Meet Maria, Activities Coordinator

Maria joined Simeon in October 2025 as Activities Coordinator and spends her days creating meaningful opportunities for residents to stay active, connected and engaged. From music sessions and outings to one-to-one time, she helps ensure every day offers something to look forward to.

We spoke to Maria about what she enjoys most about her role, the importance of everyday experiences, and the moments that make Simeon feel like home.

How long have you been part of the Simeon team, and what first brought you to the role of Activities Coordinator?

I've worked at Simeon for just under a year, joining in October 2025. I love helping people continue doing the things they've always enjoyed, brightening their day and making a positive difference to their lives.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what you did before joining Simeon?

I've worked in care since leaving school and studied healthcare at college. When I was studying, I had to complete a case study where I visited a care setting and found out more about the community, so I chose Camphill School Aberdeen. I sat down with someone who talked me through the background of Camphill, as well as its ethics and values, and this really sparked my interest in working for Camphill in the future.

I went on to gain experience working in the community as well as around four years as a care assistant. Before joining Simeon, I worked at Tigh a' Chomain, which was part of the Camphill community, supporting people with their day-to-day lives.

What does a typical day look like for you as Activities Coordinator?

My day always starts by saying good morning to the residents and asking how they're doing. I spend time planning the week ahead, putting together the weekly activities planner, contacting entertainers and organising activities both in the home and out in the community.

I get my ideas for activities in a few different ways. Sometimes they just pop into my head when I'm off shift! I also use a really good website called Golden Carers, which gives lots of advice and ideas for activity coordinators. I then adapt these ideas to make them more person-centred for the residents at Simeon.

I also spend one-to-one time with residents going through an activities survey. This helps me understand which types of activities everyone enjoys, as well as how long they like an activity to last. It's important to me that the activities we offer are based on what residents actually want to do.

I lead a morning activity before lunch, so I spend time getting everything ready and encouraging residents to join in. After lunch, I enjoy spending one-to-one time with different residents before setting up the afternoon activity. At the end of the day, I complete my daily notes and start preparing for the next day.

How do activities help enhance everyday life for residents at Simeon, and what impact do you see them having on residents’ wellbeing and sense of connection?

I think activities give residents a real sense of purpose. Having something to look forward to and getting involved in different activities can really help bring people together and give them a confidence boost.

It's lovely to see residents make friendships through activities and work together. You can see how much they enjoy spending time together, and it's really rewarding to see the difference that taking part can make to their mood and confidence.

Why are outings such as going out for coffee, taking a walk or enjoying a trishaw ride important for residents?

I think outings are really important because they help residents enjoy the things they used to do and give them a sense of normality. A few times when we've been out, residents have bumped into old friends, and it's lovely to see those moments happen.

Whenever we come back from an outing, the residents are always in a brighter mood, and you can really see the positive impact it has had on them.

How do these everyday experiences help residents maintain a sense of independence and continue doing the things they enjoy?

Something as simple as going shopping can make a real difference. Residents enjoy holding the basket, choosing what they'd like and having a browse around the shops. It gives them that feeling of independence.

I also always ask residents what activities they'd like to do and what they'd like to see more of, so they have a choice in how they spend their time. We recently went on a picnic together, which everyone really enjoyed and helped create that feeling of doing something familiar and normal.

What is your favourite activity or moment to share with residents, and why?

I really enjoy our music sessions and the visits from the baby group. It's lovely to watch the residents engage with the music and see the smiles it brings to their faces.

The baby group is also really special because it encourages some residents to engage who don't always enjoy other activities. I also really value spending one-to-one time with residents. Even after nearly 10 months at Simeon, I'm still getting to know everyone and learning new things about them.

Is there a moment from your time at Simeon that particularly stands out to you?

The connections I've made with the residents really stand out. It's important to me that I don't just feel like a member of staff in their home, but someone they feel comfortable talking to and spending time with.

I also love seeing residents get up to dance and enjoy the music whenever we have singers visiting. Seeing everyone smiling, singing along and connecting through music is always a highlight.

What do you think makes Simeon feel like a home rather than just a place to live?

I think not wearing uniforms helps create a more relaxed, homely environment. It's important that residents feel at home rather than feeling like there are strangers caring for them.

The relationships throughout the home also make a big difference. Every member of the team, including our housekeeping team, has built genuine friendships with the residents, and I think that's what makes Simeon feel so welcoming.

When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?

When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends and my nieces. I also love shopping and reading.