Introducing Our Great British Chat!

At Each Other Care, we know the difference a good chat can make. That’s why we’ve launched our Great British Chat, a weekly Teams call where residents from all 11 of our homes come together to catch-up, share stories, sing a song or two and finish the week on a high.

Every Friday, Wellbeing Leads sit down with residents who would like to join in, cuppas in hand with smiles on their faces. As the call begins, each person is welcomed with a chorus of “Hellos!” from across the country, from as far north as Forfar in Scotland, right down to Ladyville Lodge in Upminster, Essex.

It was at Ladyville Lodge where the idea first came to life. Resident Kay joined our weekly Wellbeing Lead meeting and inspired us to set up a separate call just for residents. This is where The Great British Chat began.

Research from Age UK and the Campaign to End Loneliness shows that regular social contact can make a big difference to mental and emotional wellbeing. By connecting across homes, we’re building friendships between people whose paths may not have crossed otherwise. Residents are excited to be a part of something bigger and we can already see the impact the chats are having.

At the last meet-up, we had some wonderful conversations about our summer holidays abroad to Tenerife and Jersey. We shared stories of family holidays on the beach and in that moment, we were taken back to the seaside. Reminiscence therapy plays an important role in the improving the wellbeing of the elderly, particularly those living with dementia. Research shows that looking back at meaningful experiences can improve memory recall and overall cognitive functioning.

Routine plays an important role too. Knowing that the call takes place every week gives residents something to look forward to and the sense of belonging and purpose that brings helps boost confidence and self-esteem.

The Great British Meet Up isn’t the only way our homes support one another. Those close by often arrange visits in person, with Lancashire homes New Springfield and White Ash Brook recently visiting Fleetwood seaside for fish and chips where they made new friendships and chatted watching the boats sail by the promenade.

We also enjoy group-wide competitions and celebrations, from our growing competitions to Easter bonnet parades, where we our online presentations and award ceremonies always bring lots of smiles and pride in our accomplishments.

The Great British Meet Up brings our values to life. We’re there for one another, authentic in our conversations and always finding positivity and laughter through the relationships we’ve made.

For our residents, it’s proof that a simple chat can brighten the week and that wherever you live, you’re part of something bigger with Each Other Care.