Lanterns Light Up The Lives Of Care Home Residents

While fireworks would normally light up the sky on November 5th, for a West Sussex care home there was a gentler glow in the garden this year.

Croft Meadow in Steyning has been chosen as one of eight care homes in the region to be a part of The Lantern House arts programme, which saw two local artists place their award-winning lanterns in the gardens of residential care homes.

The project, which has received support from the Arts Council National Lottery Project, is designed to literally bring a little light to care settings that have had to withdraw from much of community life to protect their residents from COVID-19.

The lanterns will continue to shine in Croft Meadow’s garden until 12 November. The artists behind the project also sent the home a lantern pack so that they can make a star lantern with residents to hang in the home until spring.

Sarah Parsons of The Lantern House said: “We had the idea for the project back in June when we saw the situation that had occurred during lockdown for care homes. We knew the likelihood of a similar scenario coming back in the autumn for them and we wanted to do what we could to bring some fun and light to people who couldn’t go out to find it. We are so pleased and grateful to the Arts Council for supporting this project.”

Melanie Jupp, activities champion at Croft Meadow, which is operated by Shaw healthcare, said: “Care homes are a cornerstone of our community and so the harsh reality of having to withdraw from local life in recent months has been a blow to us all. To be considered for this lovely arts project not only makes us feel remembered but literally brings a little light back in to the lives of all who live and work here.”