Christine has been volunteering at Park Avenue Care Home in Bromley for 2 years. She began dedicating her time to supporting the people who live there when her mother moved in, not only so she could be actively involved in her care, but also to support the people living and working at Park Avenue.
During this time, Christine developed a passion for supporting the people living at Park Avenue. Her natural ability to entertain made her many friends and she very quickly became a loved member of the family. Christine could regularly be found completing puzzles with people, hosting games, leading singalong sessions and walking with residents around the garden.
It was a sad day at Park Avenue when Christine’s mother passed away. Residents and team members came together to support Christine through a difficult time, just as she had supported them. This provided lots of comfort to Christine as she soon decided to continue her voluntary role at Park Avenue. The team and people that live there were delighted that Christine was still a part of their weekly schedule as her presence is felt and appreciated by each and every person.
With the season of spring now in full swing, Christine wanted to mark this and engage residents of Park Avenue in the change of seasons with a family tradition that was started by her Aunt Winnie.
This is the story behind Christine’s spring chicks, told in her own words.
“As you are aware my dear Mum knitted many chicks over the years for lots of Groups as did her younger sister Winnie.
“After Mum passed away last year, I visited my Aunt Winnie and she gave me some chicks and hats she had knitted for me to bring into the home.
“Knitting has been a regular pastime for many of the older people who grew up during the war and Mum and Aunt Winnie were involved in knitting socks for the Airman on 4 needles as children to help the war effort.
“Aunt Winn is also able to crochet and has made us all many wonderful blankets over the years. Christine xx”
The knitted chicks went down really well with residents. They added a welcome splash of colour to shelves in bedrooms and helped to mark the start of the spring season.
We remain very grateful to Christine for the support she provides to Park Avenue and her selfless, thoughtful actions always raise smiles and boost wellbeing around the home.