Newark team take steps to support charity and maintain positive mental health

Staff at Newark Care Home are fundraising to give children in Rwanda a brighter future but also to help maintain positive mental health during Covid-19.

People familiar with Newark Care Home may have heard of, supported or attended race nights organised by one of our nurses, Arthur Docherty, to raise money for Aid for Education in Rwanda.

The Inverclyde based charity sponsors children, funds education for school students, provides school materials, helps with health care costs and supports income-generating projects.

Arthur’s race nights have been great successes and with the help of the local community, he has raised thousands of pounds for the cause. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the event could not go ahead this year.

Aware that people such as Arthur cannot fundraise in the usual way, Aid for Education decided to organise ‘Walk Rwanda’ inviting the public to take part in a walking challenge with a difference.

The challenge will see participants walk 761,983 steps (the circumference of Rwanda approx) in teams of four from October 4-24th and Arthur’s friends and colleagues, Peter O’Reilly (Lead Maintenance of Silverline Care), Tony McCann (Peripatetic Maintenance), Andrew McCulloch (full-time night staff Care Assistant) and Moira Roberts, have already signed up.

Moira Roberts, Home Manager at Newark Care Home, explained: “We all look forward to Arthur’s race nights but obviously it’s just not possible this year because of Covid-19.
“Living and working during the pandemic has been extremely difficult for many people but especially, I think, for those in care homes. At Newark, we have been really well supported by Silverline Care, we have adapted we the way we work in response to the virus and because of everyone’s commitment and dedication, the home has so far remained Covid free.

“I think everyone has been affected by the virus in some way or another. Our hearts break for our residents and their families who cannot visit in the usual way. And of course it is difficult for our staff who are unable to see their own families, friends and loved ones. Maintaining positive mental health can be really tough during this time but it is so important.

“I understand Rwanda has also been badly affected by the pandemic so taking part in Walk Rwanda is a fantastic opportunity to support this wonderful cause and help keep us feeling good mentally and physically.

“I don’t tend to do a lot of walking so this will be right out of my comfort zone. But we can log how many steps we’ve taken so it will be really good to work together with our teams, motivate one another and make sure we achieve the goal together.”


Click here to sponsor Moira and the team via their fundraising page.