Eversley Lodge Blue Monday Event
Roll up, Roll up! Eversley Lodge Nursing Home found the perfect way to put smiles on faces on what is reportedly the most depressing day of the year.
Dolce Duca, from Out There Arts, brought juggling balls, ribbons and other performance props along to the Kingsley Healthcare care home in North Denes Road, Great Yarmouth, to beat the Blue Monday blues with a lively circus workshop.
Residents, family members and staff were joined by Year 6 pupils from the town’s North Denes Academy for a show guaranteed to lift the spirits in the depths of January.
Geldeston-based Dolce taught her audience the circus basics and said: “It’s been fantastic, the residents have really enjoyed themselves and been on it, it’s wonderful to work with both ends of the age spectrum. Going forward, I hope that Out There Arts can be involved in many more events at the home.”
Eversley Lodge Home Manager Danielle Bullent said: “We wanted to brighten what is supposed to be the gloomiest day of the year. The room was filled with fun, laughter and joy, it’s amazing to see so many intergenerational connections being formed between our residents and the pupils of North Denes Academy. We have had so much fun joining in with circus-themed activities, thanks to Out There Arts with lots of family and staff involvement.”
The Eversley team created a circus-feel in the main lounge, with circus-themed snacks including popcorn, a chocolate fountain and freshly baked cakes. There was also the opportunity for staff, residents and school children to have their face painted ‘circus-style’ by Gemma from Fantasy Faces. The Year 6 pupils from North Denes Academy joined by teachers Beata Karlikowska and Rachel Reilly also came along to spread positivity.
Year 6 teacher Rachel Reilly said: “This is a really lovely day and children are thoroughly enjoying themselves.”
Her colleague Beata added: “We’ve met lots of nice people, and we would recommend Eversley Lodge Nursing Home to anyone looking for care. The children (and teachers) have learnt lots of new skills in an incredibly jolly atmosphere.”
