The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

There have been various changes at Henderson Court in the year since Brian O’Connell was appointed the centre manager. His untiring enthusiasm and commitment has overseen the introduction of several innovative ideas and projects that are enhancing the lives of the elderly community who face increasing challenges to their health and capacity.

Last year Age UK Camden decided that the centre should predominantly focus on provision for local people with dementia and similar needs, to help enrich their lives by continuing to engage in stimulating mental, physical and social activities.

One of the new initiatives was to move the monthly Sunday afternoon Tea Service (started of course by Diana Young, our previous curate), from the church to Henderson Court itself. This makes it easier for those living in the sheltered housing attached to the centre, as well as any others who wish, to attend a simple service and enjoy a relaxed, friendly tea and chat afterwards. It also strengthens the connection with the church and the centre.

However, as you can read in Brian’s report, under his leadership there has been no shortage of new creative initiatives.

Brian writes:
“Henderson Court continues to flourish, although under ever-growing, demanding financial constraints. The work that the team carry out at Henderson Court as part of Age UK Camden, is to offer much needed respite care to those living with partners or parents with a host of long term conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. These numbers are growing and by 2025 we will see nearly 25,000 people in Camden living with these long term health needs.Our aim here at Henderson Court is to offer a safe, welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to continue to take an active role in the community and not just be sitting at home waiting for the next care visit.

The centre has strong links with local schools, offering a wide range of intergenerational projects that stimulate both our members and the children that attend.

Together with Hampstead Community Centre, we again hosted a six week programme of activity in the centre that ranged from a joint exercise class, right through to Bingo.We also work alongside the UCL hospital service, bringing in 6 medical students throughout the academic year, running from October to April. This gives the medical students a chance to experience what it is like living with a long-term health condition and the impact it can have on someone’s life. We started a pet therapy programme in May of this year and this has gone from strength to strength. Everyone loves Rocky the boxer dog and we see him very much as part of the Henderson family. Another new activity introduced this year has been our involvement with the British Museum. Volunteers from the museum visit with a collection of items from the museum, hosting a handling session at the centre as part of their community engagement programme. This brings artefacts to people who may not have the opportunity to visit the museum directly. All of this work cannot be done without the generosity of people like yourselves. We would not be able to keep Henderson Court open if it were not for the donations that people like your good selves give. With warm wishes and deep regards,Brian (Resource Centre Manager).”

Brian mentioned the project with Hampstead Community Centre. A strategic partnership has been formed by the two centres with the specific aim of working together to create a more inclusive and supportive community to improve the wellbeing of older people in the area in which both centres operate.

This means the church’s support connects to an even wider local network.
Two activities connect Henderson Court more directly with our church.

1). During our ‘Holiday in Hampstead’ week, one afternoon offered a ‘Tea at the Ritz’ (aka Henderson Court!), with sandwiches and homemade cakes, somehow transported round the corner un-crushed by the H-in-H team, accompanied by David Moore and his Community Choir to provide entertainment with the tea.  This was extremely well attended and thoroughly enjoyed, on a lovely sunny afternoon.
 
2). Many of you will have contributed to the Christmas Hampers that the church takes to Henderson Court in December. The centre distributes them around the locality to isolated older people who would not otherwise receive any gifts. Not only do the recipients value the contents, beautifully gift wrapped – plus, not least, simply having a visitor call – but they and the staff at Henderson Court are deeply appreciative of the loving care with which these hampers are prepared.

Sincere thanks go to everyone involved for their continuing support.