
01/10/2025
Happy International Day of Older Persons! 🎉
This year’s theme is Building Belonging: Celebrating the power of our social connections.
At The Sandford, our nursing home in Church Stretton, we are committed to promoting a strong sense of community and belonging wherever possible. Loneliness is a serious issue among older people — with around 940,000 older people in the UK experiencing it often according to recent studies. It’s something that deeply affects mental health and well-being, and it’s why we put so much heart into creating moments like our Summer Fete in August.
It was a fantastic day, bringing together residents, families, friends, colleagues, neighbours and the wider community. With lively performances from the Church Stretton Accordion Band and the Lower Deckers Sea Shanty Group, plus games, great food, and even better company — the day was full of joy, laughter and meaningful connections.
Liz Hooper, Activities Coordinator at The Sandford Nursing Home, said: “At The Sandford, over the past year, we’ve proudly opened our doors even wider to the local community — welcoming local historians, storytellers, wildlife groups, performers and even the local primary school for monthly visits. These connections mean the world to our residents and have helped build lasting relationships across generations.
“We want our residents not just to feel at home, but to truly feel part of a warm, supportive and loving community.”