Reindeer Fly By At EachStep Blackley!

A Community Integrated Care dementia care service in Manchester was visited by reindeer today, as part of a special festive celebration for families and residents.

EachStep Blackley in Manchester is an award-winning specialist dementia care service in North Manchester. The £5m care home offers specialist respite care, and residential and nursing care.

The home held a special Christmas celebration, where residents and families were treated to a carol singing performance by local school children, seasonal food and showings of classic Christmas films. They were also surprised when some special guests arrived at the event – two reindeer!

This event was supported by staff members, who fundraised for the home throughout the year. The home has also been enabled to host more special events in 2016 and to create a new sensory room for residents, after family members raised £2600 for it by hosting a special race night event. This effort was also backed with a £400 donation from Manchester Councillor, Basil Curley, as well as £400 from Northwards Housing.

Liz Irving, Deputy Manager of EachStep Blackley, says: “The EachStep Christmas event was a brilliant celebration that brought together residents, relatives and our supporters. The special touch of bringing the reindeer to the home was magical – putting a real smile on everyone’s faces. I’d like to thank our staff team for their creativity and hard work in making this happen. I’d also like to give a special thank you to Cllr Basil Curley, Northwards Housing, and the dedicated family members who have helped raise money for even more exciting initiatives in 2016.”

Basil Curley, Councillor for the Charlestown Ward, says: “I am delighted to be associated with the EachStep. This provision takes cares of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and particularly in North Manchester.  I want to pay tribute to Community Integrated Care for their vision for investing in this care service for people living with dementia.

I know too this view is shared by very many of the families and friends of the patrons of EachStep, something we should all be proud of. As a Councillor in Charlestown ward, I meet up with and speak to local people who make glowing comments about the fantastic treatment their loved ones receive.”

Mike Stevens, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Northwards, says: “Dementia affects many of our tenants. Some are carers, some are being treated for the condition themselves. The work that Eachstep does to help people in our local area is fantastic and we’re glad to help.”

Community Integrated Care would like to thank family members Elaine and Frankie Young for coordinating the recent race night.