Anchor - Simon Marks Court

10/10/2026

🐾❤️ THE MAGIC OF ANIMAL THERAPY IN CARE HOMES ❤️🐾

Sometimes, the most powerful therapy doesn’t come from words, medication or traditional activities. Instead, it arrives with four paws, a wagging tail, a gentle nuzzle and a whole lot of love. 🐶🐾

Animal therapy can bring something truly special into a care home. From ponies to creepy crawlies, and from friendly farm animals to our managers’ dogs, Jester and Ace, animals can awaken cherished memories, encourage conversation, ease feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and bring smiles to faces that may not have smiled for a while. ❤️

For some residents, an animal’s presence recalls beloved pets, childhood companions and happy moments shared throughout their lives. For others, it offers comfort, companionship and a meaningful connection that needs no words.

✨ A gentle touch.
✨ A pony visit.
✨ A fascinating creepy crawly.
✨ Jester and Ace’s wagging tails.
✨ Laughter shared between residents.
✨ Memories brought back to life.
✨ A moment of calm, comfort and unconditional love.

These moments may seem small to some, but in care, we know that the smallest moments can make the biggest difference.

Animal therapy is about so much more than simply bringing an animal into a care home. It’s about supporting emotional wellbeing, encouraging meaningful connections and enriching the lives of the people who call our homes home.

Whether it’s the gentle presence of a pony, the curiosity inspired by creepy crawlies or the joyful companionship of Jester and Ace, every animal encounter can create a special opportunity for connection, conversation and happiness. 🐴🦋🐕🐕

Of course, every resident is different, and animals must always be introduced safely, respectfully and in line with individual preferences and needs. When the right animal meets the right environment, however, something truly beautiful can happen. 🐕💜

Because care isn’t just about meeting physical needs. It’s about nurturing hearts, creating happiness, preserving identity and making every day meaningful.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little fur, a wet nose, a gentle hoof or a fascinating creepy crawly to make someone’s day brighter. 🐾❤️

10/08/2026

We just love a good old rock and roll with our visiting Little Movers Leeds West. Who doesn’t love a blow-up guitar? 🎸🎤

With our love of music we are seeking dancers and singers of all genres.

From rock to classic, pop to singing the blues.

From Irish dancing to bollywood, Salsa to Jive.

If you have a talent… We want you 🫵

🕺💃🎶🎤

10/06/2026

We were rocking the pink vibes today with Musical Moments.

🎤🎵🎶 Do you know anyone who would be willing to entertain us?

We are looking for dancers from all genres and cultures. And seen as it’s that time of year for “Strictly Come Dancing” let’s get them dancing shoes on.

From Bollywood to Salsa 💃 WE WANT YOU 💕🙏

10/02/2026

Simon Marks Court is full of fun and big smiles 😊😊

We can’t believe we are now in October and we are looking forward to an active month.

Join us in dressing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness 💕💕💕. Badges on sale for 50p.

Then we’ll be getting into halloween 🎃 festivities with fancy dress. Which includes a competition to make Jester and Ace an outfit. Get your creative juices flowing 🐾🎉👻

Most of all have fun 🤩

09/30/2026

A day filled with laughter, creativity and connection at Topphome Court 💜

Residents enjoyed a special Wellness Day with therapy dogs, creative activities, gentle exercise, seated football and plenty of opportunities to chat and spend time together.

Resident Julie Hull summed it up perfectly:

“Nobody knows what someone is going through and this type of day makes a huge difference.”

It was lovely to see residents from Topphome Court and nearby Fernlea Lodge come together for a day with something for everyone.

Read more about the day: https://www.anchor.org.uk/news-events-blogs/news/day-wellbeing-and-connection-topphome-court

09/30/2026

A beautiful moment captured by Anchor - Orchard Gardens 💜

Some moments don’t need many words. ❤️

Our resident Dennis shared this sweetest moment with carer Megan this morning, resting his head on her shoulder during a quiet moment together. It’s gentle, genuine connections like this that make Orchard Gardens truly feel like home. 🏠

09/30/2026

We love these paper heart flowers from Gills Top! Which is your favourite?

09/29/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated Arts in Care Homes Day a national campaign by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA). The campaign shines a light on the creativity, talent and imagination of people living in our care homes.

Across Anchor, residents have been getting creative in all sorts of ways – from painting, poetry and pottery to soap making, digital art and handmade wreaths.

At Sandholme Fold, resident Margaret created a beautiful piece of diamond artwork, while Geoff at The Manor House Harrogate has been sharing poetry with friends.

Residents at Moore Place explored digital art through Stories that Connect Us, while colleagues at Gills Top joined residents for soap making.

At The Firs, therapeutic art has provided another way for residents to express themselves, while at Blackbrook House, residents visited Flatford to see the work of artist John Constable.

We’ve also seen creativity bringing people together, with residents at Silver Court making welcome cards and residents at The Manor House Knaresborough creating autumnal wreaths to raise money for Happy Wanderers Ambulance Service.

These are just a few examples of the creativity happening across our care homes. Art can provide opportunities to express yourself, share experiences, connect with others and continue doing the things you enjoy.

We’re proud to celebrate the creativity of our residents – and the colleagues who help make these opportunities possible.

09/29/2026

🌟 A Helping Hand from Patsy 🌟

This morning, our lovely resident Patsy was keen to lend a helping hand and assisted our housekeeping team by helping to push the towel trolley around the home. 🧺💜

Small acts of kindness like these help create a wonderful sense of purpose, teamwork, and community within Orchard Gardens. Patsy was delighted to get involved, and our housekeeping team certainly appreciated the extra support! 😊

Thank you, Patsy, for starting the day with such a positive attitude and for showing that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. ⭐

Anchor 💜🧺✨

09/28/2026

Residents at Moore Place welcomed the lovely Olive this morning 🐾🐶

09/28/2026

This fantastic guitar solo from a resident at Anchor - Linwood soothes away those Monday blues

09/27/2026

Everyone's wellbeing journey is different. That's why Be Well, our resident wellbeing programme, offers a range of opportunities to help residents stay active, connected and engaged.

For some residents, that's taking part in Be Active. For others, it's joining a Virtual Book Club or connecting with people who share similar interests.

Discover how residents are making the most of Be Well and read their stories below.
https://www.anchor.org.uk/be-well-resident-wellbeing-services

09/27/2026

🎀 Together, we can make a difference! 🎀

This October, Simon Marks Court Care Home are coming together to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Dress Pink for October and buy a badge for a minimum donation of just 50p. 💗

Your donations will support Breast Cancer Awareness and the Simon Marks Court Residents Fund, helping create special activities and experiences for our residents. 🌸

Wear pink, buy a badge, donate what you can and get involved! 🩷

09/27/2026

Did you know that we have care homes in Wetherby?

Anchor - Wetherby Manor is purpose built with care in mind and offers a wide range of features and facilities designed with the very latest technology and to exacting specifications. These include:

- A cafe
- Lounges and quiet spaces
- A hair and beauty salon
- Rooms with private bathroom facilities
- Resident's library
- Cinema room and ballroom

Located close to the centre of Wetherby, and close to the villages of Collingham and Boston Spa, Wetherby Manor is surrounded by many local attractions, including public gardens, theatres and places to drink and dine.

Click below to find out more about Wetherby Manor:

https://www.anchor.org.uk/our-properties/wetherby-manor-wetherby

09/26/2026

Have a query about a particular home or keen to learn more about one of our locations? Getting in touch is easy – follow the link below to complete our 'Contact Us' form or give us a call on 0800 731 2020. Our current opening hours are 8am - 6pm Monday-Friday, and 8am - 4pm on Saturday.

https://www.anchor.org.uk/contact-us

09/24/2026

A very happy birthday yesterday to our beautiful Maureen. 🎉🎉🎉

A perfect day for pampering and spending some quality Mother/Daughter’s time ❤️❤️❤️

09/20/2026

Here at Simon Marks we just love being entertained with a great sing-along 🎶🎵🎤

Thank you so much Shane.

09/15/2026

Thank you. Another lovely creative session 🎨🎨🎨

09/11/2026

Who needs an entertainer with a “Jolly Trolley”. Singing, dancing and laughter. “You’ll never work a day in your life if you do what you enjoy.” 😍😍😍

09/10/2026

Doggy snuggles at the Buddy Bench this morning. Shirley is the dog whisperer (guess what’s in her handbag) 🤣🤣🐾🐾