Harleston House celebrated with the local community on Sunday 12th December with a festive outdoor light switch-on event.
Residents, colleagues, and members of the local community were treated to a night of festive fun, from mince pies to mulled wine, carol singers, performances from the Marina Ukulele Orchestra and Ricky Solo.
The event was free and open to all- adults and children- and emphasised community spirit and friendships between the home and those in the wider Lowestoft area.
The home also held a Christmas raffle, which has raised £780 to date. Local charity man, Paul Hierons, paid a visit dressed as Santa Claus, with Harleston House’s trusty volunteer, Heather Bird, as his little elf helper.
Funds from the raffle will go towards new technology for the home’s residents to use in the communal rooms, in order to help them to stay connected.
Gareth Harding, Activity Lead, said:
“The aim was to bring the Christmas spirit back to the home and its community as we have not been able to do this for some time. We certainly did that, in a safe way, and I think we flooded the car park in Christmas spirit and the whole evening felt magical. The connections we made to our community once again was priceless”.
Harleston House resident, Jackie, said:
“It was lovely to have my family here with me to enjoy the carol singing”.
A fellow resident, Margaret, said:
“It was an amazing evening, I loved everything about it”.
Sue Graham, Home Manager, said:
“It was lovely to see all the relatives, residents and staff together celebrating Christmas together, the atmosphere was one of enjoyment and all the elements came together nicely. The home reached out to the community once again and along they came to enjoy this safe event.”
For more information about Harleston House, or to get in touch with any questions, please visit the website: https://www.greensleeves.org.uk/care-homes/harleston-house-lowestoft/
