“The residents just love the takeaway shop because it's a treat and different to the food we normally have. It’s a bit of fun having those naughty things that we shouldn’t have often, like hot chips or Chiko Rolls,” Ms Heywood said.

After discovering that Ms Heywood used to run a takeaway in her younger days, staff came up with the idea to set up their own version for residents to enjoy their favourite tasty treats.

“Once Christina shared her history with us and told us she wanted to be involved in the initiative, she joined the Leisure and Lifestyle team and completed all the necessary training,” Calvary Bayview Home Manager, Rubina Vadehra, said.

Ms Heywood credits the takeaway shop for giving her a new purpose in life. “It helps me meet more people. I’m a bit quiet and don’t make friends easily, but I’m starting to know a lot more people at Calvary Bayview by working in the takeaway shop. I’m really enjoying it,” Ms Heywood said.

The takeaway shop runs every Wednesday from 11am to 12.30pm. All the classics feature on the menu, but the Leisure and Lifestyle team take resident request for specials they’d like to see offered.

“The residents let us know what they're craving or if they want to try something they’ve never had before,” Calvary Bayview Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Komal Rani said.

“We've had crab sticks, mozzarella cheese balls, arancini balls, and all different types of spring rolls. We always try to have something a little different,”

“We have our regulars who come every week, and they look forward to it so much. They sit around chatting and eating. It just brings so much happiness to the home,” Ms Heywood added.