Basingstoke care home opens its doors for a merry good time

Snow is falling, children are playing – and a Basingstoke care home is opening its doors to help combat loneliness in the community this festive season.

On Friday 15^th December, from 10.30am-12pm, Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, is inviting the local community to join residents and team members at the launch of its Friendship Café – with a festive twist. 

The new initiative aims to combat loneliness and isolation in the local community and is open to those who live alone or simply want some companionship. Guests can enjoy a chat over coffee and cake with likeminded people and make new friends. 

At the festive launch of the Friendship Café, visitors to the home can share their favourite traditions and memories of Christmas while making new friends as they enjoy homemade festive treats and hot chocolate and take part in a special Christmas craft session.

Studies have shown that almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year*. To help tackle loneliness, Care UK has launched its Care to Share initiative, designed to support older people through the festive season. 

More than 100 Care UK homes nationwide will be taking part to give older members of the community a safe and sociable space where they can enjoy some festive fun and good company – whether it’s singing along to Christmas carols or watching a Christmas movie with a mince pie.

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Here at Dashwood Manor, we’re passionate about playing an active role in our community, so we’re delighted so be opening our doors for the launch of our Friendship Café.

“We know December can be a difficult month for many, so this is a wonderful chance to bring people together to get into the Christmas spirit and a great opportunity for everyone to build new friendships – as well as reminisce over fond festive memories. 

“We’d like to invite our older neighbours to book their place at our special event – this is certainly an event yule not want to miss!”  

To find out more about Care UK’s Care to Share initiative, please visit: careuk.com/caretoshare

From December onwards, the Friendship Café will take place on the second Friday of each month from 10.30am-12pm. anyone from the community who would benefit from companionship is invited to come along to Dashwood Manor to join others for a free cuppa and slice of cake.

Additionally, on Thursday 21^st December, from 10.30am-12pm, the community is also invited to Dashwood Manor’s festive Singing for the Brain session, where everyone will be invited to join in with Christmas classics and carols.

Dashwood Manor regularly hosts Singing for the Brain sessions, which have been designed to support people living with dementia. The sessions see residents and local people come together to sing well-know songs and do vocal exercises to improve brain activity and wellbeing. 

Dashwood Manor – which opened in September 2021 – is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. The new care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities with luxury facilities, including a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema, bar and gardens.