It’s starting to feel very festive in our homes as our service users and staff are making and putting up Christmas decorations. In addition to the regular activities, we have lots of seasonal events planned.

Each individual’s opinion is valued, and we respect each person’s preferences, culture and traditions. We also build our own Christmas traditions, and aim to create a festive and joyous atmosphere in our homes, while being mindful that this can feel overwhelming for some. It’s a delicate balance and we aim for each individual to feel included. We support service users in building positive relationships with their peers and the staff, to take part in meaningful activities and enhance their well-being.

As part of their regular homes meetings, our service users decide on the different activities that they would like to do. Christmas-themed colouring, word-searches, crosswords and quizzes are all fun to do as well as helping to support cognitive skills and fine motor skills. Making and/or decorating cakes and biscuits also support daily living and fine motor skills, for example.

We support service users to go to their church for services and we have opportunities for service users from all of the homes to get together in a social environment to enjoy some entertainment. A Christmas Show and a big Christmas party take place in the main hall at The Richardson Mews. In addition, there’s the Rock Club Christmas lunch. This group enables service users who have acquired brain injury and reside at different services around Northampton to meet up and share experiences in a fun, sociable and safe environment.

Of course, there’ll be a visit from Santa and receiving gifts as well as a traditional lunch on Christmas Day.

A trip to the pantomime is always a big hit, and we’ve planned various trips to see Peter Pan at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton.

Some of the guys really enjoy the Lap of Lights at Silverstone Circuit, while others love going on the Santa Express train trip. Wandering through the gardens at Delapre Abbey and experiencing its winter light trail has also become a new Christmas tradition for some of the guys.

We also have games, bingo, carol singing, Christmas movies and Christmas jumper day, so there’s something for everyone. And we welcome families to come and join in the activities and we support service users to visit their families over the festive period.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a happy and fulfilling new year!