We have a simple idea at Your Home Care. If one of our clients tells us something they'd love to do, we try to make it happen.
It started with a conversation during a visit. One of our clients mentioned, almost in passing, that she had always loved singing and would love to perform with a choir one day. It was the kind of thing people say and then move on from. But her carer listened, and she told us about it.
Planning behind the scenes
We were already organising our annual awards ceremony at Turner Hall for December. The Forest Singers, a local choir, were booked to perform Christmas carols throughout the afternoon. So we had a quiet word with them.
Would they be open to having a guest join them on stage for one song?
They said yes without hesitation.
We kept it between us and the choir. Our client knew she was coming to the awards ceremony, but she had no idea what was coming.
The moment
When the Forest Singers took to the stage, our client was in the audience enjoying the carols like everyone else. Then the choir leader invited her up to join them for “Away in a Manger,” her favourite.
She walked up to the front, took her place among the choir, and sang.
There were not many dry eyes in the room. Staff, clients, families, everyone felt it. It was one of those moments that reminded us all why we do this work.
What Make It Happen means
Make It Happen is not a formal programme with an application form. It is just a promise we make to ourselves. If someone we care for mentions something they would love to do, we listen, and we try to make it happen.
Sometimes it is small. Sometimes it takes a bit of planning. But the look on someone's face when they realise you actually listened and followed through is worth every bit of effort.
If you are part of our YHC family and your loved one has a wish, let us know. We will see what we can do.