Tag: Love Your Neighbourhood

Put your best pet forward in Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Pets of all shapes and sizes are being invited to be on their best behaviour and show off their shiny coats for a charity pet show in Ryde.

Colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde are brushing up on their pet skills for their first ever pet show on Sunday 14 July.

The show will be held at Ryde Scouts Hall, in St John’s Road, from 2pm to 4pm.

Rosette prizes are up for grabs in all five categories:
• Best turned out dog
• Prettiest cat
• Cutest rabbit or small animal
• Most unusual pet
• Best behaved pet

The event will be in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch – a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “I’ve nervously agreed that all pets are allowed as long as they are not out on the loose. I might regret that but hopefully it will be a laugh!

“Our Operations Manager Elaine is going to be the judge so she is the lucky one who will get up close and personal with the Island’s pets. It is all for a good cause too.

“The Wight Brainy Bunch charity is incredibly special as it was set up by a local couple, Mark and Kathryn Grimes, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

The cost to enter is £3 per pet per category.

There will also be a raffle, a barbecue and refreshments available.

To find out more or to register in advance, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Dementia residents find comfort in realistic baby dolls

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Two life-like dolls have found a new home at a care home in Warminster to help assist residents with dementia.

Residents at Ashwood Care Centre can now care for the babies as part of doll therapy – a way to ease anxiety and bring joy to people living with dementia.

The donation was made by funeral co-ordinators at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Warminster after they had heard about the benefits.

Michelle Meadows, Funeral Co-ordinator, said: “I’d seen something on the news about someone who had these dolls and went around visiting the nursing homes with them.

“Staff at Ashwood Care Centre already had a couple of non-lifelike dolls which they were using for doll therapy so they already knew the benefits.”

Michelle and her colleague Tess Gibson decided to hold a raffle in the centre’s coffee shop which raised £174 – enough for two dolls as well as craft supplies.

Michelle said: “When we went around the care centre with the new dolls, we met a woman who was non-verbal. They gave her the doll and her face lit up.

“She instantly started rocking this baby. Just to see that moment was lovely. It gives them a sense of control back. They also use it to calm people. It made the fundraising effort worthwhile.”

The dolls are weighted and now have their own cots to sleep in to make it even more realistic for the residents.

Sarah Camburn, Deputy Manager at Ashwood Care Centre, said: “The Warminster Co-operative Funeralcare kindly raised money for what was meant to be one Reborn Doll but we ended getting two, which was fantastic.

“The dolls have been received really well. Both female and male residents enjoy holding the babies. They are very therapeutic.

“The residents with dementia have been able to express their feelings through holding the dolls and sharing stories with our care staff. Some of the residents just like to sit quietly and hold them. They have been a success and will continue to be so.”

The raffle was held as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ as The Co-operative Funeralcare in Westminster is part of the local, independent co-operative.

The initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Invitation to afternoon tea in Godshill

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Hollywood glamour is coming to the Isle of Wight with a charity afternoon tea.

Experience the glitz and appeal of the red carpet all in the name of a good cause – The Wight Brainy Bunch.

The event on Saturday 18 May is being held by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde and follows a similar successful themed afternoon tea in January.

For just £14.95 per person, guests will be treated to a full stand of cakes, sandwiches and scones plus extra treats on the top layer with unlimited tea or coffee.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator, said: “Think Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. We love an opportunity to feel spoilt and this afternoon tea will do just that.

“Guests will hopefully feel extra special whilst supporting the local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is supported by the funeral home as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

The themed afternoon tea is being held from 2pm to 4pm at the Woods Kitchen, in Godshill. Dressing up is optional.

To find out more or book your place, contact Southern Co-op’s Ryde Funeralcare via 01983 615746 or rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Call for Island quizzers to get busy for charity

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, quizzers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to help raise money to support families affected by brain tumours.

This is the third charity pub quiz being held by Southern Co-op’s funeral home in Ryde and, if it is successful, it is hoped it could become a regular event every two months.

The upcoming quiz is being held at The Dairyman’s Daughter, in Arreton, on Monday 25 March at 7.30pm.

It will be raising money for The Wight Brainy Bunch – a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “Our two previous charity quizzes have been a huge success as they raised £380 for the Phoenix Project – a specialist day service for adults with learning disabilities.

“Everyone involved had a great time so we are really pleased to be able to hold another one but this time for The Wight Brainy Bunch.

“The charity is incredibly special as it was set up by a local couple, Mark and Kathryn Grimes, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

Tickets are £2 per person with up to six people per team.

To find out more or book your place, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.