Fenland care home residents put art in the frame with local business

Residents and staff at Hickathrift House Care Home have been developing their creative flare during the National Day of Arts in Care Homes Day. The day itself is an annual event with the aim to champion, promote and encourage the arts in care settings.

And the residents of the home in Marshland St James have even visited Framin’ Art for a creative watercolour workshop hosted by owner Amelie Filby.

Framin’ Art, of Dowham Market and has celebrated its first anniversary this month. It is a bespoke framing business, art shop and gallery offering a range of different art workshops too.

Brenda, a resident at Hickathrift House, said: “The gallery wall was beautiful. It was lovely to see a variety of artwork and all from local artists too. I learnt a lot in the workshop and looking forward to practising when we get back home. I’ve never practised art before but really enjoyed this experience”.

During the workshop, residents chatted about their favourite artists and art materials over a cup of tea and biscuits. Afterwards, residents were gifted their own watercolour sets to continue their paintings at Hickathrift House’s weekly Arts and Crafts Club.

Barrie, an oil painter, and resident ambassador of Hickathrift House, said: “I had such a wonderful morning. It brought back some fond memories of painting, and I enjoyed being in this creative environment again."

Kat Colangelo, the activities lead at Hickathrift House added: “Residents really enjoyed this creative experience and exploring what the local community has to offer. Our Minibus outings are incredibly important to residents as it provides opportunities for them to connect to the local community and develop new skills. This trip to Framin’ Art is one of our many outings this month which we all very much look forward too!”

Hickathrift House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides Residential Care Dementia Care and respite stays that can even be booked a year in advance.