October 2025 Newsletter

Essex Therapy Dogs ‘Jayne’ and Jane

We were thrilled to have ‘Jayne’ and her owner, Jane, from Essex Therapy Dogs join us. Together with the charming ‘Coco’ and her owner, Andrew, we now enjoy the delightful company of two therapy dogs from this fantastic organisation. Jayne, a lovable Jack Russell, has a knack for making new friends and is always on the lookout for cuddles and the occasional biscuit! Thank you, Jane, for spending time with us, and we eagerly anticipate many more visits in the future.

Three elderly women in a care home lounge interact with a small dog. Soft armchairs and plants create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Two staff members engage residents in a care home activity, showcasing a large board with apple illustrations, as residents watch.

Interactive Quiz

Our afternoon was filled with engaging sensory, memory, and musical quizzes, thanks to Chris and Sue, who kept everyone entertained with their interactive activities. One quiz challenged our creativity, as we had to match answers to letters of the alphabet; for example, ‘A body of water’ corresponded to ‘C.’ We also enjoyed sensory games like ‘Guess the object by feel only,’ where we identified hidden items in a sock, and we had fun identifying food smells while our eyes were closed. The memory game added to the excitement, making the entire afternoon truly unforgettable—no pun intended!

Community 360

A special thank you goes to Millie and Wiktoria from Community 360 for visiting us and sharing the remarkable work they do for our local community. They support around four hundred individuals in Colchester and extend their help to many others beyond. Their services provide essential transportation for appointments, clubs, and social outings, creating a vital connection for those in need. We hope everyone enjoyed their gift bags, and happy harvest to all!

A staff member presenting to residents in a bright, spacious lounge with wooden floors, two elderly women seated, and decorative boxes displayed.