
7th June 2024
The Importance Of Building Strong Relationships As An Activities Coordinator
Building strong relationships and connections is crucial in any job role, but it holds special significance for an Activities Coordinator. This role demands more than just showing up for a paycheck; it requires passion, dedication, and genuine care for the people you serve.
Beyond the Job: Creating a Second Family
For me, the clients I work with are not just part of my job—they are like a second family. They are friends and, in many ways, feel like my own grandparents. Establishing strong bonds with them makes delivering activities more effective and enjoyable. Without these connections, it becomes challenging to encourage participation and engagement in the activities we plan.
The Foundation of Effective Activities: Strong Relationships
A solid relationship foundation makes activities more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Clients are more likely to participate and engage when they feel a personal connection with the Activities Coordinator. This bond fosters trust and makes tailoring activities that resonate with their interests and preferences easier.
Dedication and Personal Connection
I have dedicated myself to building these relationships. I want my clients to see me as a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand when needed, and a safe, trustworthy space filled with fun. This dedication involves learning about their backgrounds, likes, dislikes, and those unique quirks you pick up through conversations. It also means allowing them to get to know me, creating a mutual trust that enriches our interactions.
More Than Just Activities: Genuine Engagement
Being an Activities Coordinator is about more than just organising events and activities. Sometimes, it’s about sitting down for a good old natter over a hot cup of tea. Often, everyone needs your time and attention to feel that their thoughts and opinions matter. Listening and engaging in meaningful conversations are just as important as any planned activity.
Person-Centered Care: A Key to Success
Person-centred care is at the heart of my approach. By appreciating and incorporating clients’ likes and interests into activities, we create familiar and enjoyable experiences. This personalised attention makes the activities more engaging and reinforces positive memories and feelings, strengthening our bond.
The Rewards of Strong Connections
The impact of these strong connections is evident. I see smiles when I walk into the room, hear clients telling me I am a godsend, and feel their trust in me for advice and support. These moments remind me of the difference I am making in their lives, making even the hard days worthwhile. Building strong relationships and connections is not just a part of the job for an Activities Coordinator; it is the essence of it. These bonds make the role rewarding and fulfilling, turning a job into a vocation and clients into a second family.
By Sherrie Steptoe
Activities Coordinator
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