By Saul Cooke-Black

TWO care homes in Stroud and Stonehouse threw open their doors for National Care Homes Open Day on Friday.

Southfield, in Stroud, and The Elms, in Stonehouse, welcomed people of all ages to visit their homes and meet residents.

Kevin Hall, a director at The Order of St. John Care Trust which runs 18 care homes in Gloucestershire, said: “One of our main goals is to make sure our residents stay connected with their local communities, which is why we’re delighted to continue supporting National Care Home Open Day.

"We’re always looking for new ways of building lasting relationships with our local communities, and initiatives like National Care Home Open Day are a perfect opportunity to open our doors and meet our neighbours.

"The campaign not only gives people the opportunity to look around and gain a better understanding of what life is like inside our homes and how they could help the care teams by volunteering, but it also gives our residents the chance to meet new people and get involved locally."

Southfield care home welcomed an opera singer in the afternoon, while children read their rugby inspired poems to celebrate Gloucester hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Meanwhile The Elms held a Seaside Fun Day, featuring Punch and Judy, fish and chips, ice-cream cones, a colouring competition and visits from pupils at Park Infant School and Park Junior School.

To find out more about the care homes visit www.osjct.co.uk.