Chingford care scheme gets in the Christmas spirit

Care staff at an extra care scheme in Chingford have organised a range of festive activities to make Christmas ‘extra special’ for residents.

Managed by charitable housing association, L&Q, Verdon Roe Court’s Christmas party took place on Thursday 16 December and marked the start of celebrations at the scheme.

In an effort to tackle loneliness during the festive period, the event brought 30 residents together for activities including a Christmas carol singalong.

A live entertainer was also on hand to keep party-goers amused as they danced the afternoon away.

Donning festive fleeces and jazzy jumpers, residents were treated to a buffet of finger food, free-flowing soft drinks, and a Christmas gift each.

With food a focal point of the festivities, care staff also pulled out all the stops for a traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings. Held on December 18, residents’ families were invited to come along to the turkey dinner with their loved ones.

Verdon Roe Court residents at the Christmas party

Located in Chingford, Verdon Roe Court is a 45-bed assisted living facility for adults over the age of 50 and with complex needs.

L&Q’s Care and Support subsidiary, L&Q Living opened up a grant programme for its care schemes to apply for funding to go towards a Christmas social. Funded by L&Q Living and the L&Q Foundation, the housing provider’s charitable arm, grants were awarded to 94 schemes and amounted to nearly £20,000.

L&Q Living offers dedicated care and support service houses for more than 6,500 people across London and the South East. Their support extends to people with mental health illnesses, learning disabilities, older and young people.

Charlie Culshaw, Director of Care and Support at L&Q, said:

“After the struggles of the last year, our care staff are determined to make Christmas 2021 extra special and create a fabulous festive feeling for all.

By arranging lots of activities, they have been keeping people in good company and high spirits, preventing loneliness and a decline in mental health.

A firm favourite with residents, the Christmas party is still the talking point of Verdon Roe Court a week later.”