Creating welcoming environments for friendships to be formed is an important part of a person’s lifestyle while living in a care home.

At Winifred Dell, in Brentwood, one of the ways the team achieve this is by hosting memory cafés, bringing the local community, relatives and friends together to enjoy time in each other’s company, encourage reminiscence and create a safe space where connections can be formed.

These sessions positively support people’s wellbeing, with a notable improvement in mood often seen after inspiring conversations and uplifting interactions.

Seeing the positive benefits these sessions have had, lifestyle coordinator Clare invited residents from Goldenley Care Home to join them. 

The people living at Winifred Dell were excited to hear they would be joined by some new friendly faces and gave them all a warm welcome when they arrived with Lifestyle Coordinator, Faith.

As the team took each person’s drinks order, they observed residents from each of the care homes engaged in conversation and connecting over shared interests.

“It was wonderful to see new friendships forming and smiles on people’s faces,” said Clare. “Witnessing the joy that can be created through conversation was a highlight for me, and I hope these relationships continue to develop.”

Multi-talented Lifestyle Coordinator, Faith, then performed some popular songs from the past to encourage reminiscence through familiar music. People were tapping, clapping and singing along from their seats, which added excitement and energy to the session.

As Faith performed, residents shared special memories connected to the songs, demonstrating the powerful role familiar music can play in prompting reminiscence and bringing people together.

Following the success of the visit, Winifred Dell and Goldenley Care Home plan to continue their collaboration at future memory cafés, giving residents further opportunities to enjoy time together and develop their friendships.