Residents strut their stuff for fashion show

RESIDENTS at Speedwell Court, a care home for older people in Southampton’s West End, took to the catwalk for a fashion fundraiser sponsored by Devernois.

offering advice online, by phone or face to face, as well as connecting users to a range of local services.

He said: “It’s always nice to sit and share experiences with people in similar circumstances as it makes the process less lonely. The support in the room was incredible and everyone was so honest and open about how the disease is affecting their family, as it can be a very difficult conversation to have.

“It was great to discuss with the group the further support available outside of the home too. Dementia Connect is a relatively new service, so it’s about getting the word out there so that the support lands with the right people.

“Between our service and Blythe, the families have everything they need to support themselves and their loved ones through this difficult stage in life.”

The home, which is managed by The Abbeyfield Society, is part of the worldwide Abbeyfield family of more than 370 care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes that provide care, support and accommodation for approximately 8,000 older people.

Speedwell Court partnered with fellow charity the Murray Parish Trust for the event.

The Trust raises money across the South of England to help ensure that children with major trauma can receive the best emergency care, as close to home as possible.

The fashion fundraiser is the second such event that Speedwell Court has hosted. Originally intended as an annual show, the first was held in 2019, but Covid-19 restrictions have prevented it from being held in the last two years.

Abbeyfield customer relations manager Deborah Holmes said: “It is wonderful to be able to host a fashion show here at Speedwell Court once again, which we hope will become a more regular tradition and one of various community events we will be hosting over the next 12 months.

“We’re also proud to partner with the Murray Parish Trust and are grateful to our sponsors for enabling us to hold such a fabulous event.

“We’ve been looking forward to the show for ages, especially after having to cancel the last two years.

“The evening was a tremendous success and a truly memorable experience for our residents, especially Barbara, who had a fashion makeover and joined the professionals on the runway.”

The fashion fundraiser is the second time this year that Speedwell Court and the MPT have worked together, with the home having sponsored a sculpture for the Hares of Hampshire art trail coordinated by the MPT over the summer in Southampton and Winchester.

Proceeds from the fashion show were split between the two organisations, and actress Sarah Parish, who co-founded the MPT, gave a short presentation about the wide range of fundraising events the Trust supports to raise money for the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The event, which began with a Prosecco and canapés reception, was sponsored by French fashion label Devernois, whose boutique in Southampton is one of just two in the UK selling their exclusive brand.

Speedwell Court residents joined professional models on the catwalk to exhibit the latest pieces from the AW22 ranges, from outdoor wear to evening dress.

Devernois also donated a £100 gift voucher and a silk scarf for the raffle.