We decided to help rough sleepers after speaking with Deacon Suzie Viana of Bournemouth Methodist Church who explained the work and projects of Bournemouth Christians Alongside Rough Sleepers (BCARS) and the SleepSafe scheme that runs from October to March.
Elizabeth Yeong, Wellbeing Assistant at Great Oaks care home, said: “We put a notice up in reception and invited family members and residents to donate towards the homeless charity. We put the boxes out and they were quickly full to overflowing. We then put out smaller boxes and some of the residents were involved in decorating the boxes. We’re very thankful for all those that donated and it was gratefully received.”
Alan Purchase, Sleepsafe co-ordinator at Bournemouth Methodist Church, says: “We were so delighted to receive your lovely gifts and donations for Sleepsafe, which is a project run by BCARS (Bournemouth Christians Alongside Rough Sleepers) which you collected from the families of your residents and team – you are so generous. Thank you it is a huge encouragement. The items you sent were ideal for our guests.”
Alan added: “The work of BCARS is moving forward with Sleepsafe 2019/2020 to help those rough sleeping in Bournemouth have somewhere safe and warm to stay over the winter months to the end of March 2020 which is being supported by Bournemouth churches. Currently we have welcomed 35 guests and 26 of these have been helped to move into more secure accommodation. We are very grateful to the volunteers who helped to make this happen. So, thank you again for your lovely way of supporting the work – we couldn’t do it without your support.”
Sara Muslin, Home Manager of Great Oaks said: “It’s important that we contribute and give back to the community. This year our residents, their families and the Great Oaks team have generously helped the homeless, which face challenges in their own town.”
Great Oaks is a purpose-built care home supporting 80 residents, offering residential, nursing and dementia care. Situated in Kinson, Bournemouth, the home has been at the centre of the local community since opening and is now recognised as an established care home serving the residents of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas.
We understand that choosing a care home can be a difficult decision, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. The team at Great Oaks supports residents to continue to enjoy life, make new friends, continue with old hobbies and even try some new ones! You can read more about life & wellbeing at Great Oaks here.
: For more information about Encore Care Homes and Great Oaks please call 01202 087444
or visit www.encorecarehomes.co.uk
