Testimonials

What people are saying

Here are some of the comments made recently by local care homes:

• “Residents were involved who don’t usually take part in activities and everyone appears happier!” Activities co-ordinator, Collingwood Grange care home
• “Very enjoyable for the residents. Relaxed and friendly session. The residents joined in singing and smiling throughout”. Activities co-ordinator, Kingsclear care home”
• “Such an uplifting session. Lovely to sing along with someone with a good singing voice.” Resident Randell House care home
• “I look forward to this activity. Its the highlight of my week.” Resident, Collingwood Grange care home
• “I would also like to use this opportunity to say how much we appreciate Vanessa’s singing session. She is inspirational with a mixed group of older people and particularly well informed about how to get those with memory impairments involved. She is knows all the research and appropriate activities to run. There is so much research saying that appropriate music stimulates, engages and gives pleasure to those with dementia. She is familiar with this research and uses it to inform her sessions. However, her sessions are also geared to those without memory problems. It is evident how successful she is in the positive response she gets from the wide range of residents. She selects a wide range of music and styles which appeal to all residents of all generations/backgrounds and intellectual capacities. It is lovely to have the printed sheets for those who can still read to follow. She has a lovely manner and engages with even the most withdrawn and tricky residents. She has a beautiful voice which they like listening to. She makes an effort to present herself well, dressing nicely which cheers them up and makes them feel valued. All in all, it is our favourite session of the week and the one that gives my father the most pleasure.” Daughter of resident at West Hall care home
• On the day of the inspection there was a singing session that several people participated in and enjoyed.  CQC report, Collingwood Grange January 2015
• ” Vanessa uses a wide variety of songs, some of the old classics for everyone to sing along to and new ones to learn. All our residents enjoy and look forward to the sessions.” Activities co-ordinator West Hall care home 
• “Very lively and interesting sessions – good interaction. ” Activities co-ordinator Larkland House care home
• “We like the Welcome song. Vanessa gives out song sheets which the residents like. Vanessa sings songs with music background and without. Vanessa uses songs that other entertainers do not. We advertise this session as music therapy as we feel Vanessa is so much more than an entertainer.” Activities co-ordinator, Warren Lodge care home
• “The residents really enjoy Vanessa’s sessions. We always get good interaction and it really cheers them up.” Activities co-ordinator Whitebourne care home