Case Study 14 - CV Life: Building social connections, confidence and physical activity for people in care homes and retired living schemes.
The Coventry Moves project was commissioned by Coventry City Council to get the city moving again following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coventry Moves is a collaboration of partner organisations that deliver a wide variety of activities aimed at encouraging people to get up and active and have some fun. Resources for this project were targeted at people living in care homes and retired living schemes; with the aim to support social connections, improve mental health, and take part in physical activity. The Coventry Moves project is aligned to enabling adults to maximise capabilities and have control over their lives and strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention Marmot Principles.
The CV Life community development teams initiated foyer and doorstep conversations to begin rebuilding connections and confidence. Through listening to the needs and interests of the residents, a range of activities were delivered within the communal lounges in the settings and community. Community connectors were identified through their initial involvement and informal committees were formed to support the longevity of activities. Activities were intentionally varied to appeal to engage a wide range of residents, these included:
- Flower arranging
- Reminiscence sessions
- Dancing
- Local day trips
- Coach trips to the beach
- Walking sports
- Sporting Memories Community activities
- Competitive quizzes
- Seated exercise classes
Successes:
CV Life has established long-term partnerships working in 12 care homes and retired living schemes. Care home managers have reported an increase in the physical activity and capability of residents, alongside a reduction in falls resulting in a reduction in emergency calls for ambulances.
The Sporting Memories project provided the opportunity to hear from sporting figures in an informal setting and supported building a strong social network for men, including those with dementia. Attendees found positive connections listening to others reflect on their shared interests.
Social networks have widened with people making connections between different residences. Friendships and relationships have emerged because of these social activities, building confidence, health and well-being.
CV Life leisure centres have implemented adapted programming making leisure activities more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities or other needs.
Service user feedback
“When Dad is at Sporting Memories it’s like we get a piece of him back. When he’s there he listens along to stories, nods his head in recognition and laughs at the jokes. It’s wonderful to see. Not only has it given us and him a sense of purpose, we’re also creating new memories, which is something I never thought I’d say again. We thought we’d lost that opportunity. There isn’t much hope or positivity when someone you love has this awful condition, but Sporting Memories has been a chink of light at the end of what’s been a very dark tunnel.”