Oomph day out to Blackpool Illuminations for Oldham pensioners

Blackpool Illuminations

A group of pensioners from Oldham relived their youth at Blackpool Illuminations and some of them had a rare day out, that 'most of us take for granted'. 

Many of the elderly residents at Treelands Care Home in Fitton Hill, suffer with a range of illnesses, including dementia. It can be very difficult for family or friends to take them out. 

But the group enjoyed fish and chips, a sing song in 'Kiss me Quick' hats and loved seeing the lights yesterday.

They were escorted by Cassy Nield, Treelands Wellbeing Co-ordinator who said: "To see the enjoyment on the faces of some of the people we care for was lovely. 

"Some of them were reliving memories of when they were young and used to see the lights as children.

"For many of us we don't think anything of having a day out, or having fish and chips, but for people whose family can't take them out, it's a really nice treat.

"One of the residents used to be a singer and she led everyone in a sing - song on the minibus on the way home.

"It was a memorable trip"

The company Oomph Out and About, which is part of Oomph Wellness helped organise the excursion to see the famous Illuminations.

Bill Ramsbottom drove the minibus, for Oomph on the trip and says: “It’s always a great experience driving people out to see sights, when they don’t get out much.

“Many of the elderly in homes are really interesting with stories to tell.

“We try and organise special trips for all sorts of people, wherever possible.”

Oomph recently organised a trip for one pensioner, who used to teach Autistic children, to go back to Martin Mere, in Southport.  It was a place that was special to her from her teaching days.

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