Care South, a not-for-profit leading provider of residential and care at home services across the south of England, has selected Dementia UK, The Grove Pre-School, The Friends of Dolphin, Margaret Green Animal Rescue, BIGLITTLE Theatre School, Ringwood and Bransgore Dementia Action Group and Linking Hearts Therapy Horses as its latest beneficiaries of its Chairman’s Fund, providing a total grant of £9,250.
Dementia UK charity provides specialist dementia nurses to those affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Care South’s Talbot View care home team, based near Ensbury Park, unanimously nominated the charity to be a beneficiary thanks to its wonderful work. Team members and residents from the care home are walking one million steps which started on 1st June through to 15th September to raise money and awareness for the charity.
Team members and residents from Care South’s Maiden Castle House care home in Dorchester have re-established its community relationship with The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, with the children regularly visiting the home and participating in activities with residents. Each week, several children visit Maiden Castle House with their teachers and engage in a range of activities with the residents including arts and crafts, food, fun, exercise and games.
The Friends of Dolphin, a Charitable Trust, which is run by unpaid volunteers provide free boat trips to disabled people of all ages and disabilities around Poole Harbour from May to September every year. Residents from Care South’s Dorset House and Alexandra House based in Poole benefit from regular trips out which are thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Margaret Green Animal Rescue take in pets that become homeless due to a change in circumstances or that have been neglected, mistreated or abandoned. Some of Care South’s care homes visit the centre at Church Knowle and enjoy many calming cuddles with the furry friends.
BIGLITTLE Theatre School, based in Bournemouth, is a not-for-profit organisation who provide training and professional development in the performing arts to dedicated children and young people from reception through to 19 years. The charity will be putting on live shows for one of Care South’s local homes.
Ringwood and Bransgore Dementia Action Group are a volunteer group committed to developing Ringwood, Bransgore and the surrounding area as a Dementia Friendly Community.
The group regularly invite the local community to attend a one-hour information session to become a Dementia Friend, raising awareness and understanding throughout the community. Businesses, services, organisations, churches, clubs, schools and charities can participate in tailored interactive sessions on the premises to understand how it feels to live with dementia which are the first steps to becoming a dementia friendly community.
Linking Hearts Therapy Horses have two miniature horses which Sharon and her daughter, Megan, train through lots of desensitising activities, which enables them to enter facilities calmly without causing them any distress. They are committed to providing a visiting service to those who benefit from animal therapy. Mr Kellogg’s, one of their miniature horses, recently visited St Ives House, a Care South care home, and brought so much joy to every resident and residents were able to pet him.
Simon Bird, Chief Executive at Care South, said: “We are delighted to be able to support many incredible organisations who are important to Care South’s staff and residents. Residents in our care and team members frequently make use of the services that these fantastic organisations have to offer, and it is wonderful to see these partnerships continue to go from strength to strength.”
Sharon Gledhill, Manager at Linking Hearts Therapy Horses, added: “No words are enough to extend our thanks to Care South for this generous donation which will really help go towards the vet bills, upkeep and daily living costs. I want to extend my thanks to Care South for making this happen and for showing their support.”
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