Every day in the home there are devotions when family members gather for hymns, prayer and a short talk from the Bible. Volunteers from local churches are regular speakers. “Our volunteers help to bring God’s Word in different ways,” says Deborah. “We have one volunteer, Chris, who often brings in objects to help illustrate the passage. Recently, he brought a lamp from a barge to help share how Jesus is the Light of the World.”

Those with musical skills help our family members to enjoy hymns and songs. John from Hope Chapel visits weekly to play the piano during devotions, and Linda from Providence Baptist Church plays the piano once a week for devotions and for any memorial services. Linda also joins forces with Pam from St Nicholas Compton to regularly host a choir practice.

Times spent quietly chatting one-to-one with church volunteers is just as important. “Like all of us, our family members need to be reminded that God loves them and is here for them still,” says Deborah. “A sympathetic ear, a kind word, the offer to pray – these are all ways our Christian volunteers can help. I think many don’t realise what a difference they make, but it’s huge.”

Ruth, a volunteer from St Batholemew’s, often supports craft times. She says, “I think God has given me the gifts of patience and encouragement. I want every family member to feel that they are special, so I’ll go out of my way to encourage them to take part and feel a sense of achievement. One lady can be very withdrawn and so I encouraged her to take part in a pom-pom craft, putting the ball of wool through the hole. Seeing the look of pride on her face when she did it was wonderful.”