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What we got up to in November at our Cafes!

In the heart of the community, our cafes have been buzzing with vibrant energy during its recent sessions, offering a delightful mix of dance, history, art, and camaraderie.

The Butterfly Cafe at Kings College Hospital

Dancing Through Decades

The cafe hosted a lively session of a dance performance by spirited 70 and 80-year-olds.

From upbeat classics to modern tunes, the atmosphere was filled with joy as everyone, including the audience! 

Everyone joined in for a short workshop to learn some groovy dance moves. 

If you head to our socials you can see videos capturing these heartwarming moments that are a testament to the infectious enthusiasm that permeated the Butterfly Cafe that day.

Five women performing a dance routine in a room with chairs, a large screen, and a clock on the wall. Audience heads visible. - Home Instead

Journey into History with Jenny

Jenny, from the Old Operating Museum, brought a unique perspective to the sessions. 

She shared intriguing insights into the medical practices of the 1800s. 

Person holding a plague doctor mask in a room with informational posters on the wall. - Home Instead

Engaging their senses, participants had the opportunity to explore scents of herbs like lavender, mint, and rose, then grind and create herbal bags that provided a sensory connection to historical practices.

A table with herbs, medical tools, historical photos, and a plague doctor's mask arranged on top. - Home Instead

And they all got to take their herbal bag home with them too!

An elderly man in a beige coat and scarf sits at a table, looking down at a small bowl filled with herbs. - Home Instead

The Sunflower Cafe - in Balham

Getting into the Festive Spirit!

Balham’s Sunflower Cafe offered a cosy setting for attendees to enjoy creating Christmas cards!

Elderly woman smiling while holding a handcrafted Christmas card at a table. A bottle of water is on the table. - Home Instead

With an array of art resources at their fingertips the cards produced were beautiful! The informal atmosphere, tea and coffee, encouraged friendly conversations too. They all then got to take home their Christmas cards as cherished mementoes from the day or to give to someone for Christmas.

Two elderly individuals sitting at a table in a community setting, holding up a Christmas card and smiling. - Home Instead

The Wallace Collection!

A visit from Kathy at the Wallace Collection from the Art Museum in Central London brought a touch of fine art to the cafe! 

A group of people sits at a table looking at various art prints laid out in front of them. - Home Instead

Kathy is so well-versed in the world of art, that she was able to express views on various artworks which we all found utterly fascinating! 

A person stands and speaks to two seated individuals in a room with maroon walls and artwork on the wall. - Home Instead

The theme of the day was ‘hope,’ symbolised by rainbows. Attendees were invited to create their own rainbows or draw images representing new beginnings and hope.

A drawing with colored pencils, a rainbow, and positive words like "happy," "hope," "new start," and "beginnings. - Home Instead

Resulting in a colourful array of art.

A woman holds a drawing of flowers and a rainbow in a room with people seated at tables in the background. - Home Instead

Musical Moments by Rosemary and Dave

Rosemary and Dave orchestrated musical interludes that ranged from well-known old tunes to army songs in honour of Remembrance Day.

Two people with papers in what seems to be a classroom, performing or rehearsing, with a stroller in the background. - Home Instead

We learnt about breathing and joined in with some of the moves.

A diverse group of elderly people sitting on chairs in a circle, clapping their hands in a room with a large window. - Home Instead

The session was particularly special as we all celebrated the birthday of caregiver Christine! We gave her flowers and cards, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere.

A woman in a blue patterned jacket holds a bouquet of flowers and a white envelope while smiling. - Home Instead

Bingo Bonanza

The day concluded with a fun-filled bingo session organised by caregiver Angela. 

Elderly woman smiling at a greeting card with a dog, while sitting at a table with a bingo card in front of her. - Home Instead

There were so many prizes to win!

Person sitting at a table with various items including socks, lotions, photos, and a mug, smiling at the camera. - Home Instead

Excitement and joy filled the room as we won various prizes.

Elderly woman sitting at a table with a bingo card and pen, smiling warmly at the camera, with a window in the background. - Home Instead

Everyone left with a smile on their face and a cherished memento from the Bingo session at the Cafe.

A smiling woman in a beige sweater holds up a small item, standing in a room with a red wall and various supplies. - Home Instead