KEY workers from a care home in York have been trying to stay as positive as possible through these testing times.

Staff from Birchlands Care Home in Haxby are doing their best to bring joy to the home’s residents during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dawn Smith, one of the key workers from the Birchlands Care Home, said: “Instead of all this doom and gloom lately, were trying to bring a bit of positivity back.”

They hold a range of daily activities for their residents as a part of their social programme to keep them entertained throughout the lock down period.

One of the activities includes live gigs, where the staff perform the residents’ song requests from outside on the balcony as they have their windows open so they can listen to the performances.

They have also received attention from nearby locals, who have acknowledged their live gigs when passing by when carrying out their daily exercise.

Dawn said: “From behind closed doors, we thank each and every family member for staying at home and staying safe.

“This in turn is keeping us safe, our key worker staff are doing an absolutely amazing job.”

The staff have also created a number of banners, which they have placed on both the inside and outside of the care home.

Dawn went on to say: “We have displayed our rainbow banner in appreciation of all key workers doing their bit stay safe and continuing to shine through this difficult time.”

As well as hosting the social activities programme, the staff have also managed to safely hatch eight chicks, to celebrate the Easter period.

Birchlands Care Home, located in Moor Lane, Haxby, cares for up to 48 people in need of long-term care, rehabilitation, respite or convalescent care in the local area.