A taste of kindness; care home residents enjoy chocolate tasting and fair trade talk

Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island has a wide variety of activities and entertainment on offer. Recently they hosted a Chocolate Tasting session with Penny Chinnery from the COOP. There was a lot of excitement – and delicious chocolate – when Penny Chinnery came along for a morning of tasting chocolate and an insightful talk about Fairtrade.

Residents, family members and community visitors were invited to sample a selection of chocolates while learning more about where the ingredients come from and the people behind the products. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover how our everyday shopping choices can make a positive difference to farmers and communities around the world.

The session sparked planet of conversation, with residents sharing their chocolate preferences and reminiscing about chocolates and treats they have enjoyed. Of course there was plenty of debate about which chocolate was the clear winner.

Penny also explained more about Fairtrade, helping attendees understand how Fairtrade principles can support producers by  promoting better working conditions, fairer prices and more sustainable farming.

For Wimborne residents it was much more than enjoying a sweet treat, it provided and opportunity to learn, share memories and experiences, socialise and connect with members of our community.

Activities that stimulate the senses can be particularly meaningful for people living with dementia. The familiar taste and smell of chocolate can evoke memories, encourage conversation and tasting different varieties makes an enjoyable opportunity for choices and to express preferences.

Home Services Advisor Nikki Shepherd said ‘We loved welcoming Penny Chinnery to Wimborne. Chocolate is always a great way to bring people together, but the Fairtrade talk gave us plenty to think about. Our residents really enjoyed hearing about the stories of the products that they were tasting.’

With plenty of smiles, interesting conversations and naturally some empty wrappers, it was a sweet and tasty morning at Wimborne.

General Manager Kelly Brown has said’ Having Penny here from the COOP provided a wonderful morning of information, discussion and delicious chocolate tasting. We are very proud of the range of activities we offer that our community are welcomed in to participate in. Watch this space for more joint activities with Penny and the COOP!’

The Wimborne verdict? Fairtrade, friendship and chocolate make a very good combination!