Speedwell Court staff share the love in their local community

Staff at Speedwell Court care home in Southampton have been showing they care for their community by giving out gifts to local residents.

Community engagement has been an important part of daily life at Speedwell Court since opening in July 2019. This year, as part of a Valentine's Day competition the staff team at the home have been encouraged to spread some love around their neighbourhood by creating a personalised gift for another older person living nearby.

The competition between the staff was spearheaded by Jane Anderson, part of Speedwell Court’s recruitment team, who challenged her colleagues to come up with the most original gift idea for a neighbour, someone they have met on their journey to work, or someone they know through a friend or relative.

After a vote from the staff team, the winner, Jennifer Varney (pictured above) was awarded a retro coffee maker as her prize. Jennifer often sees a neighbour with his dog “Marmite”, who has dementia, when walking to work and decided he would be the perfect recipient for a Valentine's Day gift.

Jennifer left her gift, a ball for Marmite, and a note for his owner on the doorstep. The team commented that it was important to acknowledge the important role of animals in providing support to older people, and that mental health impairments can affect them as well.

Jane said, “With Valentine’s day rapidly approaching, we were thinking about the community and how, following a couple of hard and potentially lonely years, we could help bring some joy to someone’s day. We wanted to do something that embraced our values as an organisation but also involved all of our staff team, and show that we are not just a care home, but a home that cares.”

The campaign perfectly fits with Abbeyfield’s unique identity. With 400 houses and homes worldwide, Abbeyfield strives to relieve feelings of loneliness and isolation amongst all older people. Its accommodation and care schemes are supplemented by outreach work, with each home encouraged to forge strong relationships within its local community and put something back into society.

Life at Speedwell Court

Speedwell Court is a purpose built Abbeyfield care home in Southampton. Speedwell Court provides an exclusive setting and high-quality residential care and dementia friendly care services that are sure to exceed expectation.

They are committed to promoting health and wellbeing, providing purpose and bringing enjoyment to daily life in a charming environment. And should your needs change over time, we will support you to live independently with 24-hour peace of mind that our team are always there for you. 

Discover Speedwell Court