The day Newton Mearns came to us

Most days at Mearns House the community comes in a few at a time: a daughter after work, a grandson on a Saturday, the choir on a Wednesday. On the day of the summer fete, it arrived all at once.

Friends, family and neighbours from across Newton Mearns were invited to spend the afternoon with residents, and the guest list was worth the walk. Maggie's Rodeo Dancers performed on the grass. Clarkston Fire Service brought a fire engine for anyone, of any age, who fancied a look round.

What the afternoon looked like

Wee Tait Entertainment set up a bar, a DJ and a bouncy castle. Local dance group DCA performed, and Golf in Society, who visit Mearns House regularly, came along too. Local magician Terry held a crowd of all ages spellbound, and the Bunny & Co petting zoo drew a queue that never quite went away.

Around all of that ran face painting, craft stalls and a raffle stacked with prizes donated by local businesses. It is the sort of afternoon where residents are not spectators at their own event: they were in the middle of it, dancing, chatting to people they had not seen in a while and meeting a good many they had not met before.

Why Scottish Autism

The money raised went to Scottish Autism, Scotland's leading autism charity, which supports autistic people and their families across the country and works towards a more inclusive world. £1,000 was raised on the day, and Meallmore topped that up to £1,500.

As part of our Summer Fete, Mearns House chose to raise money for autism awareness, because it is a cause that touches the hearts of many families within our care home, community and beyond. As a care home, we are committed to standing beside those living with autism and their loved ones, helping to raise awareness and contribute towards a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone.

Live well every day

Mearns House runs on a simple commitment: live well every day. In practice that means an activities programme built around social connection, creativity and physical wellbeing, and a home that keeps its links with the streets around it rather than sitting apart from them. You can see how that works across our homes on Life at Meallmore.

Seeing our residents smiling, laughing, dancing, taking part in activities, enjoying the entertainment, meeting people and being at the heart of the day was what made all the hard work worthwhile.

Mearns House provides residential, nursing and dementia care in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, within reach of Clarkston, Giffnock, Busby and Glasgow's south side. You can see more of the home, read other resident stories, or find a care home near you. If you are weighing up a move for someone you love, our guides cover cost, funding and choosing a home in Scotland.