Project Completed: Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham Engages Eight Care Homes on Leisure and Spiritual Activities

The project involved in-person visits and face-to-face surveys with residents and their relatives. These conversations aimed to understand what activities are available, how well they meet residents’ personal and spiritual needs, and how involved residents are in planning them. This work followed a previous Enter and View visit, which found good practices but also highlighted a lack of co-planning with residents. Some residents said they were not regularly asked what they would like to do, particularly in terms of religious or meaningful personal activities.

Activities are vital for supporting mental and emotional well-being, especially for those with dementia or limited mobility. They help residents stay socially connected, stimulate memory and cognitive function, and provide a sense of purpose. Each of the eight care homes received tailored recommendations based on the feedback gathered, and seven care homes responded.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham thanks all the residents, relatives, and staff who took part in this important project. Their input will help shape more inclusive and engaging care home environments across the borough.

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