Claremont House News
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
Welcome!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Claremont House Newsletter. We hope this finds you all well.
As always, we have had a few months full of fun and laughter and sadly a few tears too here at Claremont.
October
Staff and residents appreciated our neighbour popping by to share some of her apples harvested from her apple tree. Some of our residents utilised their baking talents and made apple crumbles for all of us to enjoy.
We welcomed Carrie, Dannii and Haley to our team. All have integrated with the team and our residents well. Each of them contributes their individual experiences and character to our service.
November
Residents were asked in their forum meeting how they would like to utilise the funds raised from our Summer Bonanza. The consensus was that they wanted a ‘Mystery Tour’ organised by management and the destination to be a surprise. A bus trip to Devils Porridge was arranged where our residents reminiscent and enjoyed a lovely lunch before returning home.
The team arranged for an evening of live entertainment with Gary Black which was attended by residents’ friends, family and our service neighbours at Craigshields. All proceeds have gone to the residents’ fund for our next adventure.
December
The residents and staff had some fun decorating their home in preparation for Santa. Claremont looked like a winter wonderland inside and out. Management discovered the creative talents that some of our staff have, and this will certainly be put to good use.
Traveling Light Company visited us to start getting us into the Festive Spirit. The residents and staff enjoyed a wee sing-along while tucking into a buffet and sweets.
Our residents attended the Christmas Panto at Theatre Royal. It was Aladdin this year which was thoroughly enjoyed by all residents as much as staff. We look forward to next year’s Christmas Panto.
The team also arranged for a pre-Christmas meal at the Cavens Arms which is a regular favourite of the residents of Claremont. This was attended by all residents of Claremont. The Cavens Arms was very accommodating to us.
The team also spent a week leading up to Christmas day making delicious treats. Some even staying behind at the end of their shifts to allow time to create these homemade treats. These were individually bagged and gift wrapped allowing us to give our residents a wee gift from Claremont to open on Christmas morning.
On Christmas morning our residents had a fry-up brunch at 11:00 followed by a 3 -course Christmas dinner at 3pm however the residents decided to save their Christmas pudding until 5pm as they felt too full after their starters and main course.
A note from Susan
2025 was a busy year in Claremont. Loads of activities, summer fete, day trips and meals out. Lovely memories made.
We have staff completing their SVQ 3 and new staff being enrolled for this qualification, numerous training courses have been completed and information sessions attended, all contributing to staff becoming more knowledgeable, gaining a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and giving them confidence in their role.
Throughout 2025 Claremont have built up stronger and more positive working relationships with MDTS, this is a positive step and is proving to be beneficial.
Sadly, we lost one of our residents in February who had been with us for thirteen years and who we loving called the “Lady of the Manor”. We also lost another who had only been with us eight months but the impact she had and the impression she made was remarkable. Both will be fondly remembered. Losing both these ladies has had an impact on us all and I would like to let all staff know how proud I am of you all and please be proud of yourselves too.
Welcoming new staff and saying goodbye to and wishing staff moving on good luck.
I would like to take this opportunity to let all my staff, Mel, Deputy, (brilliant on Tech and much more) all support workers (going above and beyond in their role) and Donna for keeping our home clean and inviting how much I value them and appreciate all they do.
All the very best for 2026.
Susan
