Alex has been in his role for three years and loves to host entertainment for people. He had considered a role as a holiday rep but as he enjoys working with elderly people as well, this job suits him down to the ground. Alex finds it inspiring to see the smiles on residents’ faces when they take part in an activity he has organised.

Alex takes pride in the variety of activities he is able to put on for the residents at Goodson Lodge, and he spends time planning and researching new ideas based on residents’ interests, and hobbies that they might have put on hold recently. He tailors his entertainment to allow everyone to take part and seeing everyone’s interests catered for makes him proud.

With two floors of residents at Goodson Lodge, Alex is busy every day running different activities.  Some residents like to keep their minds active with word games and quizzes while others are more creative and like to paint and bake.

Alex is a strong networker and sees the value of sharing ideas and involving others. He speaks to his counterparts in other homes across the Trust to get ideas and share best practice, and he also works hard to make sure that the residents at Goodson Lodge remain connected to the community.  That means that there are often events that people from the wider community can join in with, for example people from the local nursery or church. Anyone passing the home in the summer might be lucky enough to catch the ice-cream van there. Residents can give back to the community too through events organised by Alex, such as baking dog biscuits for a local dog charity.

In order to help cater for all the different interests, Alex has the support of some volunteers. One hosts a virtual poetry session, another supports singing sessions, and there are two more volunteers – relatives of two of our residents - who lend a hand with all sorts. Goodson Lodge is also supported by a young man who volunteers as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Alex’s favourite activities at Goodson Lodge are the flower arranging and scrapbook clubs he has formed at the home. He loves to see the residents’ wonderful and colourful creations. Flower therapy is great for the residents as it is a sensory treat through the scent, texture and colours, and the scrapbook club has been a huge success at Goodson Lodge. It is a chance for residents to reflect on all the photographs and activities they have taken part in.