St John’s Care Home is a real hive of activity

Mansfield Care Home residents have plenty of options when it comes to fun and engaging events and each care home has its own dedicated activity coordinator. At St John’s Care Home in Melrose, Jennifer Craig works with the residents to create a fantastic programme of celebrations, outings, events and activities that take place right through the year.

“We do a lot of things in St John’s to keep us busy!” says activities coordinator Jennifer. “On a regular week I take a fitness class every Tuesday with the residents, and on three mornings we have walks outside in our beautiful garden. I also run relaxation sessions for the residents using sensory lights and music.” Arts and crafts sessions are always popular, especially baking, painting and music, which cater for both group and individual interests and tastes. There’s no shortage of traditional games to enjoy either, from dominoes to bingo and Scrabble.

At St John’s, Jennifer also organises regular visits from local entertainers and musicians because everyone loves a good tune and a chance to sing along. Not all guests to the care home are human, some are hairy with four legs and a tail! Many residents will have had pets when they lived at home and St John’s residents benefit from regular meetings with Bella the dog.

Thank you to Mansfield Care staff for the lovely photos.