Care Home Launches Free, New Community Initiative – Friends Connect

The care team and residents at The Lawn, the Alton-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly – are excited to announce the launch of its new, free community initiative – Friends Connect – which is taking place on Friday 6th March.

“Friends Connect is Friends of the Elderly’s new monthly programme of supportive events and activities for older people and the people who support them,” said Steve Swift, the Registered Manager at The Lawn. “It brings members of the local community into our home for welcoming, relaxed coffee mornings with activities, quizzes and practical, informative sessions such as talks on topics including Lasting Power of Attorney and dementia care.

“Friends Connect will take place at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, and alongside delicious homemade cakes and pastries, warming refreshments – and of course, great company – for our launch, we have activities and games taking place in our beautiful Garden Room, plus a fun quiz for everyone to enjoy.”

“Friends Connect will bring additional benefits to the residents and the older people who come along and join us, as they will not only provide a great social interaction, which will enhance mental wellbeing, but also cultivate a sense of belonging,” added Soji Odukomaiya, the Activities Coordinator at The Lawn.

“Friends Connect will also be an ideal opportunity for members of the Alton community, visitors, potential residents or respite guests and residents’ family members to pop in, enjoy a free warming cup of coffee and a tasty, sweet treat, take part in our inclusive and fun planned activities and talks, plus catch up with old friends and make new connections too,” continued Steve.

“We are all looking forward to making new friends and acquaintances, seeing old friends, meeting members of our local community, our neighbours, and catching up with our residents’ relatives and loved ones on Friday 6th March at our first Friends Connect coffee morning,” concluded Steve.