Residents of Aria Court care home will soon have the opportunity to enjoy a unique shopping experience without leaving home, thanks to a special partnership with the local Barnardo’s charity shop.
On March 27th, starting at 10:30 AM, the café area of Aria Court will transform into a vibrant pop-up shop, offering a selection of clothing, knick-knacks, and even some of the brand-new items that Barnardo’s sells in its shops across the country.
The idea behind the event is to bring the joy of shopping to residents, particularly those who may find it difficult to travel into town.
Lifestyle Coordinator Kanina O’Neil shared the inspiration for the initiative, saying, “Our residents love to visit the charity shops in town shop in town and we thought it would be great if a shop could come to us. After a chat with the team at the charity shop about what we were thinking we decided on a pop-up shop here at Aria Court for our residents and their families to enjoy.”
The Aria Court team will facilitate a steady stream of residents visiting the pop-up shop, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to browse and purchase items at their own pace. The event is expected to be a wonderful experience for residents while also providing valuable support for the Barnardo’s charity, which helps vulnerable children and young people.
This collaboration highlights the importance of maintaining strong links with the local community—something that both Aria Court and parent company Athena Care Homes strongly value. By hosting events like this, Aria Court continues to create enriching experiences for its residents while fostering meaningful connections with local organisations.
Why the shopping experience is important for our residents:
• Encourages social interaction: Shopping provides a chance for residents to engage with team members, fellow residents, and visitors.
• Boosts mental wellbeing: Choosing and purchasing items can offer a sense of independence and personal choice, which is beneficial for mental health.
• Brings back fond memories: Many older people have enjoyed shopping throughout their lives, and events like this can bring back happy memories and promote discussions.
• Provides a sense of the everyday: A shopping experience within their residence allows older adults to enjoy everyday activities despite mobility challenges.
• Supports cognitive engagement: Browsing items, making decisions, and handling money can help keep cognitive skills sharp.
• Enhances self-esteem: The ability to choose clothing and accessories helps individuals express their personality and feel good about themselves.
The upcoming pop-up shop is set to be a fantastic opportunity for residents to enjoy shopping in a familiar and comfortable environment, all while supporting a great cause.
