Sandwood Seedlings brings together young families and residents
Thursdays have quickly become the most anticipated day of the week at Sandwood Care Home. Since its launch in February, our new Sandwood Seedlings playgroup has been filling the home with music, laughter, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet, as local toddlers and babies join our residents for a morning of shared fun.
The sessions take place in our bright, open-plan lounge, where families can drop in for a small £1 donation. For the parents, it is a chance to socialise in a relaxed setting, but for the children and residents, it is an opportunity to build unique friendships across the generations.
Bridging the gap through play
Each week features a different theme, ranging from "under the sea" adventures to a Mad Hatter’s tea party for World Book Day. These activities are designed to encourage interaction, whether it is sharing a storybook or strumming along to a mini guitar during a music session.
For our residents, the benefits are clear. Janet, who lives at Sandwood, believes the group helps everyone develop a better understanding of one another, while Glenys noted that spending time with the youngsters helps her reminisce about the past. It provides a family-style experience that offers comfort and emotional support to both the young and the old.
A year of community celebrations
The playgroup is just the start of a busy 2026 at Sandwood. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Abbeyfield Living Society, our activities coordinator, Mel Spouge, has a full calendar of events planned to bring the local community together.
Alongside the weekly playgroup, residents are currently designing a large community mosaic with the help of a local artist, which will be unveiled during Sherwood Art Week in June. From summer garden parties to family picnics, we are looking forward to a year of making memories and strengthening our ties with our neighbours in the East Midlands.
Located in the heart of Sherwood, Sandwood is a purpose-built care home providing a warm and independent lifestyle for up to 31 residents. Each en-suite room offers a private retreat that can be personalised with your own furniture, while the bright communal lounges and landscaped gardens serve as social hubs for the community. Residents enjoy a varied calendar of events, from live music to river boat trips, alongside seasonal meals tailored to individual dietary needs. With a dedicated team available 24/7 to provide residential and dementia support, the home offers a compassionate setting for both long-term stays and shorter respite breaks.
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