Hear from Ben and Beckii about what the holidays mean for those living at Shaftesbury Treetops, a high dependency residential care home in Essex. The service provides 24-hour care and supports mainly young adults with disabilities.
“As soon as it hits the end of November we’re Christmas, through and through. The trees go up – there’s one in every room! There’s trees in the corridor, the dining room, the day room all filled with homemade decorations. But as December builds, we plan to put decorations up!”
Claire, Team Leader, Shaftesbury Treetops
Beckii’s journey: Rediscovering her voice
+ Music
+ Purpose
+ Independence
+ Singing
+ Happiness
Beckii’s story is one of overcoming adversity, fighting and smashing past the medical expectations for her recovery. When she first arrived at Shaftesbury, she was solely reliant on staff for support. Despite doctors’ predictions, with the right care, determination and medical assistance, she defied the odds to claim back an important aspect of her happiness. A passion she thought was lost – singing.
Beckii often treats staff and friends at Shaftesbury Treetops by singing karaoke every night, and of course Christmas songs are currently a firm favourite.
“I think my favourite Christmas memory is listening to Beckii sing Christmas karaoke when she could start to talk”
Claire, Team Leader, Shaftesbury Treetops
Ben’s story: Fourteen years of friends, family and creativity
+ Karaoke
+ Creativity
+ Disco
+ Movies
+ Joy
Ben has been a cherished resident at Shaftesbury for 14 years. During this time, he’s created strong bonds with staff and residents. Ben is a keen artist and it’s how he expresses himself. He’s never without paper in front of him ready to create colourful sketches .
This Christmas Ben has plenty to look forward to. From karaoke to next month’s pantomime, his calendar is filled with festive activities he enjoys supported by the staff team at Treetops. Most significantly is the upcoming wedding of his younger brother, James. Ben plans to celebrate at the disco, and has a top-secret, special song queued up to play at the wedding. But don’t ask us what it is, he won’t tell until the day! What makes life add up for Ben is the connections he has and the activities that bring him joy.
Christmas at Shaftesbury Treetops
The Christmas spirit is aplenty at Shaftesbury Treetops. Whether the residents stay with their key workers or are helped to go home to see their families, everyone is supported to have the best Christmas possible, whatever that looks like for them.
Shaftesbury Treetops have decorated a tree in every room this year and are running a competition for the best dressed room.
If you’d like to help us to continue to make Christmas special for people like Ben and Beckii, consider making a donation this festive season. Together, we can improve the lives of people with disabilities.
From all of us at Shaftesbury, we wish you a joyful and merry Christmas.
Learn more about Shaftesbury Treetops