Spreading Happiness and Wellness: Our Journey with Stay Active, Feel Good

Cloisters Care Home holds a special place in our hearts. It was the very first care home we visited when we began our project in April. I remember one of our supporters mentioning that April, as the start of spring, is an ideal time for new beginnings—and indeed, this project has blossomed into something truly wonderful. The feedback we received at Cloisters was so positive and heartwarming that it gave us the encouragement we needed to carry on with all our passion and dedication.

They recently invited us back to express their gratitude to the Lottery Funding for making our sessions possible. Our visits, which include exercises, music, and Bollywood dance, have become something the residents look forward to. They shared how much they enjoy seeing fresh faces and experiencing our unique blend of Bollywood music and storytelling. The residents were also delighted with the handmade maracas we gifted them, made from recycled bottles.

The Cloisters team expressed how much they’d love for us to visit more regularly, and we were equally impressed by the dedication of the staff. Working alongside these enthusiastic and passionate individuals has helped us appreciate the hard work that goes into caring for residents. The staff’s commitment truly deserves immense recognition. They often join our sessions, picking up new skills, and enjoying the experience alongside the residents.

We are incredibly grateful that through our sessions, we are helping to tackle social isolation, and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Bringing smiles, laughter, and joy not only to the residents but also to their families, carers, and the staff has been a profoundly rewarding experience. Our aim is that, by demonstrating these activities, the staff will feel inspired to introduce more diverse activities for the residents.

The team at Cloisters Care Home, as well as all of us involved in this project, are deeply grateful for the support from the Lottery Fund. Their backing has enabled us to be a part of this amazing journey where everyone involved can truly Stay Active and Feel Good.