(Image: Supplied)
Residents at a North East care home have stitched together a patchwork of treasured memories, friendships and life stories as part of a nationwide arts project celebrating the connections that shape people's lives.
Residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in Saltburn created the quilt for Arts in Care Homes, an initiative organised by the National Activity Providers Association.
Inspired by this year's Stories That Connect Us theme, participants reflected on the people, moments and experiences that have helped shape their lives.
Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Sheila O'Neill, 86, shares her tonguetwister story with her daughter Bridgid Noddings during the home’s 'Stories ThatConnect Us' event (Image: Supplied)
Sharon Lewis, activities co-ordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: "This year’s theme really resonated with our residents because it gave them the chance to share stories, memories and experiences that are important to them.
"Creative activities like these give residents an opportunity to talk about what matters to them, celebrate their interests and spend time with other people who share those connections.
"It was wonderful to bring together so many of the people and organisations we have connected with over the years and to celebrate those relationships at our Stories that Connect Us event.
Michelle Rispin, owner of Carebark Therapy Dogs, visits Hazelgrove Court CareHome with therapy dog Red during the home’s 'Stories That Connect Us' event (Image: Supplied)
"The day was a real success and there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the home."
Residents created the quilt during reminiscence sessions, choosing images from photographs and newspaper clippings.
One panel showed a cardboard ice cream van made by residents and staff to fit over a wheelchair.
Retired former staff member Val Brown used the van to serve residents ice creams.
Joyce Tibbett, 90, said: "This brings back some very funny memories."
Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Barry Taylor, 86, shows some of hisfavourite tongue twisters during the home’s “Stories That Connect Us” event (Image: Supplied)
Other panels featured years of knitting projects, including blankets and toys made for charities, along with fundraising events and crafts.
The project also celebrated the care home’s links with the wider community.
Residents highlighted community partners including Youth Focus, the Veteran Friendly Framework, the Stella Project, Huntcliff School and Carebark Therapy Dogs.
Hazelgrove Court Care Home resident Sheila O'Neill, 86, shares her tonguetwister story with her daughter Bridgid Noddings during the home’s 'Stories ThatConnect Us' event (Image: Supplied)
The relationships featured in the quilt, storyboards and accompanying booklets.
The quilt project also revisited the home’s year-long focus on tongue twisters, with residents and staff writing stories about their interests and experiences.
Hazelgrove Court hosted a Stories That Connect Us event, inviting families, friends and community groups to view the displays over coffee and cake with residents.
Sheila O’Neill, 86, said: "I loved reading my tongue twister story to my daughter Bridget.
"It was about my love of crochet."
Barry Taylor, 86, said: "I love telling people about the tongue twisters and listening to them read them."
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Anita Johnson, 76, called the event "wonderful".
Visitors also watched a video message from Alan Dunn, who helped residents with the tongue-twister activities.
The care home provided a virtual tour for those unable to attend.