Holiday at Home

It was at an Outlook Trust Conference that I first heard about ‘Holiday at Home’ and I came home inspired and excited about the opportunities this would present to encourage Seniors, (particularly those who had no church connection) to come to something fun and interesting that would value them individually, and let them see and experience the Love of God in a tangible and realistic way.

WHAT IS A HOLIDAY AT HOME? 

It’s fun
It’s exciting
It’s something that brings joy to those involved
It inspires and encourages everyone
There is excitement and anticipation as the day/s approach, as guests have something different to look forward to
It provides the opportunity to demonstrate God’s loving care and true Christian fellowship in a positive way
There are many unexpected and special blessings
It creates many happy memories
It is a great way to share the gospel with Seniors

I could go on, and on, and on…….I hope I have got your attention, but let me try and explain it more fully for you…

A holiday at home is a 1, 2 or more day/s event for seniors, giving them the opportunity of a holiday, but with the benefit of still sleeping in their own beds. Some seniors find it difficult to manage a holiday because of physical or financial restrictions, which can leave them feeling  alone and isolated, particularly over the holiday period when friends and families are away.

It offers a day or days with activities such as quizzes, crafts, games, board games, competitions, music, armchair exercises, sing-a-longs, drama and concerts and, of course delicious, home-made food. Obviously you don’t have to do everything on this list.

A theme is chosen for the day and a short reflection, linking the day’s theme with a gospel message which is given to complete the time together before going home.

The time should be fun and stimulating as well as supportive, giving those attending the chance to do things they enjoy, but perhaps couldn’t manage on their own, and creating opportunities to make new friends.

It captures the imagination of everyone, those who are invited guests, those who are putting it together and the wider church family too.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF A HOLIDAY AT HOME?

The main aim of a Holiday at Home is to help seniors who have little or no faith to learn more about the love of God through Jesus.  This is expressed not only through the activities but through the love and actions of all who are part of the day. It provides a great opportunity to practically show God’s love and care for those who are older. It’s an inspirational gospel tool, often being the first step to open the hearts of older people to the love of God, and it gives volunteers the opportunity to serve others, demonstrating God’s love in a new and exciting way, and making those attending feel special.

WHO IS A HOLIDAY AT HOME FOR?

It is for Seniors. Older people in our society, are used to being forgotten and invisible!  A holiday at home celebrates their lives, clearly demonstrating that they are not forgotten but valued by God and by us.

WHO DO YOU INVITE?

Seniors in church, in lunch clubs, in your neighbourhood or parish, maybe even some from day centres or retirement homes. Look out for other Senior events that are already taking place around you and build on these connections.

WHAT ABOUT THE VENUE?

A holiday at home venue should be tailored to suit the needs of the people being invited to attend, as well as taking into consideration the volunteer helpers’ need to carry out their duties safely and sustainably.  It is very flexible, depending on where it will take place and the amount of help needed to make it a success.

HOW LONG IS IT?

It can be a one-day event, or can take place over 2,3 or more days depending on the mobility, the stamina and what age range you are choosing. In some churches, guests are also invited to a special Sunday morning service which is linked to the Holiday at Home theme.

IDEAS AND THEMES

Pictures and information which I hope will give you inspiration and ideas, can be found in my guide ‘How to Run a Holiday at Home for Seniors’.

Listed here are some examples of the themes we’ve used and the page numbers you’ll find more information on:

‘All our yesterdays’ Page 15

‘The Good old Days’  Page 15

‘I do like to be beside the sea-side’ page 16

A right Royal Garden Party’ Page 17

‘A Caribbean Cruise’ Page 18

‘The Almost Chelsea Flower Show’ Page 19

There are also ideas in the document about ‘How long a holiday at home should be’,  ‘Selecting a team’, ‘Planning a  programme’,  ‘Choosing a theme’, ‘Training volunteers’ and ‘Health and Safety issues’.

I hope I have given you some ‘food for thought’ and some ideas that you can make your own.  I only know that those who have run a Holiday at Home have got so much more from it than they expected.  It is hard work preparing beforehand but there is great joy and fellowship when making plans to bring joy into the lives of our older friends.

We have had Holiday at Home here at Winchester Baptist Church since we started in 2007.  They have changed to suit the needs presented by the older people we are in contact with, and the practical needs of those of our dedicated team of helpers, but it is still exciting and still a very special and productive way of sharing the good news of God’s love through our Lord Jesus.

I pray the Lord will inspire you and give you lots of great ideas, as well as volunteers to help with all the gifts and skills needed. May each one of you experience joy in serving and much fruit for your labour. And if you can spare the time, share your experience with others.

Liz Stacey

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We are grateful to Liz for sharing her wisdom and experience with us. Have you run Holidays at Home before? We would love to hear about YOUR experiences of running one of these special summer events, if you’re happy to share your story, please get in touch with us at Faith in Later Life.