A CARE home became a desert island for residents during a special week of activities.

The West Abbey care centre, in Yeovil, recently put on a Desert Island Discs week, with residents imagining they were cut adrift on a desert island, a far cry from the rainy conditions they currently find themselves in.

A competition was held within the home to choose five things to take with them, as well as a song they would be able to listen to.

Answers were put up on a whiteboard in the foyer for all to see, which was judged by manager Helen at the end of the week to decide the winner of the very special summer hamper.

Activities coordinators at West Abbey supported the residents at the home by talking to everyone to find out which items they would take as well as song choice, so everyone could be in with a chance of winning.

The competition was won by laundry assistant Lynn, whose answers and humour led to her winning the prize.

Helen Colaço, general manager, said: “In these unprecedented times, providing a range of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities for our residents is more important than ever.

"Our residents and our staff really enjoyed our Desert Island Disc week. It really showed off the creativity and the personalities of everyone here.

"I loved reading everyone’s ideas and this it was great to have so many people take part. It was so difficult to choose a winner.”

Kathy, a resident at the home was more than happy to put her ideas into the mix.

“Even though I didn’t win it was really interesting to try to think about which things I would take," she said.

"The music part was easier however, everyone knew that it would be a Cliff Richard song that is coming with me.”

West Abbey Care Centre is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. West Abbey provides residential care, nursing care and respite care.