There were celebrations all round when the team at a Newbury care home welcomed the local community and special guests to a day of art-themed fun and games.

The Care UK team at Winchcombe Place on Maple Crescent welcomed the deputy mayor of Newbury, Billy Drummond, plus pupils from Castle School and members of the local community to enjoy Care Home Open Day; a countrywide initiative set up to develop lasting relationships between care homes and local communities, and to dispel common myths about care home life.  

This year’s theme celebrated the role of arts within care, which is important in encouraging residents’ self-expression, and helps to create meaningful experiences.

On the day, the deputy mayor and the team at Winchcombe Place unveiled a stunning mosaic artwork now on display in the home, which was created by residents in partnership with pupils at Castle School. In the run-up to the unveiling, residents and pupils met on a weekly basis to craft the mosaic, which represents an artistic blend of both the Care UK and Castle School logos.

In addition to the unveiling of the home’s mosaic piece, guests were also able to enjoy live entertainment and a special showcase of residents’ artwork.

Patricia Jamieson, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “Creative activities are an important part of life for people in care, whether it’s painting to help enhance hand-eye coordination, or simply reminiscing by putting on some music – the arts are a vital part of life here.

“We were honoured to have welcomed the deputy mayor of Newbury, alongside pupils from Castle School, and we’re pleased so many people from the community joined us for Care Home Open Day. We always have a great time hosting this annual event and this year was no different. It was great to open our doors to show the community of Newbury just how much fun you can have in a care home. We’re looking forward to next year already!”

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home, which features 80 ensuite bedrooms incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

For more information on Care Home Open Day at Winchcombe Place, please contact customer relations manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 0333 321 1923 or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com

To find out more about Care UK, please go to careuk.com

Issued for & on behalf of Care UK by WPR