Staff at a dementia care home in Glastonbury have started 2025 on a high with the opening of a new staff lounge where they can relax and socialise during their break periods.

William Merivale, deputy operations manager at St Benedict's Nursing Home, said: "Colleagues are so enjoying having this little sanctuary available to chill in when they have their breaks.

"The room was previously used as a store-room but we could see that repurposing it for staff use would be a much better idea, and it's really being appreciated by everyone.

"The room has been painted a relaxing shade of lilac and furnished with comfy chairs and beanbags.

"It's being used as a proper chill-out zone, which is important in a busy environment like a care home, where having the chance to relax for a few minutes can make all the difference to how you perform for the rest of your shift.

"We've kitted the room out with a smart TV, wifi, fridge, kettle and microwave for staff to use.

"Feedback from the team has been very positive, and it's genuinely noticeable that people return refreshed after even just a short period of quiet time in the staff lounge."

St Benedict's staff have also been provided with a new easy-wash no-iron turquoise uniform. The tunics also have carers' names on them, which visitors and residents really appreciate since staff now stand out and can easily be identified.

St Benedict's Nursing Home is run by White Care Group which has other homes in Shepton Mallet and Taunton.