Residents showcase life at Sutton Coldfield care home through photography competition

Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield have picked up their cameras for National Photography Day, offering a unique glimpse into life through their own lenses.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, held a photography competition, capturing moments from residents’ everyday lives in and around the home.

The budding photographers spent weeks honing their skills using disposable cameras and experimenting with different subjects and perspectives. Some even stepped in front of the camera themselves.

The images captured friendships, daily life and memorable moments at the home, including a trip to Twycross Zoo and a gardening club with Little Sutton Primary School.

Professional photographer Shaun Fellows judged the entries and selected resident Judith Wareham as the winner for her photograph of herself at a concert.

Judith said: “I've always enjoyed photography although I'm not very good at it. I like that photos capture special moments and memories. I was really pleased to win. I didn't expect it.”

All entries are now on display in the home’s reception area.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We’re always planning fun and exciting activities, so when residents said they were keen to get involved with World Photography Day, the team was delighted to get creative.

“Residents had a blast behind the camera and getting their creative juices flowing, taking images of things that sparked their interest.

“It provided a wonderful opportunity to encourage conversations among residents, friends and family. All of the photographs were stunning, and each had its own story to tell.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team for organising such a fun experience and to Shaun for joining us to celebrate these photos and judge the competition. We encourage you all to pop by and see the photos for yourself!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey home, which features 67 en suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and the very popular Sadlers Café.