Annette is a resident of Fitzwilliam House Care Home in Cambridge.
She recently celebrated her birthday, which the team made special by decorating the lounge, sharing their birthday wishes and singing songs together.
A particularly social moment during her birthday was when Annette reconnected with her friends from the Rowan Day Centre via Zoom.
Annette used to attend the Rowan Day Centre, but when the COVID-19 restrictions were announced, this unfortunately had to stop. Instead, the day centre has been hosting weekly workshops through Zoom, which include movement to music, singing and dancing.
Rowan is a Cambridge based charity and arts centre for people with learning disabilities. They provide a safe, creative and welcoming environment where they use the arts as a tool to bring people together; break down issues of social exclusion and improve health and wellbeing.
They also do a lot of sign language to accompany the songs, which is fun for residents to learn and get involved in if they do not already know how to sign language. Six individual residents from different care homes enjoy the sessions together on a weekly basis.
Annette has thoroughly enjoyed these weekly sessions and receiving the call on her birthday really brightened her day. The day centre has also started sending envelopes in the post containing activities for Annette to do which she always looks forward to receiving.
Thanks to the Rowan Day Centre for finding ways to continue offering their important services!