A packed and varied festive events programme for residents at St Benedicts Nursing Home in Glastonbury is being put into effect by Matthew Salter, the home's recently recruited activities co-ordinator.

Matthew has relocated to Glastonbury from Taunton where he developed his expertise through hands-on experience in the care sector over the past five years.

He says he was inspired by his mother who "worked tirelessly" throughout Covid in a local care home and was very encouraging when Matthew applied for his first job in a care home setting.

Matthew's introduction to the care sector was as a kitchen assistant in a residential home, followed by a variety of roles within the home fuelled by an ambition to secure a position which would involve closer daily contact with the residents.

His move to Glastonbury was sparked by his wish to relocate there to be with his partner who is expecting their first child in the New Year.

William Merivale, deputy operations manager at St Benedicts, said: "Taunton's loss is our gain: Matthew is a great 'people person' and is showing himself very keen to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents.

"It's a joy to watch him engaging with them: he loves to take the time to sit down and properly get to know someone, and our residents respond so warmly to this."

Matthew said: "I love to meet new people and learn all about them: it's immensely satisfying when you know you've someone's day by making them feel seen and happier through a chat or a favourite activity.

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"We've got a great programme of activities lined up for the festive season, with plenty of lovely music, favourite games and some surprise visitors.

"Music is a great passion of mine, and all the research shows that musical memories are more long-lasting for people living with dementia than many other memories.

"It clearly brings them huge pleasure to listen to and join in with the Christmas songs and carols they've known and loved all their lives, and it's shown to have a strong therapeutic effect too: calming and happy-making. Some of our residents' favourite activities seem to revolve around our live performers.

"We shall be welcoming a variety of seasonal visitors to the home, including some owls, the celebrant Roger Knight to lead a festive service, and a succession of singers and musical entertainers.

"We're also taking residents to watch the nativity play at St.Benedict's CofE Junior School, which they're going to love."

St Benedicts Nursing Home is part of White Care Group which also runs St Cecilia Care Home in Shepton Mallet and The Rectory in Taunton.