Sequin-clad residents at a care home took to the dancefloor as part of a county-wide festival to celebrate staff and volunteers who are improving lives across North Yorkshire.
From themed tea parties to dancing, singing, live music, films, a silent disco and other special activity days, staff and residents at care sites across North Yorkshire have been taking part in a series of events to mark the Festival of Care month.
Bringing together care workers and residents with their love for music, the event – which is in its second year and coincides with Good Care Month – featured everyone learning dance routines to take part in a county-wide Strictly Come Dancing-style competition with trophies and certificates awarded to the best performers.
Good Care Month recognises and celebrates the dedication and hard work of social care workers who provide essential services to those in need.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “Delivering care is a skilled and unique profession that deserves recognition, respect and celebration.
“The Festival of Care is a time to celebrate the fantastic work that care provider services across North Yorkshire do in a range of different service areas, it helps us to celebrate our teams and their amazing commitment to those we support. Also, these entertaining events are an opportunity to have some fun and make memories that will last.”
He added: “I am one of the judges for the Strictly competition and am really looking forward to watching the dance routines and seeing everyone have fun.”
Among those taking part in the competition are residents and staff at Carentan House Residential Home in Selby who put their best foot forward and practised dancing through the decades.
The manager at Carentan House, Leanne Dawson, said: “The Strictly Come Dancing event is fantastic and has proved a huge hit with everyone. All the residents and staff have had a wonderful time and really enjoyed not only singing and dancing, but preparing for the event too, decorating the home and choosing their outfits.”
As part of our Festival of Care and Good Care Month, members of North Yorkshire Council’s library services have been visiting care sites across the county demonstrating the wide range of programmes that are available to enhance the lives of people living in care such as the home delivery initiative.
Cllr Harrison added: “The care of the individuals we support is paramount in everything we do. We are always striving to do the very best that we can. Our care professionals work so hard to achieve this and therefore we use this month to say a massive thank you for all that they do and that it doesn’t go unnoticed.”