Priti returns to Drummonds and backs June Open Day
On Monday 9th April 2018, Witham MP Priti Patel visited residents and staff of Drummonds Care Home in Feering. Drummonds was saved from closure when Priti campaigned against the closure plans put forward by former owners Scope. The home has since been taken over by the Black Swan Group who have invested in updating the care home and providing residents with better facilities.
During her visit Priti met residents, relatives and staff as she toured Drummonds and discussed plans to enhance links with the local community and their exciting plans for their first open day on the 2nd June. The Drummonds Open Day will bring the community to their home and their amazing grounds and gardens showcasing the best in what they do, arts, crafts and music. They are also raising money for their sensory garden and Priti has announced that she will support their fundraising through baking cakes.
Priti said:
“It was fantastic to meet the staff, residents and their families at Drummonds. It was great to see the transformation which the Black Swan Group have implemented since they took over from Scope who announced they would close the care home. But through a well fought campaign by residents and myself we saved the care home and I am glad to see it flourishing.”
“I am excited for the upcoming open day on the 2nd June 2018, as it will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and experience the fantastic work which goes on at Drummonds. The care home is raising money for the sensory garden and I will be playing my part and baking cakes for the great cake sale. I am urging local residents to get involved and support the wonderful community ethos at Drummonds.”
Karen Halladay is a resident at Drummonds, Karen said:
“Under Black Swan ownership, life at Drummonds is fantastic.”
Residents have been empowered to become more independent and actively involved in the running of the home through a ‘Resident Ambassador’ programme which includes; Activities Recruitment, Advocacy, Communication and more recently Food Ambassadors.
Karen along with other residents at Drummonds have arranged an open day on the 2nd June between 2-4pm to reveal Drummonds to the local public to show some of the amazing work that residents partake in such as Pottery, arts and crafts, wheelchair dancing and other activities, stalls which the residents have chosen. Any proceeds made from this event will go towards Marie Curie, their chosen charity for this event.