Singer lifts residents' spirits at Warwick care home

A singer from a charity that aims to end isolation of older people helped raise the spirits of residents at a Warwick care home.

On March 18, Hannah Ciotkowski from the Kissing It Better charity sang to residents at Park View care home in Priory Road, which is run by Runwood Homes.

Kissing it Better’s aim is to end the isolation of old age by bringing the generations together.

With countless thousands - of mainly vulnerable older people - looking at the prospect of being isolated in their own homes for at least three months, the charity team knew they had to think ‘outside the box’ to ensure their usual programme of events, that usually take place inside hospitals and residential homes, were still able to continue.

The result was 'outside the window' (#outsidethewindow), a carefully planned programme of activities that can take place in the open air and always at least two metres from anyone else.

For the last few weeks, the charity have been both surprising those who have to stay away from others, whether that be in a hospital, residential home or their own house.

Hannah, who was born and raised in Stratford, has been taking part in the singing surprises.

She said: "Since the restrictions have come in to place, I am still singing everyday, 'outside the window' in a variety of places, including outside of Warwick Hospital.

"At Kissing it Better, we are already creative thinkers, so it allowed us to think more outside the box.

"We were determined not to have coronavirus impact our mission, and instead, looked for an alternative.

"If anything, it's been quite fun, a novelty to perform outside. As we are restricted from going inside, it allows the residents to feel connected to the outside world, and know that they haven't been forgotten.

"It was simply joyful to perform for the care home. Not just for the residents, but the staff too. It's different, and a ray of sunshine through the clouds at the moment, which I think is really needed at this time.

"To forget about your stresses or worries, even if it's for five minutes makes a huge difference to people's well-being. The residents in the care homes sing and dance along, even when it's finished they are often still talking about it."

Hannah has been involved with charity since she was 11-year-old and is now employed as project director.

She said: "I actually began as a volunteer for Kissing it Better when I was 11. I fell in love with the joy the charity gives people and the difference it makes to peoples well-being.

"Since January, I have been lucky enough to have been funded by the Rank Foundation and been employed as a Project Director for Kissing it Better.

"Helping organising some of the wonderful projects we do, such as bringing students and volunteers into hospitals and care homes to help reduce the isolation often faced in older age and hospitals.

"We strongly believe that our visits are not just about the songs.

"By singing tunes everyone knows, we hope we are triggering happy memories.

"Also, the staff really enjoy it too and often dance along. This makes the residents smile and some of them have joined in with the dancing in any way they can giving them a chance for some simple exercise."

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