Hamnavoe House ‘boys on tour!’

A group of residents from the Council-run Hamnavoe House in Stromness enjoyed a trip back in time to the Scapa Flow Museum recently. 

Not only did the four men have a superb day out, but their carers did too – with Senior Social Care Worker at Hamnavoe House, Lisa Rhodes-Schofield, saying that staff felt “on top of the world” following the activity. 

Lisa said: “Days like this are so important to every individual’s wellbeing and quality of life. Life doesn’t end when you go into residential care. It is important for the residents to maintain social connections within the community. 

“It gives you such job satisfaction to see the faces of the residents when they have enjoyed an activity that you have facilitated and been involved in. The biggest part of our job is to be person centred and ensuring that meaningful engagement happens is a big part of that. There is so much more to a career in care than you might think. When you have been a part of an activity like the ‘boys on tour’ trip you go home feeling on top of the world!” 

Hamnavoe House recently recruited an activities facilitator, who organised the trip to Hoy and each resident was accompanied by a staff “buddy” to ensure the day went smoothly. 

They took the facility’s bus on the Houton to Lyness ferry and remained inside for the crossing, then enjoying a pre-packed picnic and teas and coffees en route. 

The refurbished and award-winning Scapa Flow Museum and Cafe was very accessible to those in wheelchairs making manoeuvring all the easier for those from Hamnavoe House. 

Lisa continued: “The party arrived in Hoy at around 11am, they went into the new Scapa Flow Museum for an informative tour about, inside and the outside grounds, they then had lunch in the café, which I’m told was fantastic! They caught the boat back at around 2pm and headed back to Stromness to tell everyone of their adventures, even enjoying a swift half on the way!” 

Resident Hugh Markey, said: “I am so glad I came, thank you!” and Sandy Firth added: “I have very much enjoyed this outing, thank you very much!” 

There are plans in the pipeline for a holiday to Sanday next summer – all thanks to fundraising by the staff to allow them to enjoy these trips and activities. 

The Council’s Head of Health and Community Care, Lynda Bradford, paid tribute to the staff: 

“As Lisa has already said there is so much to be gained by a rewarding career in care and being part of ensuring our residents continue to live life to the full. It sounds as though a wonderful time was had and there’s more to come. My thanks go to the staff teams for their hard work and thoughtfulness – it is appreciated by the Council, the residents and their loved ones.” 

If you are interested in a career in care, please look here: www.orkney.gov.uk/wecare.