National home care provider HC-One has been pulling out all the stops to make residents’ wishes come true at Meadowbank House in Bolton.
The ‘Grant a Wish’ project has been thought up as part of a plan to allow residents to get motivated and take part in activities that are specifically tailored to their desires, or related to the hobbies they undertook when they were younger.
Several residents have already benefited from the scheme, participating in day trips out to the park with friends, through to enjoying a pint of Guinness and a fish and chip dinner.
David Burke, a resident at Meadowbank House worked as a joiner after leaving school and got involved in the Willow Hey community food growing project as part of his ‘Grant a Wish.’
He says: “When I was offered the chance to get involved in the project it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I’ve really missed working with wood and it’s felt like a real achievement to see my work transformed into items that can be used for the allotment.”
Equipment and wood was donated from Axfords, a timber merchants based in Bolton run by Martin Axford and his dad Anthony.
Martin, says: “I was more than happy to help as I realise how important it is for residents to be involved and take part in everyday activities as best they can. Not only does it keep them motivated, but it’s also something they enjoy doing which is a bonus.”
Natalie Howarth & Christine Harrison, The Wellbeing Coordinators at Meadowbank House, comment: “The Grant a Wish and Willow Hey project means a lot to us as we are fulfilling somebody's dream to carry on what they started as a young person.
“We now have another gentlemen who wants to have a small allotment growing his own vegetables, and not only does this help our residents to get out and do something they enjoyed doing after leaving school, but we will also be giving back to the Willow Hey project by the funds we raise.”
Other residents to have their wishes fulfilled include Carmel Grant, who enjoyed a trip to Leverhulme Park to sit and have a picnic in the sun with her friends from the home.
Marilyn Mann enjoyed a trip to the garden centre to buy a plant, while May Milton White and Edmund O’Keefe took the opportunity to enjoy their favourite foods, including fish and chips, Guinness and Irish Soda bread.
Located in Bolton, Meadowbank provides residential care to elderly ladies and gentlemen.
