Residents, families and members of the community were joined by The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Brian Salinger, at Finchley care home, Dell Field Court, to mark the launch of a dedicated community space.

The ‘Community Room’ project has been developed thanks to funding support from Aviva, as well as the contribution of time and effort from young people who are part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS).

The team at Dell Field Court, run by local care provider, The Fremantle Trust, successfully applied for a £1000 grant from Aviva to provide residents, families and friends with a range of tech, including a new laptop and accompanying speakers. A projector was also kindly donated by volunteers from NCS who have developed a relationship with the care home and donated £700 via a host of fundraising activities.

The space is also open to members of the local community who will be invited to take part in specific activities at Dell Field Court, to encourage social interaction and build on existing community links.

Attendees at the event also included Christine Christensen from NCS, Cllr Anne Hutton, children from local childminding service, Smile and Shine, Caroline Larner from Marillac Support Centre and residents from the Trust’s New Southgate care home, Apthorp Care Centre.

Cllr Lisa Rutter also attended from Dementia Club UK, as well as Talia Lief, care quality adviser at the London Borough of Barnet.

Commenting on the event, Carol Pintus, activities coordinator at Dell Field Court, said:

We were thrilled to welcome the Mayor and fellow guests to mark the opening of our dedicated tech space. These resources will enable residents and the wider community to access the internet, watch films and keep their fingers on the digital pulse. We’re so grateful for the funding and the time that young people from NCS have invested in building a relationship with everyone here.

Cllr Brian Salinger, Mayor of Barnet, added:

The room will be a key facility for residents and for others visiting the home. We thank Aviva and NCS for their support, without which this project would not succeed.