Orchard Care Home Hosts Primary School For Craft Morning

Orchard Care Homes’ Nesfield Lodge, Belle Isle, Leeds, welcomed pupils of local Clapgate Primary School, recently, when they came armed with craft materials to make suncatchers and birdhouses for the home’s much-loved garden.

The pupils and teachers from the school joined the home’s people for a morning of crafting and chatting – exchanging life experiences and reminiscing. The initiative forms part of Orchard’s ongoing commitment to community engagement which is vital in helping to build connections with their local area.

The birdhouses and suncatchers will be proudly displayed in the Nesfield Lodge gardens, hoping they will attract feathered visitors and be enjoyed by all. Crafting is a valuable activity for all ages as it promotes improved cognition, fine motor skills, and independence.

Danielle Bird, Activities co-ordinator at Orchard’s Nesfield Lodge, says: “Our ladies and gentlemen were thrilled to see the children and hear about their school life. Community activities such as these, not only help by mixing people of different ages and backgrounds, but also promote self-esteem, sociability, and confidence in pupils and our people. It’s important to exchange life experiences and promote a sense of community. We can’t wait to see them all again next month.”

Quality of care and invigorating best practice is at the forefront of Orchard Care Homes’ strategy. The group’s impressive record demonstrates the highest quality of care it provides its residents, with 100% of its homes now rated ‘Good’. In addition, the group has recently launched its Dementia Promise initiative and is committed to providing every colleague with bespoke, evidence-based dementia training relevant to their role, plus further investment in technology, recruitment, and its care home environments.