A Dorset hospice charity has thanked residents and team members at a nearby care home for their help in building a community partnership.
Colten Care’s Poole home Bourne View has been working with Forest Holme Hospice on various initiatives over the past two years.
The latest involved providing expert help and support on the design and refurbishment of a staff room and two counselling rooms at the hospice.
Juliana Clark, Assistant Interior Designer at the Colten Group, gave her time, design input and help on several visits to source fabrics, artwork and materials for the refreshed accommodation. Some items were brokered through Colten supply partners.
Juliana said: “They are all lovely people at the hospice, doing very important work. It’s a hard job they have and so it was great to be able to improve their working environment. At the same time, the counselling rooms are now a more conducive space for those receiving help. To see the end result of the refurbishment was fabulous. It’s great to give back.”
Thanking Juliana and her colleagues, Kirsty Perks, Corporate & Community Fundraiser at Forest Holme, said: “From sourcing beautiful new soft furnishings and artwork at no cost to the charity, to hanging the curtains and blinds, and organising the upholstery of all the counselling chairs, your time, effort and attention to detail has been outstanding.
“These refreshed spaces have already had a real impact. Our staff now have a much more comfortable and welcoming place to take a moment, recharge and support one another during busy and emotional shifts.
“The counselling rooms also feel calmer and more inviting, helping to create a safe and soothing environment for patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“The improvements have made such a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.”
The project is the latest in a series of activities Bourne View and Colten Care have staged in aid of Forest Holme.
Colten Care was headline sponsor of the hospice’s Strictly Extravaganza community dance competition, which raised more than £80,000 in 2024.
The partnership enabled Bourne View residents to enjoy live performances of dance routines up close in their lounge.
One resident, Irene Whyment, said: “It was such a nice afternoon and the dancers were so talented and friendly.”
Bourne View has also hosted a volunteers’ lunch for Forest Holme.
