Community Connections

Why is community so important for our care homes?

We all belong to a community of some sort, whether that is a neighbourhood or a particular social group.

Taking an active part in a community brings many benefits, at the very least social interaction and a feeling of belonging.  For our residents and staff, community enriches lives on a daily basis, supports mental and physical wellbeing and promotes personal growth.

Our care homes do not operate in isolation, they are part of the fabric of the communities in which they are located, one piece of a larger society that represents people of all ages as well as groups, businesses, schools, charities and other organisations.

Our aim is to be a driving force for community inclusion, to open doors and encourage connections that enrich the lives of everyone.

Promoting wellbeing

We work with many local groups and organisations providing opportunities for school children, clubs and groups to use and enjoy our beautiful gardens, outside spaces and other communal areas.  These interactions with the community promote wellbeing for everyone involved.

Last summer our Grove Court Home hosted Wild Tots, an initiative run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.  The children visited during the holidays, made bug houses, enjoyed gardening, nature trails and being outdoors and our residents loved their company!

This intergenerational connection adds so much to the lives of our residents and helps children grow in confidence in the company of adults and those who need extra support.

The Home also works in partnership with St Elizabeth’s Hospice and the Compassionate Garden Group who find our gardens therapeutic.  This relationship provides a calming environment and a change of scenery as the group create garden beds for our residents to enjoy which in turn boosts mental and physical health, as well as wellbeing.

Social and Community

A community supports the different parts within it, so that everyone can benefit.  Sharing resources and supporting local businesses makes sense economically, if we can offer the use of the spaces in our homes and gardens to host events and groups it is a win win for everyone. Our residents benefit from the experience, often rekindling interests and learning new things.

We invite local people into our homes to provide skills such as art, craft and cookery workshops; to entertain with music and dance but we also have an amazing group of volunteers from the local community who provide both friendship and regular help with all sorts of things.  Working together gives a sense of purpose and adds value to life for everyone involved.

We also support local businesses with our trips out into the community, to local attractions, garden centres and museums.

Our homes all regularly raise money for the Elizabeth Finn parent company Turn2us, a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Each year, we support the charity with 100% of our profits, as well as hosting fundraising activities that benefit our residents in terms of physical exercise and a sense of purpose whilst helping those in need nationally.

Marking key events

Throughout the year our homes mark local and regional events as well as their own milestones and special days.  We invite local residents and community members to our summer fetes and BBQs, open days and special events.

We also work with the wider community and national causes to help protect and promote the environment. Last year we planted over 400 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust, a huge community project

Acceptance and understanding

Building community connections provides opportunity for social integration and acceptance.  Not only does this promote understanding and a broadening of minds it reminds us all that our communities are made up of people from all ages and backgrounds and that all play a part.

By working with our communities, we help create a safer and more inclusive environment for older people, where they are recognised for their strengths and valued for their contributions and the experience they bring to society.

We have much to learn from the older members of our communities, and by forging positive connections through our Elizabeth Finn Homes, we hope to help build stronger communities for all generations, where wisdom and life experiences can be shared, celebrated, and used to enrich the lives of everyone involved.