A WINCHESTER nursing home marked the start of a partnership with the city’s Baptist Church during a special service.

Westacre, based in Sleepers Hill, has a number of Christian residents with dementia who do not often get to practise their religion due to their condition.

On October 9, members of Winchester Baptist Church visited the home to hold a Harvest Festival service.

Diana Hearn, manager at the home, said: “We have a number of Christian residents at Westacre and it’s important that they are able to experience religious services. Now that Winchester Baptist Church will be visiting the home on a regular basis, it gives our residents the opportunity to practice their religion more. I know the residents really appreciate the visits.”

The church will return to Westacre Nursing Home to deliver regular services for the residents to practice their religion. These include an Easter Celebration, another Harvest Festival and a Christmas Carol service, amongst others.

Carol Bailey, senior ministry worker at the church, said: “Westacre’s residents had a great time at the Harvest Festival and I’m sure there will be more fun and worship when we visit again.”

Residents of Westacre Nursing Home were able to enjoy sermons, praise and worship, and listen to hymns. The service was delivered by the Senior Ministry team at Winchester Baptist Church - an outreach programme to serve the spiritual and social needs of senior citizens and those who can no longer easily attend any services, such as people with dementia.

This service for the Harvest Festival marks the start of a lasting partnership between Westacre Nursing Home and the Senior Ministry team from Winchester Baptist Church.