The day the lambs came to Chater Lodge

The heart-warming event filled the home with smiles, laughter, and a wonderful sense of connection, as residents, staff, and visiting family members gathered to meet the fluffy new arrivals from Phoenix Lambs.

The visit was a sensory delight, as residents could gently stroke the lambs’ soft wool, hold them close, and learn about their care and early life. Many residents reminisced about past experiences with farm animals and sparked lively conversations about childhood visits to the countryside, family farms, and memories of springtime in years gone by.

General Manager Zoe Postgate said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew that having the lambs here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Resident Shirley Coging was very excited by the lambs visit: “As a child I used to love all the animals on the nearby farm. Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the animals were free to roam amongst us.”

Chater Lodge care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Chater Lodge provides residential care for 46 beds for residents from respite care to long term stays.