Residents, staff, family members and guests enjoyed an afternoon of summer fun and celebrations at a local care home.
Clifton Lodge in Westcliff-on-Sea is managed by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). It is a residential care home which supports older people including those living with dementia. The care home recently had its CQC overall rating upgraded from requires improvement to good in all areas.
Staff at Clifton Lodge in Balmoral Road, Westcliff, organised live music provided by local singer Sue, a buffet and cake. Each resident also received a gift kindly donated by Karen Dring and her husband, from the ‘Hug a Shrug’ society.
Guests at the summer party which took place on 1 July 2025 included the Mayor and Mayoress of Southend, Nigel and Marion Folkard, and Governor Ibrahim Lateef.
Brothers Mike and Dave Gregory, sons of a former resident, Edward, who lived at the care home before passing away at the age of 88, also joined the afternoon.
The brothers wanted to give back to Clifton Lodge in return for the care the staff had given their father, and were asked if they would like to renovate the care home’s garden. The brothers transformed the garden and still volunteer with its upkeep to ensure it is a peaceful and relaxing environment for residents and their families to enjoy.
Pippa Crocket, Nursing Home Manager, said: “A lovely day was had by all, the sun was shining and we had lots of families and visitors in attendance. Sue kept us singing and dancing all afternoon, and it was lovely to have Karen from ‘Hug a Shrug’ drop in to bring gifts for all the residents including blankets and hand held twiddle blankets, which was a lovely surprise.
“It was wonderful to see families celebrating the start of summer with their loved ones and enjoying the buffet together. We also had a cake that was made specifically for the residents and made sure everyone was able to enjoy a slice!”