Booklets keep boredom at bay during lockdown

Matthew Pound, activities coordinator at Barchester’s Broadway Halls care home in Dudley, works to improve the wellbeing of residents with a variety of activities and events.

Due to Covid-19, the activities on offer have had to be limited to protect vulnerable people and staff members.

Matthew, who has worked at the home for 10 years, decided he did not want anyone to miss out on his activities, and instead has created a booklet for all residents called, the Boredom Buster.

It contains a mixture of word searches, quizzes and interesting facts about the local area.

As mental health and stimulation of the brain is of key importance, especially with increased levels of isolation, Matthew offered to share his Boredom Buster booklet.

Benefit

Matthew contacted Dudley Council’s community development team within the Public Health and Wellbeing sector, who support community groups and improve the quality of life of people in the borough.

The team loved his idea and want to share it with the groups they work with.

Matthew has now been asked to produce even more of the booklets on a monthly basis.

Speaking about the success of his idea, he said: “I am more than happy to create the monthly booklet as our residents enjoy looking through this and completing it.

“I am really pleased to know it will be shared and be of benefit to other people too.”

Sedgley Townswomen’s Guild members will be receiving a copy of the booklet in March, followed by the support network of Sedgley and the local coronavirus support group who have also expressed an interest.