Colin Pond Court:

Everyone enjoyed a BBQ whilst maintaining social distancing! The service users were very good at keeping a distance from each other whilst they enjoyed a well needed catch up. The ladies and gentleman at Colin Pond are very sociable and lockdown and Covid restrictions have been difficult for them, however, staff have tried to maintain their regular activities such as bingo and chair exercise weekly whilst being in line with all the government guidelines.

Colin Pond are just hoping all these restrictions are lifted by Christmas so they can have their annual party!

Harp House:

Service users enjoyed doing the clap for carers weekly, and although the claps have finished, they continue to show their appreciation to our wonderful staff daily, usually in the form of chocolate.

They are all now enjoying being able to spend some time in the communal areas whilst abiding to the social distancing rules. All Harp House really wants is an entertainer to come back in, we have promised them the biggest part when this is all over.

Fred Tibble:

There has been a big change in atmosphere in Fred Tibble Court, the staff and residents have really come together during the restrictions, we hope to lay on lots of activities when this is all over.

Darcy House:

By far the most sociable scheme in Barking and Dagenham, Darcy House service users were not going to let the lockdown get them down. They always found a way around the guidelines to ensure they could continue to socialise safely. Even if this did mean that they were all spread out in the garden just so they could have a fish and chip dinner together, this also did require them to shout across the garden just so they could talk to each other. Whilst they were not very happy with us for a while as we tried to discourage them from going to Southend all together just to get some doughnuts! They have come to realise we are just trying to keep everyone safe and they regularly tell us how much they appreciate us.

My message to my teams

Who would have thought that when I became your manager a year ago in a few short months we would all be working through a pandemic? But in B&D we all love a challenge (we have had our fair few), and this pandemic is just another challenge to add to our list to say we have got through together.

I cannot be anymore prouder of you. You all get up each day and give it your all for our lovely service users and I will always be proud and thankful for that.

Continue to work hard and being the amazing carers I know you are!