We have lots of different Christmas activities taking place at Richardson Care, so that all of our service users can do the things that they want to do during the festive period. This may be going to church services, singing carols or making mince pies.

Of course, there are trips to the panto – this year it’s Cinderella at The Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton. We also have a specialist drama company coming to perform Mother Goose for us at The Richardson Mews and we’ll be singing carols afterwards. The main hall at The Richardson Mews is a great space that allows everyone to get together to celebrate Christmas, and we’ll be holding our big Christmas party there too.

Some of the guys are taking the Polar Express Train Ride from London Euston for a themed Christmas treat, while another young man is excited to be going on the Santa Express at a local heritage railway.

We have Christmas-themed puzzles and Christmas film nights, where the guys in the homes can choose to watch their favourite Christmas film together.

There are visits from Santa, going for walks and seeing the Christmas lights in the town as well as decorating the homes. We aim to make it a happy, festive time for everyone.

Regular activities to support service users’ well-being

The usual activities that take place within the homes to support service users’ wellbeing and rehabilitation still go ahead, but often with a Christmas theme. For example – music enrichment sessions, including singing, percussion, the drum circle and karaoke, which are really popular. These sessions enrich the lives of our service users and support communication and co-ordination skills as well as boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Baking Christmas goodies and decorating biscuits are great ways to develop cooking skills, support cognitive skills (such as memory and planning) and fine motor skills – and you can eat the results!

The guys also really enjoy their weekly armchair exercise sessions, which help with mobility, strength and well-being.

In addition, some of the guys are going to the home games at Northampton Saints Rugby Club and Northampton Town Football Club, as they often do, and they’ll be a special atmosphere at this time of year.

Of course, there are visits from family and friends, as well as visits home for some service users. For the many service users who stay with us at this time of year, we always aim to make it a special, happy time within the environment of the Richardson Care family.