Thought-provoking poetry enthrals Shannon Court residents

Above: Residents Andrew and Daphne attend Shannon Court’s poetry group, hosted by the care home’s Activities Coordinators, Stephen Chandler and Leah Oliver. 

Since the Epic of Gilgamesh and Homer’s Odyssey, poetry has always played a significant role throughout history. It allows us to express our deepest thoughts, unravel difficult emotions and tell the most captivating stories. This is what residents at Shannon Court, in Hindhead, are able to experience thanks to the care home’s poetry group.

Hosted by Shannon Court’s Activities Coordinators, Stephen Chandler and Leah Oliver, residents and staff read poetry of all kinds, from traditional classics like Shakespeare to romantic classics and contemporary poets. After each reading follows a discussion where all attendants share their thoughts, elaborating on the several meanings of the poems and reflecting on their relevance in today’s world. This helps them stimulate their brain and enhance their overall sense of wellbeing.

Commenting on the benefits of Shannon Court’s poetry group, resident Daphne says:

Everybody has a story that’s triggered by the poems, something they haven’t told for a while or even thought about for a long time. That story then triggers memories for others, who then share their own story.

This group makes us think, talk and act, and it’s great to have people to chat about these things.

Activities Coordinator Stephen Chandler adds:

Our poetry group started some years ago, and has been a firm and favourite fixture of our activities programme ever since.

[Summary: Residents and staff attend Shannon Court’s poetry group, where they read a wide range of poems. After each reading follows a discussion where attendants share their thoughts. This helps residents stimulate their brain and enhance their overall sense of wellbeing.]