Cotman House Residents Put Through Their Paces By Ipswich Town Community Foundation
Cotman House residents were recently treated to football related sports and fun by Ipswich Town Community Foundation (ITCF), the charitable arm of Ipswich Town Football Club.
Encouraging Residents to be Active and Sociable
ITCF are renowned for their dedication to promoting physical activity and social inclusion across all ages and have adapted their usual sports sessions to suit the abilities and needs of elderly participants. This includes an initiative called Our Active Care Homes, a programme created to encourage residents at care homes across the region to be more active. The focus is on improving residents’ physical and mental well-being through light physical activity and social interaction – something that sounded perfect for Cotman House.
On arrival, foundation coaches Sam and Callum explained that they would be running a variety of tailored activities, from seated exercises to gentle games that encouraged teamwork and connection. They also reassured the Cotman House team that all the sessions are inclusive, designed to accommodate the needs of all participants, which meant that everyone was welcome to join the fun!
Games and Fun Challenges Bring People Together
The event included a mix of light exercise routines, fun challenges, and mini football games, with Sam and Callum guiding participants through each activity. There were plenty of smiles and lots of laughter as residents showed off their skills, whether it was throwing soft footballs or taking part in a friendly team competition.
At the end of the day, Sam Oakley, the ITCF’s Community Engagement Coordinator remarked, “The joy and excitement on the residents’ faces was priceless. Our Foundation believes in the power of sport to bring people together, and we’re thrilled to see how it can make such a positive impact on the lives of older adults. We strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone can be active and feel a sense of belonging, regardless of age or ability.”
Engaging, Interactive and Accessible to All
Several residents support ‘The Blues’, including die-hard fan Laurence and ex-player, Howard, both of whom enjoyed taking part in the games. Even those who normally sit on the sidelines were inspired to join in. Resident Ambassador, Margaret, who participated in the event, shared her excitement, saying, “It’s been wonderful watching residents who are not as active getting involved in sporting activities. They have been twice now and we can’t wait for them to return. It created a real buzz in the home having Ipswich Town Football Club community foundation visit us”.
The ITCF’s involvement with Cotman House is part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen social connections and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in the community. These engaging and interactive sessions have been incredibly valuable and enjoyable and residents at Cotman House are already looking forward to the next one!
Discover Cotman House
Cotman House Care Home is situated within the beautiful seaside surroundings of Felixstowe and our environment is matched by the standard of care we deliver, where care is not just a service, but a commitment tailored to every resident. Our focus goes beyond the physical; we extend our care to encompass the unique needs of each individual, whether it's assisting with memory loss, providing specialised dementia care, or offering support with end-of-life care.
At Cotman House, we understand the challenges families face during difficult times, and that's why we take pride in our accreditation for 'End of Life' care. We're here to support not only your loved ones but your entire family through this journey.
Our vibrant and happy home isn't just about the physical space; it's a thriving community. Perfect for those who may be feeling lonely, Cotman House fosters an environment where residents find companionship and joy.
