Residents and relatives at St Michael’s Court Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Groups, had a refreshing and creative afternoon on 14th January as they celebrated International Mocktail Day. The event, organised by Lifestyle Coordinator Ebony Goodge and her team, was a delightful mix of fun, flavours, and family involvement.
The highlight of the day was the “Make Your Own Mocktail” cart, where residents and their loved ones could craft unique drinks using a variety of juices, fruits, and other ingredients. Participants also designed creative names for their concoctions, adding a personal touch to the activity.
Jo, one of the residents, shared her excitement: “It’s lovely, being able to do something like that, and the drinks were just wonderful. Hopefully, we can do it more often.”
Deputy Manager, Holly Roberts, praised the event saying: “It was fantastic. The atmosphere was great, and everyone was enjoying themselves.”
The event was inspired by the care home’s Lifestyle planner, which noted International Mocktail Day. Ebony saw it as an opportunity to create a fun and inclusive experience tailored to the residents’ tastes and interests. Relatives were also invited to join, adding an extra layer of joy and connection to the day.
“Getting our residents involved and promoting their independence to do things for themselves is big,” Ebony explained. “It’s fantastic to watch residents get involved, and seeing relatives join in and have fun doing something they may not have done for some time is truly heartwarming.”
The atmosphere was described as lively and relaxed, with residents and staff sharing conversations over their colourful drinks and experimenting with different flavour combinations.
Standout moments included seeing residents proudly enjoy their self-made beverages and watching relatives engage with their loved ones in a fun and interactive way.
St Michael’s Court Care Home continues to prioritise activities that foster independence, creativity, and family connection, proving that even the simplest ideas can lead to extraordinary experiences.