Care Provider Partners with Community Church to Offer its Residents Diverse and Inclusive Activities

A specialist Cambridgeshire care provider has once again partnered with a local community church to promote the mental and physical well-being of its residents through engaging activities – specially designed for those with learning disabilities and in their old age.

Askham Village Community, near Doddington, recently welcomed the services of Fenland Community Church, a family-run organisation that seeks to call upon the power of religion to dismantle stereotypes and to view everyone as equals, regardless of their age or disability.

Through a combination of drama, music and other sensory focussed activities, the group’s universal aim is to bring a smile to the faces of social care residents — something it undoubtedly achieved during the recent visit to Askham, where a total of 18 residents were entertained in the Atrium of Askham House.

Represented by husband and wife duo, Edward and Marilyn, along with another team member, Rosie, the church group will now visit on a monthly basis following a successful day promoting mental and physical well-being through engaging activities. The group used to visit Askham regularly and has done for over 15 years, however, due to the hardships of the pandemic, this has not been possible for over two years.

Some of the residents in attendance suffered from advanced dementia so the sensory engagement of such activities proved vital for their cognitive well-being — something Fenland Community Church recognises in its approach.

Jo Monaghan, Head of Care & Nursing and Registered Manager at Askham Hall and Askham House, commented: “Partnering with activity providers like Fenland Community Church is an integral part of our diverse care offering. Seeing the smiles on residents’ faces highlights just how important it is to keep them engaged with stimulating activities, something Edward and Marilyn are so well versed in. Their approach reflects our own ethos here at Askham — where all individuals are equal regardless of their mental or physical condition.”

Jo continued: “Due to popular demand from both staff and residents, Fenland Community Church are now visiting us every month and will continue to encourage those staying with us to engage and have fun within a completely accepting environment.”