Dukinfield youngsters join Care for care home project

Youngsters have been keeping older folks' spirits up at a Dukinfield care home by creating and sending them special gifts.

Members of 2nd Dukinfield Beavers have been taking part in the ‘Care for care homes’ project, creating paintings and hand printed art for local care home residents.

The scouting initiative aimed to carry out 10,000 acts of kindness nationally. The movement is used to helping out at care homes and with the impact of Covid-19, felt it was more important than ever to continue the tradition.

Now youngsters’ work, completed by 2nd Dukinfield Beavers, has been presented to The Beeches care home on Yew Tree Lane in the town.

Grandparents of Beavers also got involved by sending crocheted shawls and homemade chutneys to give to the home, while leaders made rainbow poetry to brighten up the walls.

The Beeches said they were delighted to receive the artworks, which brought a splash of added colour to the home.

A spokesperson said: “The fantastic gifts and poems from the local scout group, the 2nd Dunkinfield Scouts, brought smiles and joy to our residents’ faces. 

“Residents and colleagues were very impressed by their crochet skills and the poems were lovely. The pictures are up all around the home too and they bring so much colour and happiness.   

“Everyone at the Beeches is very grateful for such thoughtful gifts that made everyone feel special.”

The Beeches recently shared this picture of one of their residents Margaret enjoying a visit from her husband of 55 years.

Margaret has been a resident at the Beeches for 18 years and her husband Barry used to visit every day before lockdown, but, due to Covid restrictions had had to keep in touch throughout by speaking on the telephone. 

However, as lockdown restrictions were eased, they were ‘reunited’ for the first time when both enjoyed a visit through the window and were delighted to see each other; they have missed each other so much and chatted about their son Paul, plus reminisced about their wedding day and old times.

Margaret said: “It made me so happy to see Barry - I have missed him.” 

A spokesperson for The Beeches said: “It was lovely, seeing them both together they are such a lovely couple.”

Sadly with restrictions re-imposed, window visits must cease in line with guidance from Public Health England. 

It means Barry can’t visit again just yet, but the home is working with residents and their loved ones to facilitate regular phone and video calls.