Lord Hardy Court is a local authority residential care home. It is located in Rawmarsh and cares for up to 60 residents including the elderly and those suffering from dementia. The home has a variety of communal areas including a large ballroom which is used for parties, church services and screening films nights; there is also an activity room, a hairdressing salon and a therapy room for massage and chiropody. Activity coordinators have arranged coffee mornings, fayres, trips to Hornsea, garden centres and the theatre. One of the carers at the home decided to set up a new group, ‘Friends of Lord Hardy Court’, with the intention being to fundraise to support activities and events beyond the remit of that of the local authority. The group was referred to TfR by Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) which felt that TfR could help the group make its ideas happen.
Towards the end of 2009 and into 2010 TfR developed and clarified the aims of the group, also helping it to consider how to engage with other members of the local community, particularly through inter-generational work. A constitution was developed, outlining the fundamental principles of how they would operate and support was provided to establish patrons for the groups; these now include an ex-mayor and a Methodist minister. TfR also signposted the group to Voluntary Action Sheffield to ensure that legal obligations were met and has helped the group pull together a bid for funding from ‘Gardens for the Disabled.’
“The [TfR] adviser’s support has been invaluable. An idea that we had has become reality, we’ve learnt how to run and sustain the group and the skills and confidence of the people involved here have improved. We needed someone to help us and TfR was there. We would certainly recommend TfR’s support to others - their work has had such a positive impact on our group, and most importantly on our beneficiaries.” Andrea Cotton, Chair
TfR continues to work with the Friends of Lord Hardy Court as it starts to create a schedule of social events to help fund raise, build a bank of volunteers, consult with residents, family and friends to establish what will improve the wellbeing for residents, develop a befriending scheme and a safe and secure sensory outdoor garden for residents to enjoy.