Hailsham care home helps feed the community during lockdown

Green-fingered residents at a local care home have donated fresh vegetables, including green beans, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage to families who visit the Hailsham Foodbank.

Residents at Hailsham House, a residential nursing and dementia care home on the outskirts of Hailsham were involved in every part of the vegetable growing process, from sowing the seeds to picking, washing and chopping the vegetables to sorting and packing ready for their delivery to the food bank.

The selection of fresh vegetables were grown in the home’s 10ft x 5ft allotment, which was created earlier in the year to give residents a chance to spend more time outdoors.

“Giving back to the community by providing fresh, home-grown vegetables straight from our allotment is a great way for us to keep the residents connected to the local community” said Katie Brewster, care home manager at Hailsham House.

Katie added, “We do everything we can at the home to promote independence and this has been an excellent way for the residents to be in control of the vegetables they have so carefully grown, whilst giving them a purpose which is wonderful for their wellbeing.”

One resident, 78-year-old John Goldsmith (Goldie) was thrilled to have overseen the whole project and was keen to watch over the growing and harvesting of the vegetables. Having been a keen gardener, John’s hands on experience in the allotment not only guided staff and residents, but it also brought back happy memories for him.

John said, “Back in my day we had to ration and now we are so overgrown with our vegetables – it has been great to give it to people and families in the local area who need it most.”

The Hailsham Foodbank opened its doors in 2012 to help local people and families from the community in crisis.

Large boxes of fresh vegetables were prepared by residents at Hailsham House and then packaged up and delivered to the local food bank by care staff at the home.

Receiving the vegetables was Hailsham Foodbank project manager Julie Coates, she said, “We were delighted to receive such a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables. We tend to only provide tinned and dried foods, so the donation from the residents at Hailsham House was greatly appreciated.

“More than 10 families picked up the fresh food and parents commented on how nice it was to be able to take home the vegetables to their families – they even shared some recipe ideas with us.”

Care Home Manager, Katie added, “It is important for us as a small community to ensure our residents, wherever possible continue to have a meaningful and enjoyable social life.

“Giving something back to the community is a thank you for the support everyone has shown to Hailsham House over the last 18 months.

“Projects like this, which truly benefit the residents in our care, also help us all to remember that we are one community and need each other to live full and healthy lives. We’ll continue to grow seasons fruit and vegetables to share with the community.”

Hailsham House provides a home-from-home environment in a quiet, rural setting. Caring staff create a family-friendly atmosphere for residents and their relatives.

ENDS

About Hailsham House

Nestled away in a quiet and rural settling on the outskirts of Hailsham, East Sussex, Hailsham House is a 90-bed care home providing residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. Drawing on years of experience, Hailsham House offers a range of specially designed areas where residents can relax, dine, exercise or be creative. The bright and spacious rooms are carefully designed with an en-suite bathroom and shower room as standard. Patio doors lead out onto beautiful, landscaped gardens where residents can enjoy time with loved ones in stunning, home from home surroundings.

click here for more details or to contact Hailsham House Care Home