December traditions do far more than mark the passage of time, they create a sense of belonging. They help residents feel part of something bigger, spark memories, and soften feelings of loneliness that can intensify during the winter months. Most importantly, they remind us that no matter our backgrounds, people everywhere seek joy, connection, and meaning.

Hygge helps us to slow down, notice the little things, and create moments of connection that really matter - and those moments are at the heart of good activities work. Below are five ways Hygge can quietly transform the way you plan and deliver activities.

Remembrance Day can hold deep meaning in a care home, offering residents a moment to reflect, remember, and connect. While it’s easy to assume the day no longer feels relevant, gentle, inclusive activities can bring comfort, conversation, and shared understanding for everyone, whether they lived through wartime or have different life experiences.

“Hydration isn’t just about water - it’s about flavour, fun, and sharing moments. For older people, staying hydrated can boost energy, focus, and wellbeing, yet it’s something we often overlook. We believe that food and drink are more than nourishment; they’re stories waiting to be shared. This Halloween, why not turn hydration into a creative, social experience with a ‘Potion Station’? Residents and families can mix colourful mocktails, invent spooky names, and share memori

"Why is it that in my role I never feel good enough and question what I’m doing? Maybe it’s because my co-workers think I do nothing and they really don’t understand my job. It’s hard to just brush it off."

For many care home activity coordinators, the phrase "no budget " is all too familiar. You’re expected to provide a full, engaging programme of activities, but the money simply isn’t there. It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re passionate about delivering the best for your residents.

Spiritual wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For some residents, it means practising their religion, joining a service, or connecting with a local faith leader. For others, it might be sitting by the window with a cup of tea, listening to birdsong, or sharing memories from their childhood.

Emotional wellbeing isn’t about eliminating the lows, it’s about recognising where someone is in that moment, and offering the right kind of support.

"The richest, most surprising stories from care home residents often appear in those quiet, in-between moments - waiting for the kettle to boil, walking to the dining room, or peeling veg for shepherd’s pie. These golden snippets of lived experience can transform your activity planning, turning everyday conversations into meaningful, mind-stimulating sessions that celebrate residents as experts in their own stories."

As an Activity Coordinator, you're in a brilliant position to support physical wellbeing without needing a physio’s degree or a gym in the lounge. In fact, many of the best ways to help residents move more don’t look like exercise at all. Let’s explore why physical wellbeing matters and how you can help support it through meaningful, joyful activity.

Discover how to support social wellbeing in care homes with meaningful, everyday activities. This post explores small group ideas, purposeful connections, and practical tools for activity coordinators using the SPIES wellbeing model.

Let’s be honest: flying by the seat of your pants every day is exhausting. Planning ahead, using monthly themes, flexible activity templates, and person-centred tools (like those in the Activity Coordinators Toolbox™), helps you feel more organised and in control. That doesn’t mean you lose spontaneity, it means you’ve got the groundwork in place, so when inspiration strikes, you’re ready.

Looking for a rewarding, music-based business opportunity? The Kiddleydivey franchise in Sussex is now available – offering exclusive rights, a full diary of bookings, and the chance to deliver uplifting, therapeutic music sessions to care homes across over 600 square miles. Perfect for singers, musicians, and performers ready for a flexible and fulfilling career.

Struggling to switch off after a busy day at the care home? If you're an activity coordinator juggling residents’ needs with home life, finding a healthy work-life balance is essential. In this post, we explore six simple, real-life examples, from walking the dog to setting phone boundaries, that can help you mentally leave work at work, avoid burnout, and protect your wellbeing.

Reaching out to Lingfield Park Racecourse, Laurence was met with remarkable generosity. The racecourse, part of the Arena Racing Company group, offered ten complimentary tickets so Stephen could spend the day at the races with his family, friends, and fellow residents.

The language we use in care isn’t just admin. It shapes how people feel. If something looks vague, clinical, or confusing on a planner, residents may skip it - or worse, feel that it’s something being done to them rather than with them.

Caroline Benham, sweltering in the heat, hands on her head - still smiling though! When temperatures rise, keeping residents safe, cool,...

As an activity coordinator, your work can be deeply rewarding, but also incredibly busy and emotionally demanding. Between planning meaningful sessions, adapting for differing needs, liaising with families, and keeping up with documentation, it's easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and forget to check in with yourself. ~ That’s where self-assessment  comes in. Why Self-Assessment is so valuable for activity coordinators Self-assessment is a powerful tool to help you: Refle

Understanding the signs of ill-being in dementia and how you can help As activity coordinators, we’re trained to bring joy, variety and...

Caroline J Benham - Founder, Bright Copper Kettles CIC If you’re new to the role of Activity Coordinator, or even just new to this  care...