Gentlemen from our care home, had their wish to order a pint in a pub granted thanks to the team and the trip will now become a regular outing. The residents enjoyed a relaxed afternoon in our local pub, where they shared stories, played games and enjoyed a change of scenery.

A group of gentlemen from our home – Barrowhill Hall Care Home – visited Ye Olde Talbot on Market Place in Uttoxeter, where they spent an afternoon chatting and enjoying their favourite tipple. The outing proved so popular that the residents affectionately named it ‘The Jolly Outing’, and it will become a regular event on our busy activity schedule.

We are Barrowhill Hall, a 74-bedroom residential and nursing home on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border specialising in caring for those living with dementia and memory loss. We also have a separate modern household, Churnet Lodge, for those living with Young Onset Dementia.

Resident Bob Boot, 86, who moved into our home last year said; “I used to love going to the pub for a Guiness, so that’s what I ordered! Our pub trip was great. I like to go and see different people and I enjoyed catching up with other residents outside of the home. We’re looking forward to the next one.”

Resident Mick Jennings, 82, who has lived with us for 18 months added: “I like to socialise with others, and I used to love going to the pub to watch sports. This trip was a bit different, it was nice to go with the guys and the games were a lot of fun.  I had half a pint.”

The residents were joined by Ruth Hoult and Val Barnes from our lifestyles team.

“It was a really relaxed afternoon,” Val said: “the gentlemen loved it. For some, it was the perfect chance for them to enjoy a pint and some friendly conversation. For others, who don’t speak much, the change of scenery and the sensory elements – like the smells and sounds of the pub – created a sense of familiarity and comfort.

“Trips like these aren’t about anything grand, they’re about everyday moments that feel normal, social and meaningful.”

The trip was arranged following a request from the residents and we were only too happy to meet their needs.

“We knew we would make this trip happen as soon as the residents asked to go to the pub,” Ruth explained. “It meant a lot to the guys to spend this time together and it gave them an opportunity to bond with each other. It was lovely to hear some of their memories of being at the pub and they just loved playing pool and ordering their drinks. We are planning the next trip there so this will now be known as their local.”

The group spent time chatting, reminiscing and enjoying the familiar atmosphere – from the sounds of clinking glasses to music playing in the background, and the simple pleasure of sitting together in a cosy corner of the pub.

Our activities lead, Kerry Butts, said: “Trips like these are great because the gents can go out and just be themselves. It keeps them connected with the wider community, which is really important to us, and it builds a camaraderie between the group too.

“They enjoyed being in a warm homely pub with the darts, snooker, the juke box, nibbles and a pint. We arranged this trip with the gentlemen, but we also organised a shopping trip to Uttoxeter for the ladies at their request.”

Our home manager Dania Meadows added; “These trips are a great opportunity for our residents to get out into the community and socialise.

“There is a perception that your social life ends when you move into a care home, but nothing could be further than the truth.’