University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day by arranging special home-based celebrations for service users unable to attend community events.
The partnership’s home support team was aware not everyone could join public commemorations, so organised for team members to bring VE Day directly to peoples’ own homes.
Members of the team spent quality time with service users, sharing specially arranged lunches, playing nostalgic music from the VE Day era, and discussing memories and stories from service users’ younger years. Decorative posters enhanced the atmosphere, along with replica identity cards, ration books and war-time cookery books.
One resident who celebrated VE Day celebrations at home with home support staff was Carol Ann Foley from Wishaw.
Bunting ran around her living room as she was joined by Councillor Bob Burgess, who was dressed as Winston Churchill, and her grandson Ronan Cusack who was dressed as an allied soldier.
Mrs Foley said of her day: “My carers are my lifeline. They’re excellent, I call them my angels. A while back they asked if I wanted to do something to celebrate the VE Day anniversary. Joan Clelland from the home support team said they had hosted a celebration in the Integrated Day service and she and the team would arrange home visits for people who couldn’t make the community event.
“Everyone involved has made it such a great day. It’s important to be part of your community and this has brought the community to me with neighbours also joining in.
“I love all the decorations and it’s absolutely made my day having all the flags around the living room as well as the old posters and war-time books. It’s been a great day and it’s come together so well.”
Claire Rae, chief officer, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “It’s wonderful to know our service users really enjoyed the day. These celebrations help ensure that everyone feels a valued part of their communities, no matter their circumstances.
“It was important to us that those unable to attend traditional community events did not miss out, and knowing Mrs Foley and others shared some special moments together has been truly rewarding for everyone.
“Special occasions like this underscores the partnership’s commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and community engagement.”
