Posted
29 July 2022
International Friendship Day: Cookie, Mavis and Pat’s Story
To celebrate International Friendship Day on 30th July, we spoke to some of our residents at Watling Court Extra Care Housing Scheme in Gravesend, who have formed a close bond since moving in.
The opportunity to socialise and make friends is undoubtedly one of the benefits of living in extra care housing in later life and that has certainly been the case for Cookie, Mavis and Pat, residents, and friends at our Gravesend scheme.
Since finding themselves sitting at the same table at lunch time, the trio have developed a strong connection that has seen them through a pandemic and even grief.
Mavis says, “I lost my husband after Christmas and Cookie has been my strength, living here at Watling Court has been my saviour.”
Both Cookie and Pat supported Mavis at the funeral, and they are always there for one another, for a catch up over a cuppa. In addition to the support they give one another, they have plenty of fun too. From board game evenings to days out, they can always be found together, spending their mornings knitting in the lounge and sipping tea in the sunny garden.
“Cookie makes us laugh so much,” Pat and Mavis say, “we always miss her if she’s not at lunch, it’s not the same.”
“What they mean is, I’m as daft as a brush!” Adds Cookie, “but it’s nice to be missed.”
“And I’m Cookie’s memory,” laughs Mavis, “I can always remember her grandchildren’s names when she can’t!”
It is clear from how the ladies laugh and bounce off one another, how deep their friendship is. They spend time with one another’s families and have been there, like an extended family, during both the fun and difficult times.
Moving somewhere new, particularly in later life when you need some extra support, can be a lonely time but thankfully for Cookie, Mavis and Pat, they found each other in a welcoming and friendly environment.
