Friends of One Tower Bridge Road

Rosie previously studied Philosophy at Nottingham University. She then worked as an accountant at Deloitte and later on at Mitie, after finishing her course. She lived in Bristol for ten years, before deciding to move to London for a career change, “I really needed a break from working in finance so I moved to London to make some changes with my life at the end of 2014. I started travelling and in between I had loads of free time so I thought I would genuinely like to do stuff for other people”, she explained.

Through searching online for volunteering opportunities local to her, Rosie came across the Friends of Care Homes website and found that it was the right role for her. “I started the volunteering partly for myself, for my confidence. It was challenging at times but I got a lot out of it”, she revealed. Rosie visited Tower Bridge Care Home every Wednesday afternoon for around two hours before travelling to Camberwell Green Care Home and helping out there for another hour.

She genuinely enjoyed her time volunteering at both care homes, “I have a particular interest for working with older people, growing up I would take care of my grandmother and I guess I had some sort of comfort with this role. I just really wanted to be able to play a part in brightening people’s days”, and this experience allowed her to fulfil that.

During her time there, Rosie helped the residents with manicures, make-up and hand massages, “some people really liked that and it was a good way to start a conversation. If you don’t know how to approach one of the residents, you could simply start by asking them if they would like a manicure”, she said. They also carried out a number of tea parties for the residents, “to encourage the residents to come out of their rooms and into the living room. They would all come around and sit in a circle. I would bring cakes along each week and serve the tea”, she spoke.

Rosie had the chance to bond with the residents at the care homes and, “there was one particular resident who has dementia, sometimes she would get angry or confused, but she would always know who I am. Occasionally she would say the sweetest things to me like, ‘you are the only person who understands me’ and, ‘I come alive when you’re here’”, Rosie expressed.

Being empathetic, caring and serene are some of the skills that Rosie believes are needed in order to be a good volunteer at a care home, “you do fundamentally have to want to put others before you, and to make others’ lives better, it will also improve your life as well. Genuine desire to make others’ lives better is important when working in a care home”, she stressed.

Not only did the residents benefit from Rosie’s help in the six months of her volunteering, but so did she, “I think it made me feel better about myself and made me feel like a more caring person. It is the best kind of selfishness really, it’s a win-win for both sides”, she explained.

Rosie had an unforgettable experience at both care homes, which she would highly recommend to everyone, “you should absolutely volunteer, it will be one of the best things you will do in your life. You will help the community and experience very magical moments. You just have to be committed and it will pay back times ten”.

Three years prior to her start in volunteering, Chloe decided to go back to college to complete her course in Health and Social Care. This gave her the confidence to go out there and make a difference in people’s lives. As she had some training during her course, she was able to easily adapt to the environment.

When she is not spending her time at the Tower Bridge Care Home, Chloe likes to sing and watch TV. While Chloe is at the care home, she talks to the residents to keep them entertained, “we go into their rooms and start to chat to them to make their day and offer them snacks time to time”. She says that she feels a connection with all the Tower Bridge residents, “I have come to form friendships with many of the residents and the people that I work with and they all love me”.

Working at a care home has brought Chloe to see her future-self working in an environment where she is able to connect with people, “whether it is caring for them or not, just a job that is people centered”.

Chloe explained that being a good listener and an empathetic person are important attributes to being an efficient volunteer. “Normally people tell me I am a good listener and I did not come to realise that until I started working at this home”.

To those who are considering volunteering at a care home, Chloe says, “go for it, it is rewarding and it helps you develop your own self”. She added, “volunteering at the care home makes me appreciate life because you do not know when you will get to that point yourself, where you do not have the strength to take care of yourself”.

In the morning, the first batch of students travelled around the home to the different lounges and dining rooms. Whilst there, they interacted with residents, helped set the tables for the residents next meals and also hung decorations which they made in school.

In the afternoon, the second batch of students were in the sunny garden providing entertainment for a large number of residents as they performed a few songs that were well known to the residents.

The homes are very grateful for 7 hours of support given by the students and staff at St Olave’s school & a teacher from the school stated “The day was brilliant. The staff were so helpful and kind to our girls and we really hope the residents got something from it”.

Several trips were taken to the garden centre to buy paint, compost, planters, trees, shrubs and plants. They took on several tasks including installing a new solar powered water feature, weeded the grounds, planted, repaired, painted and jet washed whilst interacting with residents who witnessed the remarkable work that was taking place in their home.

The AAR team worked on three areas which was the main entrance, the main resident’s garden and the residents sitting area. Before the day had begun, staff had admitted that not many residents would spend time in the garden or sitting area, but the moment the AAR team had finished there were residents already sitting in the new & improved gardens which had been injected with love.

In the picture above you can see the new water feature that has been added to the main garden. You can also see the repainted furniture behind it.

Here you can see where the back garden/sitting area has gone from empty with very few plants to having a large number of plants around along with repainted flowerbeds, chairs and benches.

Above, you can see the front garden/reception area where the flower beds had fresh, new soil added, new bark was added and two new feature plants were placed by the main entrance.

They now specialise in art forms such as dancing, singing, theatre and more, in order to increase participation across generations and cultures, enabling residents, at organisations such as Friends of Care Homes, to feel present and engaged in the world.

Three nursing homes; Alexander, Tower Bridge and Aspen Court, made an appearance at the bi-annual Elizabethan Tea Dance held at the Queens house in Greenwich on Wednesday, 11^th July 2018. Free lunch was provided, along with some ice cream on the terrace which turned out to be the highlight of the day for George, a resident from the Albany Care Home. Residents also had the chance to make new connections with the volunteers and elderly from other communities during this event.

Associate artist Christopher Green was welcomed, dressed up as Queen Elizabeth 1^st. “He is being transformed isn’t he”, one resident said, amused as Chris was turning into the Queen. The Meet Me Choir, who are part of Walking through Walls (an Entelechy Arts programme commissioned by Attend), were invited to perform at the event and were then joined by the residents of the Alexander Care Home and other Meet Me members who had the chance of helping Chris transform into the Queen.

The residents were given the opportunity to appreciate some dancing from the Elizabethan era while a harp was being played in the background. “I think I am dreaming, I haven’t woken up yet; look at that harp, haven’t seen a harp in ages. You do spoil us”, said one resident from Alexander Care.

The event allowed the residents to form new memories as well as an opportunity to reminisce about their past. Harry from Alexander Care spoke fondly of his memories, “I was here in the 1950’s! I was in the navy. There was the navy hospital (pointing). We used to walk up and down here all dressed up in our officers uniform”. Another resident, Joan, also had the chance to reconnect with her past on the journey to the event, pointing out places where she lived and used to work. She also added, “The problem with where we live is that nothing much happens, it’s lovely to go out and see something different. I used to do all of this”.

As important as reminiscing is, so is forming new memories. A volunteer stated that the Tea Dance event allowed just that and added, “new memories are important as you get older”. Although some residents had forgotten the whole event by the time they got back on the bus, they said that they had had a wonderful time and their family members had also noticed a significant difference in their mood.

Participating in interactive arts allows people to connect with those from similar marginalised communities, to feel productive and to have an active role in society. Entelechy Arts played a big role in making a positive impact on those who attended, by simply allowing the residents to be productive, which Harry would agree with, “that was great because you really feel like you’ve done something with your day”. It demonstrated the effects that interactive arts can have on those who feel excluded and help them feel a part of active society.

Robert learned about Friends of Tower Bridge via a website for volunteering opportunities, “I needed something to do. I found out about Friends and was pleasantly surprised that the care home was just round the corner.  Once I approached the care home, the staff were very good and made it a lot easier for me to fit in”, he explained.

Robert spends most of his spare time at the care home. “I feel a strong connection to the residents. I have made many friends there”, he explained. Robert takes part in the residents’ social life by going to museums and theatres or to the local café. He also comes along to the 21^st Century Tea Dance hosted twice each year by Friends of Tower Bridge Care Home and Entelechy Arts. During the event the residents, volunteers and carers get together to sing, dance and perform creating a strong sense of community and togetherness.

Robert’s educational background sparked his interest in gardening. “Gardening is a social activity”, Robert explained. “We gather the residents out in the garden and we chat about plants and things that aren’t necessarily gardening related”, he added. Engaging in outdoor activities strengthens the sense of community and helps residents get to know the volunteers and each other better. Cultivating those relationships contribute to the residents’ mental and physical well-being. After all, the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of yesterday.

Robert has benefitted from his volunteering experience in two ways:

• Being around and looking after people has helped Robert overcome some of the mental health problems that he faced. “I was in a bad space, but volunteering has helped me escape and find my tranquillity again”;
• It has boosted his confidence and has given Robert a sense empowerment. He sees the benefits that his input has, and also sees the appreciation from the residents.

Robert would advise any prospect volunteers to be friendly, relaxed and easy going in their role. “One may find it quite challenging but it is really satisfying to know that you have helped someone”, he explained. Robert wants to continue to volunteer and improve the lives of others and his own.

With this project, we will purchase a specialist sensory case for the elderly as a tool to exercise sensory perception. The case will include a variety of equipment for residents with dementia and those who might need some sensory stimulation.

The sensory case contains tools which will give the residents the opportunity to exercise visual, olfactory and auditory perception. Musical gloves will give the residents the opportunity to play music with ease and the fruits card game will allow them to recognise and match fragrances with fruits.

Additionally, cushions and armchair covers of various textures will constitute a tool to explore tactile perception.

The kit will be a chance to build a bridge between trained volunteers and the residents, form new meaningful relationships developed through leisure whilst simultaneously improving their physical health. Our volunteers will contribute to improving the lives of residents by exercising day-to-day tasks which involve sensory stimulation. Thanks to this project, residents will gain confidence in recognising textures, sounds and scents and, consequently, improve their concentration and memory.

The Multisensory Equipment project is one more step forward in making residents’ lives more enjoyable and meaningful.

– “The work you do is what’s best for each resident.

– Creates a sense of purpose. Outcome of it comes from their perseverance. Residents who don’t normally get involved were involved 100%. For Miriam it’s so hard for her to keep herself awake, she has so many health issues and it’s a huge achievement that she said to herself – I want to go even though I am tired. Like for all of us it creates a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Satisfaction –self-esteem goes up by buckets.

Rehearsing – they were uncomfortable, poorly, suffering in so many ways. For them to want to participate – it’s a massive achievement.

It would be great if Miriam could get more involved in the organisation of this group and fundraising. She used to be a pastor and housing officer for Southwark. The benefits are unique to each individual.

Albert knows he spreads happiness to the group

Michael receives respect

Multitude in each person, so many different benefits

Carry on performing. Anticipation to look forward to and enjoy.”

Action: Start weaving a link with Darwin court and join Towerbridge on a visit there on Thursday morning.

The Entelechy Arts work alongside those who are often marginalised in the society due to their complex disabilities or advancing age. The Tea Dance is an event taking place biannually at the Tower Bridge Care Home which involves residents and visiting artist.

Residents of One Tower Bridge Road Care Home were actively engaged in the event as performers. Some of the shows included singing, dancing, and presenting poems full of witty jokes and wise riddles.

Two of the performing residents were paired up with the Associate Director of Entelechy Arts Organisation, Rebecca, presenting simple movement techniques in dance routines accompanied by music from the 70s and 80s such as the ABBA’s perennial Dancing Queen.
Alongside the dancers, resident vocalists enriched the event by performing a capella and with backing track, pieces by Olivia Newton-John or Luis Armstrong. The elements of dance and music were complimented by poetry reading of the well-known Spike Milligan.

The event brought together the residents, carers, and volunteers who together have gone an extra mile to create a warm and delightful atmosphere. The sense of unity and togetherness emanated from the range of voices mixed in the full choir.

The Entelechy Arts team as well as the staff, volunteers, and residents of One Tower Bridge Care Home have worked on an extraordinary spectacle that served as a form of therapeutic recreation and an opportunity for residents to get involved in a genuine social interaction.

Interactive arts, a form of a non-pharmaceutic therapy, can be key in tackling loneliness and declining cognitive health in elderly. Residents engaged in artistic processes which have been documented to make a positive impact on physical fitness, encourage playfulness and sense of humour and strengthen social bonds. The Entelechy Arts contributed to improving lives of seniors in Tower Bridge Care Home by delivering a powerful message that art and creative projects are source of joy and can be a routine bulldozer for residents.

“I am nervous, yes; everybody’s there, looking at me. But this event brings us together and makes it feel more like home rather than just a care home.”  – Resident at the Tower Bridge Care Home

The service offers residents of One Tower Bridge Road Care Home a range of goods to purchase including books, music records, cards, toiletries, gifts, and sweets. The residents can make independent choices and treat themselves or their loved ones by choosing items from the “shop on wheels”.

Not only does Trolley Service respond to residents’ need of purchasing basic goods, but it also provides an opportunity to chat with volunteers on duty. Visiting the residents’ room on a regular basis allows volunteers to engage with residents and brighten their day with a chat. Conversation – a seemingly simple act – can make a great impact on an elderly person’s sense of well-being. The Trolley Service also captures some of the elements of life happening outside of the care home which residents long for the most. Incidental chit-chats resulting from the service stand a chance to become a beginning of friendships and meaningful relationships between residents and volunteers, allowing volunteers to play an active role in making residents’ lives more enjoyable.

They did so in order to discuss how to support the residents of the home who find it difficult to leave their rooms.

A list of residents was created who would appreciate room visits so that this could be used in future for staff to direct visitors to the Home to pop in with these residents even if just for a quick chat.

The meeting also covered the topic of Christmas and what would be the best way to improve the festive visits and celebrations so that the residents feel like they are a part of a big happy family

This project will be a trolley service, with the aim to improve each of the lives of the 128 residents of the home. By setting up a trolley service it means that Friends can visit the residents in their room on a daily basis, to offer the option of buying items or just having a chat. Following from this, other activities will develop.

What happens on the trolley will vary: it may be sweets one day, toiletries, or books on another or even a theme for the holidays, for example Christmas.  It will be an opportunity for the residents to treat themselves or a loved one, even if they are unable to get out to the shops. Even if the residents don’t wish to buy anything, the trolley service will encourage friendly chats on a daily basis and help to ease the loneliness and isolation that can occur.

Volunteers will be trained and will run the trolley service, to give the residents a chance to see new faces and make some new friends.

The residents will be encouraged to request items such as socks or toiletries, and the trolley will have some small freebies to give away.

When the opportunity arose he immediately signed up and has become one of the homes regular visitors. When he is not at Tower Bridge, Steve dedicates his time to working with The London City Mission along with spending time with his wife, Beth.

After only a short time volunteering, Steve noticed the home had many more residents with dementia than the previous homes he had volunteered at. He was forced to rethink his ways of communicating with residents in order to form relationships. Steve found the best way to do this was through one on one conversation with each resident.

Steve noticed that the residents at the care home enjoyed activities and interaction with each other. As his mission is to “bring spiritual support to people,” he was immediately attracted to the weekly Church services held at the home. He is currently thinking how these services may better connect with the residents.

Steve would like to explore the idea of small group work with the residents. Through group activities which would involve more music, bringing in outside objects and interaction between the members, Steve believes a “more dementia friendly place” can be built to address spiritual issues. Steve would like to see the residents become more engaged and ultimately create a fun and relaxing place for everyone to spend their time.

Along with the regular Tuesday Church gatherings, Steve favors one on one chats over tea and coffee. While some conversation topics have made him uncomfortable or caused him to “think outside of the box,” he is grateful for the new set of resources he has gained. Steve realizes his experiences volunteering in the home have in many ways “deepened him” and created an impact on his life.

The Friends were delighted to announce funding has been awarded to run a trolley service in the home.   We have also applied for funding for mobile multisensory equipment and to fund an arts and  performance project in the home.

The account were reviewed and adopted and committee members elected

Overall, we have evidenced further that the community is interested in the residents of One Tower Bridge Road and prepared to give up its time to support them. We have developed our work with churches and colleges and continue to attract a diverse group of volunteers.

As part of his role, he is patron of each of the friends groups in care homes.

Pictured above, 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.

The Proximity London team of 4 decided to put on a tea party with a twist: a glitzy cruise ship sailing the seven seas. The event kicked off in the garden with some deck games (the sun was shining), drinks with fancy straws were flowing and streams of bunting transformed the garden. They then moved inside for some delicious sandwiches, cake, tea and coffee and a harmonious sing along. Feet were tapping, there were one or two solo efforts, and most of the residents didn’t need the words, their memory served them well. The residents all have a range of needs and the volunteers were fantastic in communicating with everyone. They ensured the whole group were smiling, well fed and watered!

‘Volunteers and clients had a great experience and hopefully it was the first of many projects to come’  Paulette Dixon – Activities Coordinator at One Tower Bridge

His wife’s aunt stayed at the care home a few years ago and he has always had the idea of helping there one day.  Over the years he has done volunteering work such as transporting elderly between their home and day center, and helping out in the volunteer center for Westminster inputting and updating the volunteer database. He stopped helping there when the volunteer center moved premises from Paddington to their current address.  Volunteering work is fulfilling, with a sense of achieving something good while helping others.

Originally, he began visiting a Chinese lady (90 years old), but David also visits a Chinese gentleman (83 years old) who moved from the Camberwell care home in December. The resident’s wife told him her husband was feeling poorly and had been given a room close to the nurse’s station. “He likes me and smiled a lot when I visited him,” but David sensed he suffered from dementia and seemed unable to remember recent events. The resident often talked about his days back in the 1970s.  David said, “It is interesting and sad to see how dementia affects people.”

Whether it is speaking with the residents about enjoyable past times or the Chinese New Year celebration, David always has a smile on his face ready to have a great time with the residents. It is evident how much he loves his volunteering role at the care home.

The residents often comment on how much they enjoy these little touches.

We always try to have at least 2 volunteers at each tea party. The volunteers and the residents really enjoy themselves, and the staff have commented on what a difference it has made to the home. Even the residents who can’t really communicate seem to enjoy the company and enjoy listening to the volunteers and other residents talking and laughing.  Today, one of the residents told me that I was “a dear” because “I listen to her” and thanked me for all the help I give her. This is a resident I’ve got to know pretty well over the months and I often spend quite a bit of time with her.

I really enjoy the tea parties. Knowing I have made a resident smile, and made them feel that they are listened to and valued, is a truly wonderful experience. It’s such a joy watching them sing along to songs from their youth, especially the ones who don’t normally speak.

As a Friend of the care home, Anne supports Activities Coordinators by helping to take the residents out on day trips. She also spends time one-to-one with residents to befriend them and read to them. Anne has been at the care home since September 2014, and usually comes in once a week in the mornings, but also drops in to spend time with residents on other days. One of her best moments while befriending at the care home was when a singer came to visit the residents, “some (of the residents) find it more difficult to communicate, but without exception, everyone in that room came to life.”

Background on Anne:

• Lives in Manchester
• Husband works in London
• Stays at flat near the care home 3 times a week
• 62 years old – has had an emotional response to getting closer in age to residents
• Retired from working in education – used to work with children so this is a new experience
• Feels valued by staff but wants to find a better way to bring skillset to volunteer work
• Lots of death in care homes – hasn’t personally experienced it
• Learned to develop resilience
• Working on creating a befriending group & putting together instructions so that other care homes can do the same thing