It’s a Wednesday afternoon at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court and Charlie ‘the music man’ is here for his regular session. The people we support have mentioned his name throughout the morning so it’s clear music-making is a firm favourite on the activity schedule and something they look forward to.
It’s easy to see why. There’s lively disco music blasting out and Charlie’s infectious energy has really lifted the room. He’s already greeted everyone by name while improvising an upbeat tune on his portable electric keyboard.
People are now clapping or singing along to the music, waving their hands, nodding and smiling. Some are shaking handheld percussion instruments, and those without sufficient grip have the option of miniature bells secured to their wrist so they can jingle to the beat.
If you’re looking for an example of a Shaftesbury service with vibrant, fun activities, Bradbury Court sets the bar high. The music-making follows on from a baking session earlier in the day, which produced a huge carrot cake, slices of which were passed round for staff and visitors to enjoy.
The activities are led by Chigo, who was employed by Shaftesbury as an Enabling Support Worker 18 months ago. She has since taken on responsibility for putting together the monthly timetable, planning several activities each day, in groups or 1:1 sessions.
There is a high level of participation, Chigo explains, because the people we support shape the programme themselves: “They give me feedback in a survey. Some will tell you exactly what they like at the time and can be very direct! If they don’t like the activity, they will just move away. So I always know what they want more of.”
The residents confirm Chigo definitely brings the fun; no-one has any complaints. “She’s very good for all of us,” said Katrina, one of the most enthusiastic and vocal participants. “And she’s a great carer too, so very kind.”
Cooking is a popular session everyone seems to enjoy. Other favourites include arts and crafts, make-up and manicure, yoga and book club. “You should see the bingo – it gets quite competitive!” Chigo jokes.
She is very animated when talking about her role and the beaming smile tells you why she has proved to be such a hit. She radiates compassion and it clearly makes her happy to see residents taking part and having a good time:
“It brings so much life into them. Their wellbeing and enjoyment is what brings me joy. It’s giving residents light in their lives and a desire to look forward to the day.”
None of the activities are compulsory. Everyone at Shaftesbury is supported to be as independent as they can, which includes making choices about whether or not to get involved with group activities. People dip in and out of the sessions according to their interests and how they feel on the day.
Christopher likes gaming on his computer and is a big Manchester United fan. He enjoys his independence, often preferring to do his own thing in his room. But there’s no denying he’s a fan of the music-making! He makes his own way to the session in his electric wheelchair and is soon waving his arm in time to the music, a huge grin on his face.
Brian loved his routines, but eventually began to discover the fun of trying something different and took a chance on the avocado themed event. Who knew there was a National Avocado Day? Chigo did it seems, as it was featured on the timetable last month. To everyone’s surprise, Brian loved the hands-on session, learning how to tell when an avocado is ripe enough to eat. “The next day he asked me: ‘Chigo, what are we doing today?’” she laughingly recalls. Now when asked about his favourite activities, Brian has no hesitation: “Cooking! And bingo!,” he says with a shy smile.
Others need far less encouragement. Katrina is very outgoing and was into the activities from the get go. “She loves it ALL! It’s so rewarding to see,” reflects Chigo.
Shaftesbury Bradbury Court is home to people with more complex needs. Referring to those who are non-verbal, Chigo says: “To see them react or respond to an activity gives me the most joy. They may smile, giggle, move their hands with excitement. It tells me they are engaged. You know you are enriching their lives, which makes all the effort I put in so worth it.”
Chigo has previous experience working with elderly individuals and was able to build meaningful connections by engaging in conversations, sharing stories, and learning about their personal histories. This is not always possible when supporting people with learning difficulties: “This role is about making each day a joyful experience for residents in their own way, however that looks for them,” she says.
The success of the activity programme is all down to the planning and presentation, Chigo believes. She underwent training to improve her IT and software skills, which enabled her to enhance the look of the timetable. She now produces a vibrant monthly newsletter, capturing all the fun in endless action photos. She goes to the extra effort of printing a weekly timetable for everyone to have in their rooms, ensuring they know exactly what is happening each day.
“I’m the kind of person that sees a need and desires to fill the need. I like to make things work. This is my passion,” Chigo says proudly.
Other staff feel the same. Ade has been a support worker at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court for two and a half years now:
“Learning new things is so good for the people here. It enables them to come together and it gives them the belief that they can do it. It’s so well organised and we work together as a team. Chigo carries them all along, making sure that no-one is left out. The timetable enables everyone to get organised and look forward to the next day.”
More information on Shaftesbury Bradbury Court is available here: Shaftesbury Bradbury Court – Shaftesbury