Music, memories and community celebrated at Leicester retirement living scheme
Residents at our Church Court retirement living scheme in Leicester came together for a joyful celebration of music, culture and community as part of our Communities Connected initiative.
The special event marked Communities Connected Focus Fortnight, Dementia Week, International Culture Day and the official opening of the scheme’s newly refurbished communal lounge, creating an afternoon filled with music, dancing and shared memories.
Residents embraced the opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures within their community through song and movement, while enjoying activities designed to promote wellbeing, reduce social isolation and encourage new friendships.
The event was delivered in partnership with Leicester Memory Music Box, whose interactive music sessions support people living with dementia by using the power of music to spark memories, improve wellbeing and bring people together.
Sonal Solanki, our Community Engagement Officer said: “Communities Connected is all about bringing people together, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for people to feel part of their local community.
“It was wonderful to see residents enjoying the day, sharing their cultures through music and dancing, and making new memories together. Music has a unique way of connecting people and, alongside the opening of our newly refurbished lounge, it created a fantastic atmosphere where everyone felt welcome and included.
“Working alongside Leicester Memory Music Box made the event even more special and showed how strong local partnerships can help improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.”
Church Court is one of our retirement living schemes, providing independent living for older people alongside opportunities to take part in activities that support health, wellbeing and community connections.
The event formed part of ourCommunities Connected Focus Fortnight, which ran earlier this summer and saw colleagues, customers, partners and volunteers deliver projects across the Midlands aimed at strengthening neighbourhoods and supporting local communities.
Across the two week programme:
- 51 community events were delivered;
- 152 volunteers signed up with 133 taking part;
- More than 855 volunteering hours were contributed.
Activities included environmental improvement projects, community gardening, digital inclusion sessions and events promoting health, wellbeing and community cohesion.
Following the success of the initiative, Communities Connected will return for a second Focus Fortnight later this year.
Photo caption : Residents at Church Court retirement living scheme in Leicester celebrated Communities Connected with an afternoon of music, dancing and cultural celebration.