Chaplain at Southampton Home Launches Pub Club for Male and Female Residents

A chaplain at a Southampton home has launched a pub club aimed at both male and female residents.

David Featch works as a chaplain at MHA Hampton Lodge and started a pub club after having a conversation with a resident, who expressed a desire in waiting to go for a pint at a pub.

The pub club usually takes place every Wednesday, however David found himself making two trips recently due to the demand of the club.

Speaking of the club David said: “The pub club started off with just one resident who expressed a desire to go out in the community and spend time socialising in a pub.

“This then turned into a weekly trip to different pubs in Southampton and included five different residents.

“The club started around a month ago and it’s something that I can see becoming very popular with our residents at MHA Hampton Lodge.

“It continues to grow and is one of my biggest achievements and something I’m very proud of.

“The club gives residents the chance to have a drink with people from the community and an opportunity to feel a part of a group outside the care home.

“Last Friday I went to two different pubs as the demand was so high and I will continue to support anyone that wants to come with me for a drink

“The aim of the club is for our residents to feel inclusive, part of the community and to give them the opportunity to explore the area.

“We spend around an hour at the pub before making the journey back to the home, which is around a 5-to-10-minute walk.

“I wanted to make sure it was available to all our residents, and I feel that decision will go a long way in making the club gain more numbers.”