Residents from Friston House care home in Rochester were plain sailing with a recent riverside trip organised by the team at the home. The boat, Kingfisher Mark started from Wateringbury and sailed along the river, taking the scenic route along the locks past the lovely Teston Bridge Country Park and stunning houses overlooking the water. Residents finished off with some ice cream.

Bridie Birrell Senior Activities Co-Ordinator of Friston House said: “Our residents had a whale of a time on the boat, adventures that take place outside of the home are always an enjoyable experience for our residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go. The day was a lot of fun, residents were able to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the river which was quite therapeutic, thankfully the weather held out. Residents even got chance to feed the swans!

The Kingfisher Medway Trust is a registered charity. It was set up to commission the building of a boat specifically designed for adults and children who suffer from mental or physical disabilities and their carers.  The boat is fitted with a lift to help wheelchair users and others to get on board easily and safely.

Friston House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Friston House provides residential care and dementia care for 80 residents from respite care to long term stays.