Celebrating Arts In Care

Posted at 2:59 pm on 9th July, 2019

De Brook Lodge Welcomes Wellacre

 Wellacre students were invited to join the staff and residents at De Brook Lodge on the 28th June as they celebrated National Care Home Open Day. 

Every year, care homes across the country open their doors to the public for National Care Home Open Day.  Community members including Mayor Rob Chilton enjoyed a fun and relaxed event which showcased life in the fantastic care home. 

This year, the event’s theme was ‘Celebrating Arts in Care’. 

Danielle Aikenhead, Lifestyle Manager at De Brook Lodge, explains:

“Care UK’s homes are incredibly creative communities. We support all residents to express themselves through painting, sculpture, photography, poetry, movement, drama and music – in fact, any art form that they are familiar with, or would like to try. This enables them to enjoy meaningful and rewarding experiences, which is what our ethos of care is all about.

“This year’s theme is celebrating the role of Arts in Care. For many of our residents, art still plays a huge part in their day to day lives. Our staff and friends are excited to have the opportunity to learn new crafts whilst our residents are keen to share their knowledge and skills with the community.” 

De Brook Lodge hosted a mood board competition where each resident enjoyed time with a member of staff to create a meaningful piece of art. The theme, materials used and styles of the mood boards were decided by residents as they were encouraged to showcase their life stories, hopes, dreams and personalities.  

Wellacre students were invited to showcase some of their own art work and they spent time in art lessons, creating their own mood boards for De Brook.  

Year 9, Joe, said:

“I had a super fun afternoon at the De Brook Lodge care home. I had the opportunity to show my mood board to the Mayor and to many others.  I also had the chance to share some of my personal work that I had been working on with the elderly residents and I felt that they liked it.”

In September, Wellacre students will have the opportunity to volunteer for a ‘Teen Mate’ project in partnership with De Brook Lodge and visit elderly community members at the home.  

Mr Pemberton, Vice Principal for Welfare and Wellbeing, said:

“This was an excellent opportunity for Wellacre students to meet the De Brook residents and help them celebrate the day.  We are looking forward to launching the wider community engagement project as part of our co-curricular programme.”