LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY SPIRIT


Sophia Feurtado-Jackson, Service User Engagement Manager at Exemplar Health Care, explores how cross-home friendships and peer leadership are strengthening wellbeing and community for people living in care.


Care homes are oſten described as close-knit communities, but over the past year, we’ve taken that idea further by breaking down the boundaries between them.


In 2020, we partnered with the University of Leeds on an exploratory study into residents’ experience of sexuality, intimacy, and relational wellbeing in long-term complex care settings.


The research found that relational need, specifically ‘authentic friendships’, was the strongest theme to emerge across all interviews, highlighting the vital role of genuine and meaningful connections in people’s lives.


By bringing people together from different care homes through shared activities and events, we’ve helped created new friendships, wider support networks, and a renewed sense of belonging.


The impact has been clear; residents who once had limited social circles are now part of vibrant communities that extend beyond their own home, strengthening wellbeing, confidence, and quality of life.


A WARM WELCOME FROM THE START


For many, moving into a care home can be daunting. So not only do we ensure that new residents are supported by our multi-disciplinary teams throughout this transition, but existing residents also play a pivotal role in welcoming people and building connections from day one.


From the beginning of Alex’s journey at Maypole Grove, she formed a friendship with Abi that has had a remarkable, lasting impact on them both.


Alex said: “Before I moved to Maypole Grove, Abi was so nice and told me about the care home. When I moved in, she gave me and my family a tour of the home and answered any questions. It’s lovely to have a friend like Abi. She is a good listener, always helps me out, and is a great laugh.”


Abi shares what the relationship means to her: “Having Alex move to Maypole Grove has changed me as a person. Her confidence and personality has already had an impact on me and had me doing things I never thought I would, such as singing on the karaoke at the social club.”


CROSS-HOME CONNECTIONS


Meaningful connections are not only created within our homes but across them too.


Earlier this year, the team at Bennett Court brought together people from five other Exemplar Health Care homes for a ‘speed meeting’ event that supported people to build friendships in a fun and familiar environment.


The aſternoon was filled with music, and the opportunity for residents from different homes to bond over shared interests, meaning many people leſt with new friendships they were excited to continue.


Leanne, from Quarryfields in Doncaster, shared: “It’s been so fun. I’ve met so many new people and can’t wait to stay in touch with Julie.”


PEER SUPPORT THROUGH SHARED LEADERSHIP


People supported in our homes also play an active role in shaping them too. Through our Service User Ambassador initiative, every home has at least one ambassador who helps welcome new residents, shares resident thoughts and feedback with the management team, contributes to colleague training, and leads on activities that matter to them.


These roles build confidence, help develop new skills, and – through the organisation-wide Service User Council that ambassadors sit on – encourage meaningful peer support across a wide network of residents working together to support each other.


This year, our Regional Service User Ambassadors have taken on a further leadership role by mentoring new ambassadors, developing their own projects, and sharing insights with both peers and senior colleagues at executive-level meetings.


WHY COMMUNITY MATTERS


For many people, including those who may have previously experienced a failed placement or have never lived in a care home before, creating a sense of belonging is a vital part of building trust and confidence.


Alongside compassionate and consistent care, peer support can oſten be an invaluable milestone for residents – the moment they begin to feel like themselves again and the home truly feels like theirs.


At Exemplar Health Care, we are committed to nurturing these communities. By creating opportunities for friendship, encouraging peer leadership, and supporting people to contribute to both home and community life in ways that work for them, we help ensure that every person has the chance to live a fulfilling, connected life.


www.exemplarhc.com 30 www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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