STAFF and residents at Blenheim House Care Home spent a special day together to reflect upon the past year, in aid of the National Day of Reflection.
The national day on 23rd March – the second anniversary of the Covid-19 lockdown – organised by the charity Marie Curie, was an opportunity for the nation to remember the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues they’ve lost since the pandemic began, and to show support for the millions of people who are grieving.
Blenheim’s community relationships manager, Chris Guest, reports, “The day brought lots of emotional and meaningful moments. We celebrated our resilience and looked back on our achievements as the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges.
“The day also gave us an anchor to share our memories of past residents and to support each other as we live our own lives away from work.”
In advance of the day, Chris delivered hundreds of daffodil bulbs across Wiltshire, hoping they would bloom all at the same time, giving a visual reminder of the Marie Curie campaign to come.
Chris visited air ambulance services, schools, community groups and councils and discussed how they too could take part, and of course he saved some for Blenheim’s residents’ gardening club to plant in their very own community flower beds.
“I loved helping our community to mark the National Day of Reflection for Marie Curie,” said Chris, “we have all faced challenges that sometimes felt overwhelming – but days like today are a literal reflection of how far we have come and how much passion we have for helping others in strange times indeed.
“Talking fondly of those no longer with us is an important means for us all to heal and to feel positive for the future. We are proud of our staff, our residents and their families too.”
At Blenheim House, the activities team held a garden service for those with a faith and shared hymns to empower residents’ spirits. Residents also enjoyed a full day of crafts and cookery alongside the health care assistants.
“The home wanted to make sure we marked the occasion with remembrance of those no longer with us,” said Chris, “but also ensure we approached the day with positivity – knowing we continue to overcome a pandemic with togetherness, compassion, and an unending care for our residents. Here is to next year’s National Day of Reflection!
“We would like to thank Marie Curie, NAPA, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Keevil Primary School, Autonomy Care, Miriam Zaccarelli and all of the community groups who took part in the campaign.”
