The programmes were created to address local priorities around reducing loneliness, improving health and wellbeing, tackling inactivity and strengthening community connections.
They also support national objectives including Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy, healthy ageing priorities and wider ambitions to reduce health inequalities and improve mental wellbeing among older and less active populations.
By creating inclusive opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, the programme’s help ensure that care home residents remain visible, valued and connected members of their communities.
A key strength of Care Home Legends is the way it engages communities. Residents compete in adapted activities such as archery, The hungry henrys game, golf putting, The Thornaby Grand National and even a silent disco. They are joined by volunteers, nursery children, sports clubs, families and community organisations, creating meaningful intergenerational experiences that challenge stereotypes about ageing and disability.
Live streaming has even enabled residents unable to attend in person to share in the excitement and support their teams.
The impact has been significant. Participation has grown from six pilot care homes to events attracting over 100 residents from 15 care homes and more than 120 residents in recent years. Care Home Legends on Ice has expanded to engage over 20 care homes annually.
100% of those surveyed feel the Care Home Legends events furthered communication and strategic thinking between care home networks and were widely recognised as an enriching experience for residents. The growth of the programme, year on year, demonstrates the demand for inclusive opportunities that bring people together through fun and activity.
The real impact, however, is seen in the stories behind the statistics.
One resident commented: “I never thought I would be taking part in something like this again. It has given me something to look forward to and I’ve made new friends from other care homes.”
Another participant attending Care Home Legends on Ice reflected: “Everybody has been lovely. It has been enjoyable and if I have enjoyed it everybody will have enjoyed it”
Tony Hall PLM lead at St Michael’s RC Academy said “What an unbelievable experience for our young Academy students. Throughout the day they were fully engaged with the care home residents, and they thoroughly enjoyed the friendships made and the facilitation of the activities. All the students were so thankful that they had been given the opportunity to be involved in this fantastic occasion and helped bring local communities more closely together.
Theo Linton a pupil at St Michaels added: “I really enjoyed going to the Care Home Legends Games. It was brilliant seeing residents enjoy themselves and engaging in activities. There was not one resident that I saw looking miserable. It was great seeing their faces light up when they came over to the activity
Julie Holliday, Stockton Council Support Worker said: “Everyone who went said they enjoyed it all, but they really enjoy the game with the hoover and the silent disco. All left the building smiling and once back home took great pleasure in telling fellow clients all about it.”
The programme’s have created sustainable partnerships between Tees Active, care homes, local government, sports clubs, schools, universities and voluntary organisations.
These established relationships provide a strong foundation for future delivery and growth. Looking ahead, Tees Active plans to broaden the programme and care home homes from different local authorities have expressed a wish to be part of the events.
Tees Active has also been approached by several sporting clubs and events who wish to enable access for Care Home residents to access events as spectators. The model has significant potential to be replicated in other areas, demonstrating how physical activity can transform lives, strengthen communities and ensure older people remain active, connected and celebrated.
Through innovation, partnership and a commitment to inclusion, Care Home Legends and Care Home Legends on Ice have shown that age, disability and residential care are no barriers to achievement, enjoyment and community connection. They are not simply events; they are opportunities for residents to be recognised, celebrated and, quite rightly, treated as legends.
