This Valentine’s season, residents and staff at Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown have been busy collecting donations from friends, family and locals for animals at a local rescue centre.

With bags of food and equipment assembled, they made a special trip over to Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Church Knowle – but not before making a last-minute stop at Castleman Community Larder, run by Michelle Bennett and her army of volunteers.

Rebekah Goddard, Kings Park’s home services advisor, said: “I reached out to the larder and Michelle and the team there have been brilliant.

“The work they so hard to ensure that the community in and around West Moors have affordable produce for all.

“They also have a zero-waste policy, so when any food items are past their best, instead of throwing it all away, often it ends up as animal food.

“When I explained what we were doing, Michelle really got behind our little project and we collected food for the animals on-route to the centre with our residents.

“We’re so grateful for their generosity, but also in awe of the effect of the larder too.

“When I visited previously, they were so busy and it’s obviously well used and loved in the area.”

Claudia Canosa, activities lead at Kings Park, said that the residents had been busy baking heart-shaped doggy biscuits, which they were excited to take along to Margaret Green.

“Many of the people in our care have had animals themselves before moving in to our home, so animal therapy in all its forms is so vital for their wellbeing”, she added.

“We currently have a therapy dog called Roady, who’s a weekly visitor in the home. The week before last we had two alpacas who came to see us, and next week we have a visiting pony.

“Valentines can also be a tricky time for those who have lost loved ones, so this is a slight diversion from the usual romantic love to something a little bit different and which also makes them smile.

“A huge thank you to Liz and the team at Margaret Green for the amazing tour, which was enjoyed so much.”

Kings Park is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides residential, dementia and respite care to its residents, who regularly take part in a range of physical, mental and spiritual activities.

• barchester.com

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