Hayling Island care home launches Gentlemans Group
Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island has a wonderful group of male residents and staff. In discussions it was felt that a ‘Men’s group’ would be something that residents would enjoy so the two chefs, Anthony and Hayden set the wheels in motion.
The ground rules were clear, the ‘order of the stag was imposed’! What is said in the group stays in the group! The set up was terrific; beers were chilled, wine and soft drinks were available, crisps and snacks and even a screen was set up; when peeped at there were planes on display but no more has been divulged.
Suffice to say there were high levels of participation and great engagement (Wimborne has a far higher than typical number of gentleman residents and whilst you will, as is life, never please everyone, the attendance was tremendous and testament to the energy and enthusiasm of all involved).
The experience was very positive. The feeling of being part of the Male Group/Gentleman's Club was a bonding experience. At Wimborne there are trips out to the pub, visits to various interesting places but to sit as a male group, in the beautiful conservatory so a safe space to share thoughts and feelings, was considered, by all, to be ‘just fantastic’.
Anthony, the chef who ran the first group and has worked at Wimborne for nearly two years, spoke of how much he had learned about individuals he already knew well, so clearly conversations were meaningful and even ‘the best a man can get’ to catch a phrase!
Corrine Holland, Acting General Manager of Wimborne commented: “We have a great group of gents, seeing them have clearly such a great time has been fantastic, but all the ladies are curious as to what went on, it’s only natural. But we appreciate the ‘rules of the stag!’’ I’m sure this group will go from strength to strength."