Whether it’s wet or dry outside, we at OSJCT feel that activities are essential in providing the best caring environment to live in.
Hobbies don’t simply stop when living with us at The Lakes Care Centre. We have a dedicated Activities Co-ordinator who works closely with our residents to create a programme of fulfilling activities and events, tailored around each resident’s requests, hobbies and interests. The programme of events and activities provide a source of fun and laughter, to help each resident live their life to the full and make new friendships.
Many of the activities feature Reminiscence Therapy to aid those living with Dementia to remember events, people and places using sight, touch, taste, smell and sound.
We are also fortunate to have the support of many volunteers of all ages from the local community, strengthening our links to this thriving market town. Here is a sample of activities on offer:
- Arts and crafts
- ‘Pat the dog’ – a visit from a trained dog
- Coffee mornings
- 100th birthday party
- Lunch club
- Manicure and massage
- Gents’ club
- Flower arranging
- Visiting musicians
- Knit2gether
- Visit from the Beavers
- Christmas parties
- Summer fete
- Church service
- Gardening
- Mind song (music therapy)
View a sample activities calendar (PDF)
The talented chef and kitchen team prepare tasty, home-cooked meals on site daily from our own kitchens. We source quality produce for our excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. All-day dining is available for lighter meals and snacks, and all dishes are carefully balanced to get the best nutritional value and cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences.
The menus change daily, and the kettle is always on, so hot drinks are available throughout the day.
Each of the four households have their own personal kitchen-dining room where residents can take their meals if they wish. Residents are also encouraged to help prepare their own food, and to make snacks.
Nikkie Millar – Home Manager
Nikkie joined The Order of St John Care Trust in 2018 at Jubilee Lodge as Head of Dementia Care before progressing to Head of Care and then Home Manager at Orchard House. After a short time away, she returned to the Trust in April 2024 as Home Manager at The Lakes.
She holds a range of qualifications including NVQ Level 5, Level 3 Dementia Care and Level 3 Teaching Education, and is an experienced Moving and Handling Instructor of over 20 years. Nikkie is passionate about empowering colleagues, supporting professional growth, and ensuring the highest standards of care for residents.
Outside of work, Nikkie enjoys travelling to hot and sunny destinations, trying extreme sports and spending time with her family.
Kayleigh Woods – Deputy Manager
“I began my journey with The Order of St John Care Trust in 2015, joining as a care assistant. Over the years I have been fortunate to grow and develop across a variety of roles. My experience includes working in the kitchen department, progressing to care leader and then spending two years with the learning and development team where I learnt how to support growth and development with others.
“In March 2025 I joined The Lakes Care Centre as Head of Dementia, before recently being promoted to Deputy Manager.
“My passion has always been based on providing person centred care, I am committed to ensuring every resident feels valued, respected and supported to live a fulfilling life. I will always aspire to make a meaningful difference each day, both for the people we care for and the team we work alongside.”
Fiona Boxall – Bursar
Fiona is the Bursar at The Lakes Care Centre. Prior to this, Fiona spent time nearly five years working as a Bursar at another OSJCT care home, Millbrook Lodge, in Brockworth.
“No two days are ever the same at The Lakes. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with our wonderful residents and their families”
When asked what her favourite memory was from her time at The Lakes, Fiona reflected on one of these many opportunities she had to interact with a resident and their loved one.
“The Lakes were taking part in a baking competition, and I was lucky enough to transport one of our keen baking residents and his family to the grand finale in Bath. This resident was from a farming background, and it was an absolute pleasure to see the look on his face as we drove around the countryside and told tales of his farming days.”
In her spare time away from The Lakes, Fiona enjoys travelling, trips to the movies and theatre, as well as spending as much time with her loving family as possible.
Sharon Dewsbury – Activity Co-ordinator
Sharon has worked as the Activities Co-ordinator since 2013 but has worked in the care industry for over 18 years.
Sharon has completed a level 3 qualification in dementia care and has completed her care certificate too. Sharon likes that every day at work is different, one day she could be organising a party, trips out or organising outdoor games the next she could be organising dementia friendly cinemas, entertainers or just arranging a varied programme of activities that are tailored to meet the residents’ interests and preferences.
Sharon’s fondest memory is when two residents turned 100 and all the staff dressed in vintage clothes from a variety of eras, and everyone enjoyed a brilliant party.
Outside of work Sharon loves taking her two terriers for a walk and socialising with friends and family.
- Enjoy an all-inclusive stay with meals, activities, housekeeping and personal care all included.
- Relax and socialise in our welcoming bistro, comfortable lounges and beautifully maintained gardens.
- Look and feel your best with our on-site hair salon and wellbeing facilities.
- Spend quality time with loved ones in our private dining room, ideal for family visits and special occasions.
- Benefit from expert support, including specialist dementia care and Admiral Nurse guidance.
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