Alison Andre has volunteered at Coombe End Court over the last four years and plays an important role in helping to foster community life at the care home in Marlborough. Since training as a Chaplain, Alison runs regular communion services in the home and often volunteers at, or organises, special events, for residents.

The mother of three adult children has worked in a Christian bookshop, as well as teaching and doing secretarial work, but found her calling when she started supporting the care home. Alison said: “I have always got on with older people, as my grandmother lived with our family when I was a child, and my mother lived with our family until 2000. Now I really enjoy being part of Coombe End Court and spending time with residents.”

As a Chaplain, Alison runs Church of England communion services once a fortnight. She has also trained with the Anna Chaplaincy, which is part of the Bible Reading Fellowship (Anna Chaplaincy | Offering spiritual care in later life). Anna Chaplains focus on offering spiritual care in later life.

During and since the pandemic Alison has often conducted a cremation service or spoken at a church funeral. As a regular Volunteer in the care home, residents and their family members know Alison, and she has been able to run very special and personalised events to mark the passing of cherished members of the care home community. Alison is also happy to offer pastoral support to team members at the home.

Alison said: “I’ve always had a strong faith, but I’ve gravitated to those residents with spiritual questions, which they often raise as they move closer to the end of their earthly lives.”

“Running communion services is very rewarding, and I’ve noticed that sometimes residents who choose not to take communion initially, will later on accept the host, and I sense a change in their faith.” 

Alison adapts her services throughout the year, to fit with the seasons, such as Easter or Remembrance, and makes them relevant for residents attending. Often families will attend with their loved one. 

Home Manager, Kelly, said: “We are very grateful to Alison, and everything she does to enrich life at Coombe End Court. As a Chaplain her services help to support people’s faith and the spiritual aspect of their lives. These services and regular opportunities to meet in a spiritual content help to promote community within the care home.”

Music 

Alison brings music to the care home. She explained: “Residents often love music, even those with dementia or difficulties with communication will often sing along to our hymns. 

“I always carry my flute and play it at our church services. When a resident passes away, I play the flute in their honour. This is important within the community, as it’s a way that we can acknowledge the passing of a cherished resident, and I know this is appreciated.”

Animals

Alison has used her local connections to enrich the lives of residents at Coombe End Court by organising collaborations with animal charities. This is the fourth year that Greatwood Horses will be bringing a retired racehorse to the care home weekly for six visits as part of a project to promote wellbeing among the elderly. Alison organised for a PAT dog to visit the home once a fortnight. 

Thanks to Alison, Alan, who has lived at Coombe End Court, for several years, now goes our regularly to take part in Carriage Driving, which is suitable for people with disabilities. 

Alison said: “I’m very fortunate to have the time to support Coombe End Court as a volunteer and Chaplain. As a Christian, it’s a wonderful way to serve and be with older people.”