Corrie-Ann has worked for the Trust since 2014. She began her career as a Care Assistant but changed paths to become an Activities Coordinator, which she has now been doing for over five years. Corrie-Ann brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experience when she started at Hartsholme House, after working at another OSJCT care home.

There are countless reasons that make Corrie-Ann proud of her job and she ensures that friends and family members of residents feel welcome to join in activities. She said: “I get to actively make a difference in people lives. Not just residents but families and friends as well. We are a community, and I am proud to make a difference in ours.”

Corrie-Ann’s inspiration to become an Activities Coordinator came from her nan, who was one herself over 20 years ago. Corrie-Ann spent lots of time visiting the care home her nan worked at and observing the job first-hand. She said: “Now that nan has retired, she has so many stories to tell me of her time as an Activities Coordinator. I hope to be as good as she was in the role!”

The role of Activities Coordinator is a busy one, as some time is spent preparing activities and completing administration. Corrie-Ann said: “I try to make sure I have a mix so everyone will have something. I set an afternoon aside for my one-to-ones. I always ask the residents in a meeting if they would like to do more of, or less of, something. It is important to find the right balance and have their input, it is for them after all.”

Inclusivity is at the forefront of Corrie-Ann’s mind when planning and running her activities. As she supports residents with differing needs, she must think outside the box at times. Corrie-Ann said: “I once had a blind resident who enjoyed colouring but could not see. We had a day at the seaside, and I noticed the colouring pictures with the felt lines and I instantly thought of her. They ended up being so good for her as she could feel the lines.”

She continued: “In activities when I need to be heard clearly, I position myself closest to those who struggle to hear. In active games I use a yellow ball as it is the easiest colour to see for those with poor eyesight. When we have entertainment such as singers, I make sure the residents that respond better to sensory activities have the option of holding my hand or having their hand stroked to the rhythm of the music.”

Corrie-Ann finds inspiration for her activities from an array of sources. From sharing ideas in an Activity Organiser’s group on social media, where people share plans, advice, and ideas to reaching out to other Activities Coordinators in Lincolnshire for help and ideas. Pinterest is also fantastic way to gather ideas!

Connecting with communities

Involving the local community in activities in the care home is important to Corrie-Ann. She said: “Residents should have an identity beyond being a resident, therefore community links are so important.” Corrie-Ann organises all sorts of trips, residents go around Lincoln and their local area, a church visits the home every other month. Visitors from around the community come to help clean and maintain the garden as well as donate items. Throughout the summer the home holds garden days. These are dedicated to cleaning up the garden and trying to make improvements where they can. Employees, family members and people from around Lincoln volunteer their time and energy, bring new plants and tools and get stuck in. Corrie-Ann said: “It really is a fantastic show of community spirit, and these small links build up to a bigger picture of a resident’s identity.”

For Corrie-Ann the volunteers at Hartsholme House make a dramatic difference within the home. Tony comes in on a Thursday afternoon and plays the piano for an hour in the big lounge. They also have two daughters of residents who volunteer; one helps with craft activities while both help take residents on trips and assist with parties. The last volunteer assists Corrie-Ann with activities, trips and events as well as doing one-to-ones with residents.

A recent activity – flower arranging with Jean

Corrie-Ann recalled a favourite story, she said: “When I first started running activities, we did flower arranging regularly and one lady called Jean came every time. To start with, I used to hold her hand, pick up a flower and put it in the vase. We then moved in stages until one day Jean came to the table and did the whole vase herself. I will never forget her smile when she was done. Those little wins are their wins, and I am so proud when we have them.”