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The Cinnamon Trust - Events

 

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Pet Friendly Care Home of the Year 2011

The award ceremony was held in London on 12th October 2011, at The Lanesborough Hotel.

It was a very difficult decision for our panel of judges; TV Presenter - Pam Rhodes, Editor of Dogs Today - Beverley Cuddy and Cinnamon Trust volunteer - Niamh Richardson, to decide between the six finalists who had been whittled down from 860 nursing and residential homes throughout the UK.

And the winner is ……………

 

Owls Barn, Lincolnshire.

Owls Barn is owned and managed by Loraine Olsen. It was clear that all animals are welcomed by Owls barn, the pile of Pugs and Chihuahuas gleefully milling among the residents is a big clue! One of the residents, John made his home there 25 yrs ago, he has severe special needs and his constant companion is an adorable Stafford called Pagan. John suffers from seizures but also needs to enjoy a sense of independence and so a new shed has been built for John in the grounds, Pagan takes on the role of carer, should John have a seizure Pagan alerts staff and stays by his side until help arrives. This home is all about recognising the special qualities that animals possess and that the quality of life can be enhanced by the inclusion of companion animals. Clearly, Loraine works very hard to ensure both safety and independence for her residents, a balance of a life well lived.

The five runners up ……………

Elizabeth Court Nursing Home,  East Sussex.

Elisabeth Court is owned and managed by Carol Robinson and Mandy Dade.   They are enthusiastic about allowing pets to be part of daily life for their residents. Carol explained that because the pets also felt at home if their owner sadly died the pet would, surprisingly quickly, attach to another resident, there is never a doubt about what will happen to a beloved pet and that gave comfort and consistency to all of their resident’s lives. One of Elizabeth Court’s residents Elaine, was very isolated when she first came to stay. She refused to talk or interact, Carol and Mandy made the bold decision to bring in a rescue dog as a companion to Elaine. The magical empathy between human and dog worked its wonders and soon Elaine was keen to go out shopping and walking to exercise her new friend, this dog had literally, changed her life.

Applegarth, Berkshire.

Applegarth is managed by Jenny Poole, a small home that opened its door to pets some 10 years ago, they often hold a “Pets Day” in the grounds of the home, encouraging local contact and new experiences for the residents. Senior care worker Michelle Johnson thinks that it’s important that residents can choose if they want to be with the many pets or they can rest quietly away from them, again the importance of choice and respect in later years.  Judge, Niamh Richardson praised the home for its “wonderful connection with the animals” no wonder one of the residents called it “heaven on earth”

Neuadd Drymmau, Port Talbot.

Neuadd Drymmau is owned and managed by Rosie Valler who is no stranger to rescuing animals and so it was a natural extension to welcome resident’s pets into her home. Bringing plenty of amusement to the residents is the mix of animals including Betty the goat and Minty a sheep that wandered in one day and stayed! Rosie has plenty to say about those in high places that say that animals in a care home are a problem, she sees the benefit to those in her care in so many ways, and the animals encourage those who are in danger of isolating themselves to look outside their world.

 

 

Rotherbank Residential Home, Hampshire.

Rotherbank is owned by Christine Hillyer and managed by her son James Casseldan and between them their enthusiasm is infectious. The Commander is very much at home there with his Chihuahua Lottie, as is Elsie with her much loved Lurcher  Daisey – not forgetting their own dogs John the Boxer and new arrival  a Jack Russell puppy.  As James said “having a pet provides a purpose for every day” and even those for whom dementia has taken away easy communication the stimulus of animals or the calming quality of a large tank of fish gives focus.

 

The Old Vicarage, Dorset.

The Old Vicarage is owned by Annie and Ian Sinnott. Annie Sinnott is a remarkable lady having been awarded the MBE in 2007 for her commitment to the care industry, she is mortified at the level of general care in many homes and makes no bones about demanding that rights of older people should be upheld and the purpose of care home staff is to be absolutely devoted to the care of the individual. The home manager Natalie Adams shares this unswerving loyalty to the residents, great effort is made to involve the surrounding villages in the home, encouraging a sense of community for all. The residents still talk about the Dog Show held in the grounds two years ago. The presence of animals can jog memories of animals from the residents past and conversation can flow when the subject is so different from the daily health checks. The warmth and family home feel of the Old Vicarage is like settling into a much loved chair, the animals are not an extraordinary addition but part of the fabric of the place.

 

Follow this link to enjoy the films of each home…   http://www.justfilm.co.uk/Cinnamon.html

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Events Diary 2011

Forthcoming events are listed in the table below. Scroll down for a map of all confirmed events and events in 2011 where we are still looking for help. For further details contact Head Office: admin@cinnamon.org.uk.

For further details contact Head Office: admin@cinnamon.org.uk.

 

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Cinnamon Trust Events Map

We are always looking for volunteers to run Cinnamon Trust stalls at local events, give talks about The Cinnamon Trust to local groups and to help us spread the word about what we do.

Clicking on the markers on the map below in your area will give details of confirmed Cinnamon Trust events and events where we are looking for help. If you can help with these events or if you would like more information about our confirmed events, please contact us using the information shown.

 

Cinnamon Trust Events Map:

Map last updated: February 1^st 2011. Please note that the markers are only indicative of the locations and may not be accurately positioned.

You can grab the map with your mouse and pull it to change location. Use the zoom slider on the left hand side of the map to zoom in and out.

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