Residents at Aspen Grange care home in Braintree have been enjoying some extra comfort and companionship thanks to a heart-warming community initiative held in support of National Teddy Bear Day.
To mark the occasion, the team at Aspen Grange invited members of the local community to donate new, pre-loved or vintage teddy bears for residents to adopt. The appeal was met with a wonderful response, with many generous donations received from local people keen to support the home and its residents.
As a result of the initiative, each of the home’s 42 residents was able to choose and adopt their very own teddy bear. The bears have already become cherished companions, offering reassurance, emotional comfort and a calming presence for residents.
The initiative has proved to be both emotionally soothing and therapeutic, helping to spark smiles, conversations and a sense of companionship, while also creating meaningful connections between the care home and the wider community.
Sharon Thompson, home manager at Aspen Grange, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community. Every teddy bear was donated with kindness and care, and it meant that each of our residents could choose one to call their own. The comfort and joy these teddies have brought has been truly special to see, and it has had a very calming and positive impact on our residents.”
She added: “Small initiatives like this can make a big difference. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and helped make National Teddy Bear Day such a memorable and meaningful experience for our residents.”
