Older people enjoy some fun in the sun with NWH

Published by Julie Jones NWHA for North Wales Housing Association in Housing and also in Health

The staff and residents at North Wales Housing’s Llys y Coed Extra Care residential service have been making the most of the summer with a trip down the canal at Llangollen.

Three members of staff and nine residents were picked up early from Llys y Coed  by  community bus, and driven to the canal side at Llangollen in time for an 11.00am trip aboard Glas y Dorlan. This specially designed barge was built to make access as easy as possible for disabled people, and even incorporates a lift to get wheelchair users on and off with relative ease.

During their cruise down the canal, residents enjoyed some wine, a buffet lunch and a sing song, before returning to Lys y Coed in time for a fish and chip supper in the evening. Cheryl Haggas, Llys y Coed’s manager said:

“The trip was a great success, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of several generous people. These include the Occupational Therapy student who volunteered her time to come and assist, the carer who gave up a day of her holiday to come along, and also the community bus driver who couldn’t have been more helpful.”

The staff at Llys y Coed also managed to pick one of the few sunny days in July to hold a barbecue and buffet in the scheme’s car park. The unlikely venue was transformed with bunting, music and the arrival of many residents’ family and friends, who were invited along for the day so that they could get to know staff and other residents better.