Dorset care home launches men's club to combat loneliness
The group's been making birdhouses to sell for charity
A Dorset dementia care home has launched its own men’s club, so male residents can enjoy DIY activities together and combat loneliness.
Colten Care’s Fernhill home in Longham near Bournemouth has seen members building birdhouses, some of which will be sold for charity at the home’s forthcoming summer fete.
Cara Duroe, Fernhill’s Companionship Team Leader, said:
“In a chat with residents, it became apparent that some of our men missed having ‘do it yourself’ tasks. This kind of thing gives many men a sense of purpose.
“We support a lot of hobbies and activities that are female-led, so we decided to create a space in which men can celebrate their past DIY projects and hobbies and reminisce over a pint and games.”
Maintenance Manager Barry Mathews said:
“We thought we could focus on male hobbies and create a space in which they could be themselves, be a man.
“The idea is to create a club where our male residents feel comfortable and can chat over a beer and a game of dominoes or have an ongoing DIY project to complete.”
Fernhill Home Manager Francis Bosompim said:
“This is all about enabling our residents, in this case our men, to continue enjoying activities they love in a safe, friendly environment.
“It’s also important to be inclusive so it was lovely that some of our ladies got involved in painting the birdhouses too.”
The birdhouses for sale will feature at Fernhill’s summer fete on Saturday 3rd August 2024, with proceeds will go to the residents’ charity of the year, Dorset Girl Guides.