Games, gardening and good company bring residents together
Residents at Thomas Morris House in Upton upon Severn are launching a new activity club to help neighbours socialise, remain active and enjoy their community.
Funding from our Community Chest will provide games, garden furniture, plants and other equipment for the retirement living scheme’s communal lounge and garden.
The resident led project was developed after people living at Thomas Morris House said they wanted more opportunities to spend time together.
The new club will offer a supportive and accessible environment where people can enjoy activities, have conversations and develop friendships.
Indoor equipment will include a bingo machine, oversized playing cards, chess, draughts and dominoes. The garden will be enhanced with bird feeding tables, parasols, seating, planters and shrubs, alongside an outdoor hoopla set to encourage gentle movement.
All customers living at Thomas Morris House will be able to benefit.
Colette Howard, a resident at Thomas Morris House who submitted the funding application, said: “Following the pandemic, it became very easy for people to stay inside their flats and lose some of the connections we previously had with one another.
“We wanted to change that by creating activities that give people a reason to come downstairs, spend time together and enjoy themselves.
“The residents have chosen the games and garden improvements themselves, so the project genuinely reflects what people here want. There will be something for different interests and abilities, whether someone enjoys bingo, a game of dominoes, sitting in the garden or helping to care for the plants.
“We hope the club will help people feel less isolated and make Thomas Morris House an even friendlier and more supportive place to live.”
The plans were shaped during a meeting attended by residents and facilitated by our Community Engagement Officer Nick Richardson and Retirement Housing Officer Jenine Kemp.
Residents discussed the existing strengths within their community and the practical improvements that could help them make greater use of their shared spaces.
The garden additions will also promote pride in the scheme and provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Nick Richardson said: “The most important thing about this project is that it has been led by residents.
“Rather than deciding for people what they might need, we brought neighbours together and listened to their ideas. They identified the activities they would enjoy and how the communal lounge and garden could be used more effectively.
“The equipment itself is only the starting point. Its real value will be in the conversations, friendships and regular activities it makes possible.
“Colette and her neighbours have shown real enthusiasm for rebuilding community connections, and we are delighted that the Community Chest can help them put their plans into actions.”
The club will promote social interaction, gentle physical activity and positive mental wellbeing while creating opportunities for residents to share skills and support one another.
Our Community Chest Fund supports customer led projects that strengthen neighbourhoods and make a positive difference to local communities.
Photo caption : Colette Howard, a resident at Thomas Morris House, with some of the newly purchased games.