Every week, a group of residents along with members of staff from Bupa’s Claremont care home, in Whitletts, Ayr, partake in a non-strenuous form of exercise – a walking netball class.

The class, which runs once a week at the John Pollock Centre, has proved to be very therapeutic for the residents, particularly those with limited mobility, and also encourages them to get out and about and socialise with one another.

Carol Barr, Home Manager at Claremont, helped to organise the walking netball class, alongside Brian McQuillan, Community Engagement Officer for South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, and Brian Devlin, Community Builder for South Ayrshire, and is thrilled with the response it has received.

Carol Barr , Home Manager at Caremont said: 

“Initially, we weren’t sure how popular the new class would be with our residents, but everyone is really enjoying themselves and they can’t wait to return each week.

“At Bupa, we strive to offer new and exciting opportunities which benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents and we believe that this is the perfect way for them to have fun while keeping active and getting out in the local community.”

Although the class has only currently been funded for eight weeks, Carol has high hopes for its continuation. A recent walking class proved to be so popular among residents and local members of the community that that Claremont took the initiative to keep it running after the initial funding ended.

Carol added:

“Our priority is our residents and Claremont care home is keen to continue any service that has proved to be a success with them.”

Regular fish teas and bingo nights are accompanied by a string of entertainments while the developments gardening club has ensured that Greenlawn really lives up to its name for all tenants and visitors to enjoy.

Norma Murphy, Manager at Greenlawn Court, said:

“The effort that the Social Committee as well as the different classes and clubs put into everything is outstanding.

“Grace McCutcheon, our volunteer, has been a godsend too. The keep fit class she runs has been incredibly popular and kept everyone nice and active.

Ann Thacker, President of the Social Committee, said:

“It really encourages everyone to get involved, there’s no doubt they have a great impact on the atmosphere here.”
Looking to secure funding to help expand on the events, organisers of the craft club are hoping to set up a craft fair in the future to sell some of the items that they make during their classes such as painted silk and glass.

“It’s a pleasure alongside others to be able to be able to put on such a big spread of activities for everyone to enjoy.”
One of the biggest tasks for the committee is organising the yearly holiday which this year will see tenants making the trip to the seaside town of Eastbourne on the southern English coast for a bit of extra sunshine.

Along with their fellow tenants Ann helps to fulfil Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ ethos, where all tenants are encouraged to live their own lives and make their own choices as far as possible.

Ann’s husband Jim, the committee Secretary, said:

“We know how everyone likes to keep active and organising these things does that in itself for us!

“Between the committee the garden, craft, computer classes and Grace’s keep fit class there’s a great range of things to do and we’re all very much looking forward to the trip to Eastbourne.”

What’s more the activities don’t look like slowing down, with plenty of events future events planned. For more information on Bield services, please visit www.bield.co.uk.

Within his new role as Social Inclusion Ambassador at NCS, 17 year old Jack Marshall will be encouraging young people across the country, regardless of their background or ability, to sign up to the youth empowerment programme. The role is likely to involve touring the country, visiting local providers and schools to explain the importance of allowing young people with disabilities to have the same opportunities as their peers.

Jack’s condition means he is in a wheelchair and suffers from facial paralysis which affects his speech. However, he refused to let this hold him back when taking part in the NCS programme last summer. In fact, it made him even more determined to join in with his peers as they took on outward bound challenges like rock climbing, learnt new skills and created a project to benefit their local community.

Within his group, Jack not only became a friend but an inspiration to others around him, helping them to realise the barriers faced by those with disabilities in the area. As a result, the teenagers decided to dedicate their social action project to improving accessibility in the area where Jack played an important role by convincing his local MP to spend a day in a wheelchair to witness accessibility issues first hand, leading him to write a letter addressed to local banks and supermarkets to reconsider how accessible their services are.  The project has since been nominated for a national Social Action Award sponsored by Santander.

Jack Marshall, aged 17, Social Inclusion Manager at NCS Trust says:

“Before going on NCS, I was nervous that I wouldn’t fit in or wouldn’t be able to take part in the activities. Luckily, my fears were soon put to rest. I met an amazing group of friends and my team leaders were really encouraging and supportive meaning for the first time I didn’t feel like I’d be left out, instead I was part of a fantastic team.

“The experience was so transforming for me that I didn’t want it to end. When NCS approached me with this role I was really excited to be able to help others in similar situations to put their fears aside and have the same amazing experience I had.”

A consistent fundraiser, from skydiving to wheelchair racing, since going on the programme Jack has even set up his own charity called Jack’s Acts of Charitable Kindness (JACK) where he raises funds for lesser known good causes.

Natasha Kizzie, Head of Marketing for NCS Trust, says:

“Jack’s enthusiasm and determination was something we couldn’t ignore. He has this amazing ability to inspire those around him which makes Jack perfect for the role of Social Inclusion Manager. Jack’s list of achievements shows that you really can do anything if you put your mind to it and are given the right opportunities. With Jack’s help we want NCS to be known as a life changing opportunity that’s open to every young person across the country, whatever their ability or background.”

Linda Marshall, Jack’s mother, says:

“Jack has always been determined not to let his condition hold him back, but this has meant he’s faced disappointments in the past when he just hasn’t been able to do what everyone else was doing. NCS changed all that – this time he wasn’t told ‘no’. Instead he was encouraged and supported to join in the activities which meant he was really able to push himself and realise what he’s capable of. The transformation in his confidence and enthusiasm, particularly for helping others, was phenomenal and I’m so glad he’s been given an opportunity to share that with thousands of other young people in this new role.”

NCS offers a unique opportunity for fun, adventure and discovery for young people and runs across England and Northern Ireland this summer. It is open to all 16-17 year olds for no more than £50. For more information or to sign up to the summer programme visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.

Bupa’s Braemount care home, on Donaldswood Road, features the innovative confectionery counter, which aims to provide a recognisable social environment for residents to relive the past and encourage the sharing of memories and stories.

The ice cream parlour opens daily and is fully stocked with a variety of classic ice cream flavours, as well as different sauces and toppings, including wafers and flakes. It has become particularly popular with sweet-toothed residents who enjoy a cone or tub of the frozen snack alongside an after-dinner film.

Kate McConville, Manager at Bupa’s Braemount care home, believes the ice cream parlour delivers a creative form of therapy for residents, especially those living with dementia.

She said: “The parlour is a comfortable and familiar social setting for our residents which helps to make them feel more at ease within their surroundings.

“It is open to all residents and appeals to the vast majority as it allows them to reconnect with old memories, such as summer holidays to the seaside.

“We currently make use of the parlour for all manner of activities and special events – everything from a quiet Friday night in to celebratory family occasions, but it is particularly busy in the evenings after dinner, when everyone fancies something sweet.”

Dementia takes various forms and can leave people living with the condition feeling confused, isolated or distressed. In some cases they will not recognise even close relatives and loved ones.

However, research has repeatedly shown the benefits of helping those with the condition to channel and focus on positive memories from their lives.

Kate believes the parlour helps to improve cognitive stimulation for Braemount’s residents living with dementia.

She said: “This concept improves the living experience for residents by providing extra cognitive stimulation which inevitably improves their mood and general sense of wellbeing.

“Guests can also benefit from spending time in the enjoyable setting which enhances the visit to their relative or friend – helping to create a friendly, relaxing atmosphere for all parties.”