Newstone House care home holds ‘carnival fundraiser’ for social isolation charity
Newstone House residents and staff opened their garden to support a charity that helps people in Dorset who face social isolation.
Newstone House in Sturminster Newton staged a carnival-style day of outdoor fun and activities to help the Friends of Stour Connect, a day centre in the town.
Visitors including charity volunteers joined residents in games such as hoopla, hover archery and splat the rat.
There was a tombola, lucky dip, photobooth and stalls selling a range of gifts and produce.
And circus entertainment was prominent thanks to performances by stilt walker and fire breather Paul Flinders.
Guests were invited to take in the theatrics as they enjoyed cream teas and homemade cakes prepared specially by Colten Care’s catering team.
Reflecting on the fun, Rita Clay said: “It was a really enjoyable day and nice to see so many people from the local community join us.”
Fellow resident Sylvia Livsey said: “It’s such a wonderful charity and it was lovely to welcome the volunteers into our home.”
The event raised more than £170 for the Friends of Stour Connect which has been Newstone House’s main charity to support over the past two years.
In that time, several hundred pounds has been raised through events and initiatives at the Colten Care home.
Karlene Horswill, Newstone House Companionship Team Leader, said: “Our residents love the opportunity to spend time with family, friends and community visitors at events like this and the carnival theme was perfect.”
Friends of Stour Connect is a group that aims to improve facilities and access at the Stour Connect day centre in Sturminster Newton.
The charity was founded to help tackle rural and social isolation affecting the elderly, the physically disabled and those with learning difficulties.