Celebrating Community at Mountside

Celebrating community, connection and life in Hastings at Mountside Care Home

At Mountside Care Home, being part of the local community is an important part of everyday life.

Living in Hastings means being surrounded by a rich history, much-loved traditions, beautiful outdoor spaces and a lively calendar of community events. We believe residents should continue to feel connected to the place they call home, whether that means joining in with a local celebration, enjoying a trip into the neighbourhood or simply spending time outside watching the world go by.

Two recent activities captured this perfectly: our very own Mountside Pirate Day and a relaxed picnic in the park.

Although they were very different occasions, both gave residents the opportunity to enjoy familiar surroundings, share laughter and create happy new memories together.

Getting Into the Pirate Spirit

Hastings is famous for its maritime heritage, characterful Old Town and annual Pirate Day celebrations.

The event has become one of the town’s best-loved traditions, with pirates of all ages filling the streets and enjoying music, costumes and seaside entertainment. It is an occasion that brings residents, visitors, families and local businesses together in a wonderful celebration of the town’s history and personality.

With the annual celebrations taking place at the weekend, we decided to get into the swashbuckling spirit early by holding our own Mountside Pirate Day.

Arrrrr, me hearties!

The home was soon filled with pirates, laughter and plenty of seaside fun. Costumes, hats and pirate-themed accessories helped transform the day, with residents and team members embracing the occasion brilliantly.

There may not have been a treasure map leading to buried gold, but we certainly discovered something far more valuable: a day filled with friendship, conversation and shared enjoyment.

Staying Connected to Local Traditions

Community events provide an important sense of connection.

For many residents, local celebrations such as Hastings Pirate Day may be familiar occasions they have enjoyed with family and friends over the years. Bringing the spirit of the event into the home helps residents remain part of what is happening locally, even when they are not attending the main celebration directly.

It also creates opportunities for reminiscence.

Pirate costumes and seaside themes can prompt memories of childhood trips to the coast, family holidays, days spent on Hastings seafront or previous community events. These conversations often develop naturally, with one person’s story inspiring another.

For residents who are newer to the area, local celebrations provide an enjoyable introduction to the character and traditions of Hastings.

The aim is not simply to put on an activity. It is to create meaningful opportunities for residents to feel included in the life of their town.

Celebrating Where We Live

Hastings has a strong sense of identity, and we are proud to be part of it.

From its seafront and fishing heritage to its parks, historic streets and community celebrations, there is always something to inspire an activity, outing or conversation.

Embracing local themes helps care home life remain connected to the wider world. It ensures that residents are not separated from the seasons, events and traditions taking place beyond the home.

Sometimes this means creating our own version of a major local celebration. At other times, it means heading out to enjoy the quieter pleasures that Hastings has to offer.

Our recent picnic in the park was a perfect example.

A Relaxed Picnic in the Park

There is something wonderfully simple about a picnic.

A change of scenery, some tasty treats and time spent outdoors can turn an ordinary day into a memorable occasion.

Residents enjoyed a lovely trip to the park, making the most of the fresh air, sunshine and beautiful surroundings. There was no need for a packed schedule or elaborate entertainment. The pleasure came from being together and enjoying the moment.

Everyone had plenty of time to chat, relax and watch the world go by.

The sounds of the park, the movement of people passing and the feeling of fresh air created a calm and enjoyable atmosphere. Tasty picnic treats added to the occasion, while the outdoor setting encouraged relaxed conversation and companionship.

These outings can feel familiar and reassuring. Many people have fond memories of picnics with children, grandchildren, friends or partners, whether in a local park, at the seaside or during a family day out.

A simple picnic can therefore provide both a new experience and a connection to the past.

The Wellbeing Benefits of Community Life

Being part of the community can support wellbeing in many different ways.

Local activities and outings provide variety, stimulation and opportunities for social connection. They can encourage people to share memories, express opinions and take an interest in what is happening around them.

Outdoor experiences also offer valuable sensory moments. Residents may enjoy the warmth of the sun, a gentle breeze, birdsong, trees moving in the wind or the familiar sights and sounds of everyday community life.

These details may seem small, but they can have a meaningful impact on how a person feels.

There is also a strong sense of belonging that comes from recognising familiar places and traditions. Being able to say, “This is our town” or “I remember coming here” helps maintain personal identity and connection.

At Mountside, wellbeing is not restricted to organised sessions inside the home. It can be found in a pirate hat, a shared joke, a picnic blanket or a peaceful afternoon in the park.

Different Ways to Take Part

Every resident is an individual, so participation will look different for everyone.

Some people may enjoy dressing up, posing for photographs and fully embracing the role of a pirate. Others may prefer to watch the fun, join the conversation or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

During an outing, one resident may want to explore the park, while another may be happiest sitting comfortably with a drink and enjoying the view.

All of these experiences are valuable.

Our team supports residents to take part in ways that feel right for them. There is no single definition of participation and no pressure to join every element of an activity.

What matters is that residents have choices and opportunities that reflect their personalities, preferences and interests.

Creating New Memories Together

Community traditions often carry memories from the past, but they also give us opportunities to create new ones.

Our Mountside Pirate Day brought residents and team members together through humour, imagination and shared celebration. The picnic offered a slower, more peaceful occasion centred on fresh air, conversation and companionship.

Both created moments that residents, families and colleagues can look back on with affection.

These experiences also strengthen relationships within the home. Shared laughter helps friendships grow, while outings and themed celebrations give people new things to talk about long after the activity has ended.

The photographs may capture the costumes, smiles and surroundings, but the real value lies in how people felt: involved, connected and part of something enjoyable.

Proud to Be Part of Hastings

At Mountside Care Home, we want residents to continue enjoying the town and community around them.

That may mean celebrating one of Hastings’ biggest annual traditions, visiting a local park or finding new ways to bring the character of the area into the home.

Large events and simple outings both have a place in our wellbeing programme. Each can support connection, conversation and happiness in its own way.

Our recent pirate celebration and picnic reminded us that meaningful moments do not always need to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination, good company and an appreciation of where we live.

We may not have found any buried treasure during Mountside Pirate Day, but a day filled with laughter and friendship was treasure enough.

And sometimes, the happiest memories really are created by sitting together in the sunshine, enjoying a picnic and simply watching the world go by.