Fancy dress fun at Rossefield Manor in Leeds

Residents at Rossefield Manor Extra Care Scheme in Leeds are having their spirits lifted by some fancy dress fun.

Recognising how difficult lockdown is for many of the residents, and very much missing the social element of her job too, Catering Manager Denise Campbell decided to bring a bit of light-hearted fun to the Extra Care housing scheme.

Every Friday after lunch Denise has been dressing up in an array of fancy dress outfits and doing a circuit round the outside of the scheme so all the residents can see her for a giggle. On a couple of occasions she has been joined by Denise Kerr, Senior Support Worker for Leeds City Council Care Team, and Paul Dawson, the Estate Managers husband and their outfits have so far included a chicken, Micky and Minnie Mouse, Spiderman and The Flintstones.

Denise said: "I am really missing my daily chats with the residents in the dining room. This is a challenging time for everyone and I wanted to cheer people up. This is my way of showing all of the residents that I am thinking about them." 

Each week the antics are met with cheers and waves from residents at their windows, as well as beeps from passing cars and locals.

The Catering Team have also been sending sweeties and chocolates to residents on their lunch trays as a little Friday treat. 

For VE Day Denise sent a special meal to every resident with a union jack pudding and a glass of sherry for the toast. She dressed in the only uniform she could find in the circumstances...courtesy of the Estate Manager’s husband’s Top Gun themed 40th birthday party. 

Estate Manager Jane Dawson said: “Denise is a total star, it’s just a small gesture but it really makes people smile. 

“Our catering, care and cleaning team are working so well together to deliver lunches and keep everything running well at such a difficult time. I am very proud to work with them and I know everyone living here and their families are so grateful to them for all they are doing.”