Friendship at Care South
Building connection, belonging and community
At Care South, friendship is at the heart of everyday life. Feeling connected, valued and part of a community plays a vital role in wellbeing, which is why friendship sits proudly alongside food and fun in our Food, Fun and Friendship promise.
Across all our homes and services, we create welcoming environments where relationships can grow naturally, friendships can flourish and everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
A care-first approach to friendship
Our approach to friendship reflects our wider care-first philosophy. We recognise that moving into care, or receiving support, can be a significant change, and feeling connected to others is key to settling in and feeling at home.
Friendships are encouraged gently and respectfully, at each person’s own pace. Whether that is chatting over a cup of tea, sharing a hobby, attending an event or simply enjoying time in the company of others, every interaction matters.
Our teams take time to understand what connection means to each individual, supporting friendships in ways that feel comfortable, meaningful and natural.
Creating opportunities to connect
Every Care South home offers a wide range of opportunities for residents, families and the wider community to come together. These shared moments help create strong bonds and lasting memories. These include:
- Open Days, welcoming families, friends and local communities
- Coffee mornings, encouraging relaxed conversation and connection
- Welcome Wednesdays, a special time for visitors and relatives to join in activities within our homes
- Memory Cafés, offering supportive social spaces for people living with dementia and their loved ones
These regular events help build familiarity, confidence and a sense of community within each home.
Celebrations and shared moments
Celebrating together is an important part of life at Care South. Seasonal events and special occasions bring people together and create moments to look forward to throughout the year.
Across our homes, residents enjoy:
- Seasonal fayres and garden parties
- Festive celebrations and Christmas events
- Themed days and cultural celebrations
- Family-friendly events welcoming loved ones
We also take pride in organising larger shared experiences, such as the annual Christmas Coffee Morning at AFC Bournemouth, which brings residents and clients together for a memorable day of connection, conversation and celebration.
Friendship across Care South homes
Friendship at Care South extends beyond individual homes. We actively encourage inter-home activities, giving residents the opportunity to visit other Care South homes, meet new people and build connections across our wider community.
Each home has access to our Care South minibuses, allowing residents to enjoy trips out together, whether visiting another home, attending an event, or exploring local attractions.
These shared experiences help strengthen friendships, promote confidence and support independence.
Make a Wish – creating meaningful experiences
We believe friendship is built through shared experiences and personal joy. That is why many of our homes run Make a Wish initiatives, giving residents the opportunity to request activities or experiences that matter to them.
Wishes may include:
- Horse riding
- Theatre or concert trips
- Seaside visits
- Sporting events
- Special meals or celebrations
By listening to residents and helping make these wishes possible, we create moments of joy that are often shared with friends, family and fellow residents.
Friendship for families and communities
Friendship at Care South includes families, friends and the wider community. Loved ones are always welcome, and we actively encourage their involvement in events, celebrations and everyday life.
Our homes are places of openness and warmth, where relationships are nurtured and communities are welcomed in.
Our commitment
As a not-for-profit organisation, Care South reinvests in people, spaces and experiences that support meaningful connection. This includes investing in social spaces, transport, events and dedicated teams who help bring people together.
Our commitment is simple:
To create places where friendships can grow, connections are valued and nobody feels alone.
See friendship in action
To explore examples of upcoming events, social activities and shared experiences across our homes:
Food, Fun and Friendship
Our residents continue living rich and fulfilled lives, doing what they love, with the people they love, enjoying Food, Fun and Friendship together.
Our chefs serve freshly prepared, seasonal food, that looks great and tastes even better!
Our homes are places to enjoy life and continue with hobbies and pastimes, within a vibrant community.
Our homes bring people together, through spending quality time with loved ones or by making new friendships.
Latest news and updates
Recruitment Open Day at Fern Brook Lodge
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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Marjorie House
You are not alone – join our Caring Conversations support group at St Ives House
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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Marjorie House
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Christmas Light Switch On at Alexandra House
🌊 A wish come true at Mudeford Quay for St Ives House resident David
Residents from St Ives House recently made the most of the mild weather with a lovely afternoon trip to Mudeford Quay.
The outing was inspired by a special request from David, who wanted to return to the coast, look out over the sea and enjoy one of his favourite seaside treats.
By popular request, the group stopped at the fish shop for some cockles, served with vinegar and black pepper, which proved to be a firm favourite with everyone. 🐚
David said it was a wish come true to be back at Mudeford Quay enjoying cockles while looking out over the sea.
A wonderful afternoon filled with fresh air, happy memories and friendship. 💙
Find out more about life at St Ives House at www.care-south.co.uk/homes/st-ives-house/
#CareSouth #StIvesHouse #mudefordquay #CareHomeLife #FoodFunFriendship #makingwishescometrue
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🧶💙 Kindness in every stitch at Fern Brook Lodge
Our wonderful Knit and Natter group has been putting its creativity to work for a very special cause, knitting baby hats and blankets for families in Ukraine.
The idea was inspired by Sara’s husband, Richard, who makes the three-day journey to Ukraine to deliver medical supplies and other essential items.
The ladies wanted to do something to help too, so they picked up their needles and got to work creating warm, handmade pieces for babies.
Each stitch represents kindness, care and a little piece of hope. ❤️
We’re incredibly proud of the residents for using a much-loved hobby to make a difference to others.
Find out more about life at Fern Brook Lodge at www.care-south.co.uk
#CareSouth #FernBrookLodge #KnitAndNatter #KnittingForUkraine #CommunitySupport #FoodFunFriendship #CareHomeLife
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☕🍰 A lovely Macmillan Coffee Morning at Fern Brook Lodge!
Residents, relatives and colleagues recently came together for a special morning of coffee, cake and good company in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. 💚
Relatives, team members and Fern Brook Lodge’s Head Chef all contributed a delicious selection of homemade cakes, giving everyone plenty to enjoy while catching up together.
It was a wonderful morning filled with conversation, laughter and friendship, while supporting an important cause.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event so special. 💙
Find out more about life at Fern Brook Lodge at
www.care-south.co.uk/homes/fern-brook-lodge
#CareSouth #FernBrookLodge #MacmillanCoffeeMorning #MacmillanCancerSupport #Gillingham #FoodFunFriendship #CareHomeLife
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🕯️ Care South is proud to be supporting Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s annual Candles on the Green event at Wimborne Minster.
This special evening brings the local community together for a time of remembrance, reflection and hope, with hundreds of candles illuminating the evening in memory of loved ones.
Guests will be able to dedicate a candle to someone special, enjoy live music from local performers and take part in moments of reflection inside the Minster. The beautiful outdoor lantern display is free to attend and everyone is welcome.
💛 Funds raised through the event will help support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s vital bereavement counselling service, providing much-needed support to local people during incredibly difficult times.
Care South is delighted to support this meaningful community event and the important work Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides across our local area.
🎟️ Booking in advance is recommended for those wishing to guarantee a place at the concert, together with a lantern and candle. Lanterns will also be available on the evening for a donation, subject to availability.
We hope to see many of our friends and the wider community there. 🕯️✨
Find out more: lewis-manning.org.uk/candles/
#CareSouth #LewisManningHospiceCare #CandlesOnTheGreen #Wimborne #Community #Remembrance #BereavementSupport #FoodFunFriendship @followers
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