'You are my sunshine!' Care workers lift spirits by singing to elderly residents on lockdown

Workers for The Hospital of God’s day centres in East Durham have been delivering care packages to clients on lockdown in their homes and performing renditions of You Are My Sunshine from the end of their garden gates.

Staff have captured the magical moments on video and have shared them on their social media channels.

The Hospital of God, which has its headquarters in Greatham, runs a number of services for the elderly including those with dementia across Hartlepool and East Durham.

The day centre workers call themselves the Covid Carollers. Their heartwarming actions come after the Hospital of God had to temporarily close its day centres.

Laura Robinson, Assistant Day Service Co-Ordinator, said: “We needed to pick up the staff morale and see the guests we share so much of our lives with.

“It's had a devastating effect on everyone and in a time of sadness we know how music can make all of us feel good.

“It was a spur of the moment thing but on reflection it has been the best move to make. The phone calls and messages we have received since have been phenomenal and the lasting effect is priceless.

“The full team always go above and beyond but this just shows how amazing the staff within the Hospital of God really are.”

Among the residents visited include a man called Jim in South Hetton, Alan and Rose in Shotton, and Ethel in Thornley.

Gail Defty, The Hospital of God’s Care Services Manager, added: “It’s an honour and privilege to care for our most vulnerable in society and those people who have dementia.

“The staff are amazing, highly skilled and have a whole family approach.

“What they are doing is just lovely and so special.”

The Hospital of God is also using technology by setting up a Skype account so residents on lockdown at Stichell House and Gretton Court keep have face to face contact with their loved ones.