What's New
Browse the latest Activites
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Prize Walk
I placed numbers on the floor 1-20 in a circle (just like a cake-walk). I played music as the residents danced and walked the circle.
1 Comment New Member Share
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Taste Test Savoury Nibbles
I bought 10 different types of savoury snacks with unusual flavours and residents guessed the flavour. We also had interesting trivia such as which countries eat the most or least crisps and easy true false questions the history of crisps pretzels etc.
2 Comments New Member Share
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Guess the Number of Lollies in a Jar
Fill a jar with Jelly Beans or other suitable lollies, (count them as you put them in)
2 Comments New Member Share
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Show Day Games - Guess the Weight
Fill a container of any sort that can be filled with rice, sugar, sand or any other suitable product. Ensure it is easy for residents to pick up.
2 Comments New Member Share
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The Money or the Bag
We had a board with numbered envelopes stuck on it. (The prizes were written on a piece of paper in each envelope).
2 Comments New Member Share
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BIG Memory Cards
I simply print off the pictures I want, together with a "Question Mark" for the reverse side, and slip them into the empty DVD covers.
2 Comments New Member Share
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Fun Riddle 36
Number 36 in our fun riddle series for seniors!
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How to Help People Find Their Sense of Purpose
A sense of purpose boosts self-esteem, generates positivity, and makes people feel happier. It gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
2 Comments New Member Share
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Matching Activity - Famous Landmarks of the World
This is a Montessori based activity where images are matched with the words that describe them. The theme for this activity is: Famous Landmarks of the World
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5 of Quiz
This is a list of everyday items, people, places etc and you give the title subject out and the residents have to answer.
1 Comment New Member Share
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How to Build Positive Relationships with Residents
In long-term care organizations reciprocity in relationships between staff and clients is essential to wellbeing.
1 Comment New Member Share
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Famous Horses & Their Owners
Match owner, creator, film, or book with related horses.
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All Things Weddings
Ask staff and families to bring in albums, framed photographs, gowns (bridal or guest) etc. It is amazing how much you will collect!
2 Comments New Member Share
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Guess Who?
I get the staff to bring in a young photo of themselves. The photo goes up on the notice-board for a week with entry forms. Some of the guesses are hilarious!
1 Comment New Member Share
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Indoor putting weekly league
Golf is recognised as a good activity for promoting mental, physical and social wellbeing. Putting is a relaxing and ideal indoor activity that can be done by people with previous golfing skills and those who have never played before.
4 Comments Member Share
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Quicktionary
This is a game I purchased but I think it can be adapted and created by hand. The object is to be the first to shout out a word that meets all three conditions.
2 Comments Member Share
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Name 3 Word Game
My group loves Brain Games! Name 3 or 5 or 7... :)
Boy names, flowers, cheeses, ways to cook eggs...4 Comments Member Share
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Special Morning Tea - Themed
We invite residents from another area in our complex to come and have a special morning tea with us.
2 Comments Member Share
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Creative Hand Fans
Our creative staff in China came up with this idea due to the hot summer days we get in Beijing. Cheap craft stores and dollar shops sometimes have these in the craft section.
5 Comments Member Share
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How to Celebrate Lighthouse Day
Lighthouses have been used for hundreds of years. They are becoming less and less important these days with the advances in GPS and radar systems although there are some still active. Nevertheless, these beacons should be preserved and cherished. Like castles, they should remain present and fixed in the landscape.
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Forgiveness Activities
Practising forgiveness is a worthy pursuit. It is a wonderful opportunity to let go of hurtful feelings and build stronger relationships.
1 Comment Member Share
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Bark Art / Feather Art
Provide templates that enhance the use of the bark material such as the Owl Template attached. Collect paperbark and encourage the Residents to peel the bark into fine, small pieces. The result is organic and realistic. A very beautiful artwork.
1 Comment Member Share
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NAIDOC Week Flag Decorating
Come together and decorate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags for NAIDOC week.
1 Comment Member Share
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Forgiveness Fill-in-the-blanks Text
Here is a fill in the blanks forgiveness story with the original text provided.
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Short Stories about Forgiveness
Here are two short stories to share about forgiveness.
2 Comments
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Amerindian Word Search
Find the American Indian words!
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Amazing Beer Trivia
Did you know that CENOSILLICAPHOBIA is the fear of an empty beer glass?!
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Old Occupations Quiz
Most of the following occupations no longer exist or are now known by different names. Clients may remember some other obscure occupations to add to this list!
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Feather Headdress
Feathers are used by many native people around the world. They are used to make headdresses, masks and to adorn clothes. This easy headdress pattern is based on one of the many types used by American Indians.
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Forgiveness Quotes
Famous quotes about forgiveness for pondering
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Forgiveness Word Search
A love and forgiveness themed word finder!
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General Knowledge Quiz 3
A multicultural, general knowledge quiz for the elderly!
1 Comment
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Left-Zone Area Activity
Create your own ‘Left Zone’! Declare a corner of your recreation area a designated area where right-handers must be left-handers for the day!
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Optimal Activities - Marketing, Fundraising & Sourcing Free Resources
How do we overcome time, staff and budget constraints to make optimal activities happen for our residents?
3 Comments Member Share
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Optimal Activities - Staff & The Physical Environment
An optimal activity environment greatly influences your ability to provide the best possible activities for your residents.
4 Comments Member Share
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What to Include in a Staff Meeting
It is necessary to communicate regularly with your staff. You should have a formal meeting at least once per quarter.
1 Comment Member Share
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Giant Scrabble
Played like normal scrabble but on a larger scale. We drew a large scrabble board on the whiteboard and stuck magnets to the back of the tiles, this meant clients needed to stand up and move around while playing the game.
3 Comments Member Share
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Famous Faces
Download various faces of famous people, present and past. Show the residents the face and have them guess the famous face. We also have a little discussion on each person.
1 Comment Member Share
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Fun Riddle 35
Number 35 in our fun riddle series!
2 Comments
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Word Ladder #6
Number 6 in our word ladder series!
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How to Organise a Dress-Up Day to Raise Funds
A 'Dress-is Day' is a great opportunity to raise funds to extend your budget or help a charity. A Dress-up day may also serve to boost your organization's morale and provide a day of fun and entertainment.
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Jobs Crossword
A job themed crossword to enjoy!
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Job Quotes
Famous quotes about jobs & working!
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Work Word Search
A work themed word search!
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Work Jokes
Here are some funny work related jokes to share!
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Winter Campfire
Take a journey down memory lane by engaging each resident in sharing their experiences of camping or holidays they remember.
1 Comment Member Share
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Around the World
This is a wonderful interactive armchair travel activity for residents of all capabilities and great for one-on-ones or group sessions. Using a world globe and your ipad you can transport someone to another Country, talk about their culture, food, economy, music, lifestyle, dress, traditions, famous places, famous people, etc. It really is endless what you can discuss in these sessions.
3 Comments Member Share
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Suburb & Neighbourhood Picture Match
Hi all I've made this activity a few times for our residents and they enjoy it greatly. I print pictures that make up a name of a suburb or neighbourhood for example Rose Park, I print a picture of a Rose then another of a Park and place them side by side.
2 Comments Member Share
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Mad Hatters Tea Party
To host a mad hatters tea party is a very easy thing to do. Let your imagination run wild and be inspired by anything whimsical and enchanting and of course Alice in Wonderland. The looks on our Residents faces when they saw how amazing this was, was worth every minute spent.
7 Comments Member Share
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How to Communicate with Body Language
For many people living in care facilities, the means to communicate verbally has become limited or lost due to dementia and this can significantly impact self-esteem. The good news is that over 90% of communication is non-verbal.
3 Comments Member Share
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What is Elder Abuse?
Elders can be abused in their own homes, in the homes of their relatives and even in care facilities. They may be abused by their children/grandchildren, caregivers, spouses, partners, and staff in long-term care settings.
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Elder Abuse Prevention
Elder abuse includes neglect, violence, and exploitation and is a major concern facing the elderly around the world. Current data suggests that 4 to 5 percent of the elderly suffer from some kind of abuse and that a large percentage goes unreported.
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Things you dont see any more!
This discussion came out of someone saying "you don't see jumble sales anymore". This lead me to think of all the things we don't see now.
1 Comment Member Share
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Google Search
I've added "Google Search" to our activities calendar. I ask residents to think of something that they would like to know the answer to.
4 Comments Member Share
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Artist Impression - Ted Harrison - Sunset
Famous Naïve Art Colouring Pages for Seniors: Here is an impression of a work of art by Ted Harrison.
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Artist Impression - Ted Harrison - Church
Famous Naïve Art Colouring Pages for Seniors: Here is an impression of a work of art by Ted Harrison.
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Artist Impression - Sheila Maloney - Ocean
Famous Naïve Art Colouring Pages for Seniors: Here is an impression of a work of art by Sheila Maloney.
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Fun Riddle 34
Number 34 in our fun riddle series for seniors!
2 Comments
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Word Ladder #5
Number 5 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has a Joke theme!
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Prohibition Slang Word Search
Reminisce about the Prohibition era and ask clients to add to theses words. If the words are unknown to clients, read them their meanings (provided).
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USA General Knowledge Quiz
An American themed general knowledge quiz for elderly residents.
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French Facts & Trivia
Here's some interesting French trivia to enjoy with elderly residents.
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Finish the Melodies
Here's a fun finish the melodies quiz with songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. If clients cannot guess them, reveal the names of songs and singers. A lovely reminiscing activity for seniors.
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European Cities Quiz
A fun quiz for the elderly featuring famous European cities.
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Story time
I go around the room write down the residents first name, then ask each resident for a word. I put that word under their name then we make up a short story using their names and their words. Lots of fun and laughter!
5 Comments Member Share
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Restless Residents in the Night
I suggest that each staff menber has a dressing gown or pyjamas they can pop on when answering a call bell or redirecting a resident back to bed. It's a visual prompt for residents that cannot differentiate between night and day
2 Comments Member Share
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June Quiz
All answers to this quiz start with the letter 'J'!
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How to Create a Culture of Happiness
Laughter improves well-being, social engagement, and quality of life. Often it’s the small simple things that will bring smiles and ignite giggles.
4 Comments Member Share
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Down Memory Lane with Autograph Books
Traditionally, autograph books were small books with blank pages to collect personal messages and well-wishes from colleagues and friends. Revive this much-loved past-time of a bygone era with elderly residents!
4 Comments
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Favourite TV Ads
I have put together a list of TV Ads old and new using their catch phrase. I have laminated the phrase and the answer into strips and put a magnet on the back. It brought back lots of memories.
2 Comments Member Share
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Balloon tennis
This activity is an easy, social, gross motor game, suitable for differing levels of cognitive and physical disability. Lots of fun and laughs too. Definitely a staple gross motor favourite.
12 Comments Member Share
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'A' My Name Is...
The object of this game is by using the alphabet, each participant tries to think of a corresponding name (male and female), place, and thing. This game always provides everyone with a lot of laughter and the staff really gets into too!
3 Comments Member Share
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Look & Listen
I invited & encouraged my Residents to bring along something precious to them, to our Activity Group.
7 Comments Member Share
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Cooking for Italian Day - Cannoli Dip
Easy-peasy cannoli dip recipe that is absolutely delicious!
3 Comments Member Share
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How to Decrease Problem Behaviors
For any staff member, dealing with a person who has dementia, especially those with problem behaviors, can be challenging at times. How can you make the best of any situation?
4 Comments Member Share
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Fun Riddle 33
34 in our Fun Riddle Series!
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Word Ladder #4
Number 4 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has an Ocean theme.
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Pin the Band-Aid on the Injury
Great alternative to Pin the Tail on the Donkey and as an activity for world nurses day. Adapt the game for those that may lose their balance easily by having them sit in front of the board before closing their eyes to place their band-aid.
2 Comments Member Share
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Horticulture
Since we live in a rural area, many of our residents have grown up farming and gardening. While they are with us either long term or short term, they are encouraged to continue this hobby.
2 Comments Member Share
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Word Ladder #3
Number 3 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has a Mother's Day theme.
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Word Ladder #2
Number 2 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has a Father's Day theme.
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5 Mother's Day Activities for Dementia Care
Mother’s Day is about honouring the women who helped shape our lives. While this day holds significance for many, it can also be an excellent opportunity for residents with dementia to engage in sensory and cognitive stimulation.
3 Comments Member Share
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The Importance of Daily Living Activities for the Elderly
Many elders leave behind a lifestyle they dearly wish to maintain when they enter a care environment. Tapping into someone's muscle memory with daily living tasks will assist in meeting their need to feel valued and purposeful.
3 Comments Member Share
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Word Ladder #1
Number 1 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has a SEASONS theme.
2 Comments
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Original Shoe Planters
Shoe planters are fun to make and will give your garden or courtyard a whimsical flair. A fun activity for seniors!
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Creative Button Tree
This is a creative activity and residents should be encouraged to draw their own picture; a tree or a silhouette of a person or animal. For those unable to draw, two templates have been provided.
6 Comments
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Ocean Themed Sing-Along with Lyrics
Have a Sing-along over fish & chips lunch to celebrate World Ocean Day!
6 Comments
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Fact or Fiction?
This is a fun and stimulating quiz debunking some long-held myths!
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Things that Go Together Quiz #3
Another brain food to alert the mind. How many can they remember? A fun reminiscing quiz for seniors, suitable for people living with dementia.
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Islands Quiz
A fun Islands of the World quiz for seniors!
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Fortune Fun
Have the residents write their own fortunes/lucky numbers on small pieces of paper. Then get them to help create the dough for the fortune cookies! These cookies can be used for dessert at dinner or as a snack. Either way, the residents will enjoy creating the cookies and sharing their words of wisdom with the rest of the community.
2 Comments Member Share
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How to celebrate World Environment Day
Here are some fun ways you can celebrate World Environment Day!
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Peanut Auction
This is the most popular activity that we do and our Residents absolutely love it. It's a lot of fun with lots of laughs for not much money! The residents go crazy! Oh my....they are so competitive.
6 Comments Member Share
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12 Activity Recycling Ideas
I love scouring local op shops and garage sales for items that may be of use in my role as a recreational activities officer. Recycling is not only good for the environment, but provides the materials for interesting and enjoyable activities for our residents.
4 Comments Member Share
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Activities for Men
Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.
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Name the Body Parts
How quickly can you name ten body parts that have 3 letters? No abbreviations or slang words!
3 Comments Member Share
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Would you, Could you, Have you?
Each resident picks a slip from an envelop or basket and answers the questions: would you, could you, have you? Then open the question to the room. Often this provides real insight into each residents character.
1 Comment Member Share
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A Poem for Nurses
I would to share a poem I wrote for International Nurses Day.
1 Comment Member Share
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Mother's Day Quiz #3
Another fun quiz for the elderly featuring mother's of yesteryear.
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Gift Idea: Plant Arrangement
'Snake plant' or Sansevieria is a plant that can be easily grown even if you don't have a green thumb! It is hardy, needs little water and is forever green.
4 Comments
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Enjoy meaningful activity ideas that you can use with your clients straight away.
I truly am so grateful i have found this group. I am looking forward to your emails everyday and it feels like its given me a new leash on my working life as I went through a rough patch for awhile. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do!
Saskia Badenhorst
Activities Coordinator
