Evenings in care homes can be quiet and lonely, so between 2010 – 2020, Magic Me Party Volunteers hosted cocktail parties – an occasion for volunteers and residents to socialise together.

What I love about the parties is they make me feel that people think about you.

Hetty, Resident

How it worked

We aimed for each party to be a fabulous social event that just happened to be held in a care home, which anyone, regardless of age, would have liked to attend. Our parties were attended by residents, their relatives, friends and care staff.

Each cocktail party transformed the communal area with decorations based on a different theme every month.

For family members and friends, a party provided a relaxed way to spend time together. Staff told us that after a party, the mood and atmosphere in homes was brighter and lighter for days afterwards.

Transforming the Space

We worked with creative partners to enhance the party experience for participants.  Partners include the Royal Academy of Music, Frou Frou Days, Cocktails resident magician David, aka The Delusionist and DJ Care Home aka Martin Aston. Past partners include Central School of Speech and Drama. 

To learn more about Cocktails in Care Homes, why not listen to our podcast?

Cocktails is a project that Magic Me are incredibly proud of and which brought great joy, fun and friendship to many people for nearly 10 years. It was supported by an amazing group of people and a jigsaw of financial support from individuals, partners, companies, trusts and foundations. Sadly, in January 2020, despite our best efforts we were unable to secure enough funds to continue the project.

COVID-19 Response

Between April – July 2020, Cocktails: The After Party was launched in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic – find out more here. 

Cocktails in Care Homes was funded primarily by donations from individuals and corporate partners, grants from trusts and foundations and support from individual donors.