Care home’s car park concert brings community together

A CAR park concert at a care home in Ingleby Barwick saw residents and their relatives face-to-face for the first time since coronavirus restrictions were put in place six weeks ago.

Dozens of residents and staff at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, danced in the car park at the front of the home to a live performance from local singer Simon Carter.

Their family members were also invited to enjoy the concert – keeping a safe distance outside the car park but able to see their relatives as well as dance and singalong with them.

The performance also attracted a crowd of those passing the home on their once daily exercise outings as well as those living and working in neighbouring properties.

Andrea Broughton, who runs Mrs B’s Community Hive, a children’s activities club located across the road, had a song dedicated to her by Simon after calling the care home to congratulate them on the concert.

Carol Singleton, home manager at Ingleby Care Home, said: “The car park concert was a huge success. Everyone loved it – including the residents, staff, their relatives, and friends of the home.

“Everyone was singing and dancing along in the sunshine to classics from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, among others. Simon did a fantastic job.

“The concert was also the first time many of the residents had seen their family members in person in weeks – albeit from a safe distance.

“The home was closed to non-essential visitors in March following the coronavirus pandemic, so residents have been speaking with their relatives on the phone, using Skype and FaceTime.

“There were family members in tears, enjoying watching their parents, grandparents and, for some, great grandparents having a wonderful time dancing and singing to some of their favourite music.

“The whole event has been a great lift during this difficult time for everyone who lives and works at the home as well as the local community.”