Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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Friends of Larchwood

Braintree, Essex

An image showing the front lawn and the building frontage

Friends of Larchwood aim to relieve the social isolation of the elderly in Larchwood by providing equipment, facilities, activities and services over and above those provided for the residents, particularly with a view to helping residents of the care home and elderly people in the wider community undertake rewarding activities.

2015

Friends of Larchwood founded

2018

On 24th May 2018 Friends of Larchwood received a grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help to purchase garden furniture and a range of tactile plants.

2021

The Friends were able to give an Easter egg and card to all staff and residents at the care home.

They also hosted an open house and barbecue event at the care home for friends, family, residents and staff.

2024

A photo of a newly planted raised bed

The Friends held the first of their coffee and cake mornings for all residents along with their family members and friends.

The Garden Challenge Team came to the care home and did a great job with planting and tidying up in the garden.

2024

The Friends were able to purchase items for Christmas stockings for the 71 residents. They purchases items including bed socks, toiletries and playing cards. Residents and staff enjoyed receiving the gifts.

Stories from Friends of Larchwood

I've seen people here, and I've seen how there are people who don't get visitors or family, and I like chatting to people. So that's how it started.

Listen 00:11:12

Story: Arlene Dhalla - Braintree, Essex