How can churches support care homes during this virus?

There has been so much in the news about the crisis in care homes during this virus. It's been heartbreaking to hear about residents separated from loved ones, high number of residents dying and staff working with inadequate supplies of PPE. What can churches do to come alongside care homes at this difficult time, when business as usual has been disrupted? We would love to share some ideas with you. Read more

​Kindness to Care Staff

​We may not be able to visit care home residents at the moment, but we have been busy supporting staff, sourcing PPE and making goodie bags for carers.  On 22nd May we prepared and delivered 900 goodie bags to staff in care homes for older people across the Borough of Richmond, to thank them for all their hard work. The bags were sponsored by churches across the Borough and were very well received by the staff. One carer sent us this message:
"Thank you so much for your thoughtful, caring gift. It is perfect Vaseline for the dry lips after a shift wearing a mask, hand and nail cream for the hands that are repeatedly washed and the sweet treats, always appreciated. I lit the scented candle last night and relaxed. Your prayers and the message card mean so much. Bless you all and thank you."

PPE for Care Homes

We have been able to get grants from local trusts to buy protective equipment for care home staff in the Borough of Richmond and on the Isle of Wight. To find out more click here

The Vision

There are about 17,500 care homes across the UK and over 50,000 churches. We want to see every care home adopted by a local church,  with trained volunteers spending time and building friendship with residents, many of whom can feel overlooked and ignored. Together we can make an enormous difference in the lives of some of the oldest and frailest members of our community.

​ All it needs is one person in each church with a heart for older people who can recruit and co-ordinate two or three volunteers, to make a huge difference in their lives.  
HELPING CHURCHES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Having a volunteer has "tranformed my life!"
Our trained volunteers offer friendship and support to elderly residents in care homes. Research suggests that older people in care homes are twice as likely to feel lonely as older people living in the community.  

Spending time with residents might involve simply chatting, playing a board game, doing a crossword together, or going out for a walk. The list is endless - any activity that a resident enjoys that builds relationship.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CARE HOME FRIENDS:
A 90 year old care home resident:
“We talk about things that we wouldn’t talk about in here. I feel like I am out in the normal world talking to a normal person. It’s normal and it’s lovely! I look forward to his visits all week”.
​A Care Home Manager:
“I cannot speak highly enough about your service. The quality of people your organisation sends to me is excellent, and I think what is really important is they really want to be here. Congratulations in getting it right!”
One of our Volunteers:
"Volunteering has increased my sense of purpose in life. I genuinely enjoy befriending people and the conversations that we have!"
Matt Bird, Founder of the Cinnamon Network
"The way Care Home Friends helps local churches adopt residential care homes to befriend elderly people, particularly those who experience loneliness, is brilliant and beautiful!"

Are you interested in making a difference?
​Could your church start a Care Home Friends project?​​

We'll give you all the help and support you need.
Contact us for more information.