Community Gathers To Enjoy Aerial Circus Performance At Ringwood Care Home

The community congregated at a Ringwood care home to watch an aerial circus performance as part of a special event.

Residents and staff at St Ives House care home on Horton Road were joined by members of the local community for the seaside-themed Catch of the Day performance by The Dot Collective, a professional theatre company who put on dementia-friendly, accessible shows. Afterwards, some of the residents jumped at the chance to have a go at using a rope swing and aerial silks.

The activity was organised for the residents, their loved ones and visitors to celebrate Care Home Open Week, a national initiative run by Championing Social Care. The annual event aims to connect care homes with their local communities and champion the warm, caring, and vibrant environments that care homes provide. All care homes operated by not-for-profit charity Care South hosted events to mark Care Home Open Week.

Liz, who lives at St Ives House, said:
“The highlight of my afternoon was having a go on the swing. I always wanted to travel with the circus as a young girl so I cannot believe at my age I had the opportunity to have a go on the swing.”

Avril, who also lives at the home, said:
“What a wonderful afternoon, I cannot believe that the performers were upside down and it was done so well. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon.”

Another resident, Pauline, said: “It was lovely to sit and watch it with my friends. The weather was beautiful, the food was wonderful and the staff were fantastic at setting it all up for us. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.”

Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House, said:
“It was a joy to see our residents so engaged and having so much fun throughout the performance. At Care South, we enable our residents to continue exploring their existing passions and interests, as well as trying new ones, which on this occasion included trying some aerial circus skills. We also take every opportunity to welcome the community into our home to experience the vibrant and supportive environment that we provide for our residents.”