A Dorset dementia care home has launched a men’s club so male residents can enjoy DIY activities over a pint and blokey chat.
Club meetings are taking place at Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth with support from team members including care, companionship and maintenance staff.
The group’s first project has involved building birdhouses for the Fernhill garden, some of which will be sold in aid of charity at the home’s forthcoming summer fete.
Cara Duroe, Fernhill’s Companionship Team Leader, said:
“In a chat with residents, it became apparent that some of our men missed having ‘do it yourself’ tasks. This kind of thing gives many men a sense of purpose.
“We support a lot of hobbies and activities that are female-led, so we decided to create a space in which men can celebrate their past DIY projects and hobbies and reminisce over a pint and games.”
Maintenance Manager Barry Mathews said:
“We thought we could focus on male hobbies and create a space in which they could be themselves, be a man.
“The idea is to create a club where our male…
