isolation.
The Friends of Milliner House Care Home are therefore truly happy to be participating in the Keeping Connected Project. To help ease residents’ isolation, the local community – together with volunteers – will keep in touch with residents through letters and cards, sent to them on a regular basis.
While we hope things can go back to normal as soon as possible, it’s heartwarming to see people coming together to help each other, supporting the more vulnerable and keeping connected.
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: 1-2 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