Care home residents and staff have taken part in open days, visits and other activities to show support for the work of the NHS and emergency services in their communities.
Colten Care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex all marked the annual Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day.
Among the homes organising visits was Brook View in West Moors, Dorset. Home Manager Lauren Steele and Customer Support Advisor Shelley Morris both visited the Fire and Rescue team at nearby Bournemouth Airport to deliver cards and cakes.
Lauren said: “The team there gave us such a warm welcome, talked to us about their work, and even allowed us to sit in the engine and climb up on the roof. It was a lovely opportunity to thank all firefighters for their dedicated work in keeping our communities safe.”
Colten Care’s Bourne View in Poole also organised a cake delivery at Redhill Park Fire Station, with Customer Support Advisor Juliet Brett saying: “It was especially meaningful as some of the station’s firefighters have previously visited Bourne View, spending time with our residents and showing them around the fire engine. So, it was our turn to treat them!”
In Hampshire, three residents from Linden House dementia care home – Katie Hopkins, Christine Stott and Frank O’Grady – travelled with Home Manager Priya Joseph, Clinical Lead Mitch Tan and Companion Lin Gordon on a cake delivery run to Lymington police station.
While Katie’s verdict on meeting the officers was ‘lovely’, Christine said: “It was a smashing day.”
And Frank said: “I was very happy to meet the police officers and visit the station. They do a brilliant job.”
At Colten Care’s West Sussex care home, Wellington Grange, cards and treats were made up for Customer Support Advisor Julie Dunwoodie to present to crews at Chichester Fire Station.
In Salisbury meanwhile, staff and residents at Braemar Lodge handed out cookies and cards at the city hospital’s accident and emergency department as well as ambulance and fire stations.
They also showed gratitude to the armed services with a thank-you visit to the Royal Military Police in Bulford.
The visitors included Home Manager Jackie Cash and Companionship Team Leader Graham Ballard, both military veterans themselves.
Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our residents and colleagues are always keen to show their appreciation for the emergency services because they understand just how much these dedicated people do to keep our communities safe. Many of our residents have had personal experiences of the NHS and emergency services over the years, while our care home teams work closely with them when support is needed. These visits are a small but heartfelt way of saying thank you for everything these heroes do, and for the kindness and reassurance they so often bring when people need it most.”
Emergency Services Day aims to educate the public about how ‘blue light’ responders operate and to promote responsible contact from those who request their help.
