Funding to swing open the doors at Currie Park

Funding to swing open the doors at Currie Park

When it comes to community spirit, it is very hard to go past the residents of Currie Park. So much so, that it’s been a tight squeeze to fit everyone in let alone the activities.

Thanks to a grant from the Marian and EH Flack Trust, all is about to change.

The community room will fling open its doors and windows to allow the 28 residents and friends – COVID-19 safe, of course- to enjoy the room and surrounding veranda, and still stay warm thanks to café-style blinds and heaters.

Karen Ernest, Residents’ Coordinator for Currie Park, said: “It is a simple solution to a lack of space and one which allow the residents to enjoy activities inside the room and outside under the veranda.

Funding will also buy new furniture, audio-visual equipment and other IT items.

“There are many activities held by residents in the community room, from art classes, movie club, gin rummy, meditation and exercise. Having more room also allows us to expand our lifestyle program,” Karen said.

The much-loved edible garden is not missing out either.

The funds will be put towards materials to build new raised vegetable beds, buy plants, and a shed to store tools in.

New beds for Liscombe House

There is nothing like a new bed, and Liscombe House is about to take possession of nine specialist beds through funding from the Aged Person’s Welfare Foundation.

Kerry Feistl, Director of Nursing, said: “The beds are going to make a huge difference for our residents experiencing chronic pain and illness.”

“Not only are they more comfortable but they will reduce the possibility of falls because the beds lower to the ground enabling a resident to get in and out of bed easily,” she said.

The specialist beds also preserve older people’s independence because of their manual settings that allow residents to manage their own comfort levels by being able to adjust the bed to sitting position from lying flat.

“Our staff also win because the beds will reduce the physical strain on their backs and protect their health and safety,” Kerry said.