St Leonards care home creates its own pub for residents

MHA Lauriston, on The Green at St Leonards, transformed an area in its dementia unit into a traditional ‘pub.’

The grand opening of the pub took place recently in the home’s ‘Lavender’ dementia unit when 93-year-old resident, Jean Loveday, was invited to cut the ribbon.

Everyone in the home enjoyed drinks as well as a BBQ to celebrate.

The space will give residents the opportunity to meet and socialise, while taking part in regular activities, such as race nights and card games, and enjoying a tipple provided by the care home.

The idea has been months in the making – Amiee Hills from the activities team first came up with the concept at the end of 2019.

Home Manager, Valerie Russell, said: “We wanted to create a new environment for residents to enjoy, which would give them a change of scene and a place to meet up.

“Our activities and maintenance team built and painted all elements of the pub by themselves, including the wooden bars and shelving to bring the authentic pub atmosphere to life.

“It’s already proving a fantastic addition to our home – residents are loving being able to have a shandy and a chat together!”

Resident Norma Reeks said she thought the pub was “lovely” and that she enjoyed the shandy and a sing along.

MHA is the largest charity care provider in the UK. It was founded by members of the Methodist Church in 1943.