We would like to thank all our exhibitors and delegates for their support at our Regional Care Providers Conferences this year.
Home honours staff and remembers colleague
SPYNIE Care Home in Elgin has held an awards evening to celebrate the dedication of its staff team and to remember former deputy manager Shona Donaldson, who died of cancer earlier this year.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Shona Donaldson Award, the most prestigious accolade of the night, created in her memory to recognise the member of staff who has gone above and beyond.
The award was presented by Shona’s sister, Val McLean, to Maggie Scott, home manager at Spynie Care Home, in recognition of her support for Shona and her unwavering commitment to the whole team.
Maggie said: “I would do this for every member of staff as support is what we’re about. I really don’t think I am deserving of it as we all do such a good job. All the team are superstars – well done to every single one of the winners.”
Shona worked at Spynie on a number of occasions, her last period of service being from December 2019 until April 2024.
Home manager Maggie Scott (left) receives her award from Val McLean and operations manager Steve Massey.
Even during her illness at Shona’s insistence, she continued to support the home, with Maggie often visiting her with a laptop so she could contribute from her bed.
Known for her positivity and resilience, Shona refused to be defeatist in the face of her diagnosis.
Maggie added: “Shona had such a positive outlook and gave her illness one hell of a run for its money. She always put the residents first and appreciated the preciousness of life.
“She believed there was no point dwelling on things you cannot change, and even when faced with the inevitability of death her focus remained on contributing to the wellbeing of others. That is a truly admirable legacy.”
Alongside the Shona Donaldson Award, a mix of heartfelt and light-hearted awards were presented to staff to reflect both the professionalism and camaraderie. Winners were: Social Care Nurse Award – Soumya Varghese; High Flyer Award – Jasmine Roberts and Michelle Jack; Dignity in Care Award – Lisa Smith; End of Life Nurse Award – Lorraine Watson; Newcomer Award – Madison Wetherell; Ancillary Worker Award – Marion Laing; Dementia Carer Award – Laura Paterson; Staying the Distance Award – Michelle Dobbs; Best Operations Manager Award –Steve Massey; Nurse Most Likely to Sleep in for a Nightshift Award – Lexi Peach; Hall Monitor Award – Rebekka McLaren and Kirsty Melville; Scarlet Pimpernel Award – Jim McLaren; Shona Donaldson Award – Maggie Scott.
At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk
www.caringuk.co.uk
Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 bg@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Editorial Operations Director: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Studio Manager: Paul Hopkinson Tel: 01226 734711 ph@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Assistant Studio Manager: Scott Firth Tel: 01226 734414 sf@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. info@caring-uk.co.uk
Database enquiries to: 01226 734473 returns@scriptmediagroup. co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
Follow us on Twitter @caringuk
Montane Care completes sale of Catterall House in Garstang
MONTANE Care is delighted to announce the successful sale of Catterall House, a respected and long-established care home in Garstang, Lancashire, on behalf of Skanda Rajaratnam of Arrowsmith Care Homes Ltd.
The home has been acquired by Sabe Connor of Holywell Care Group, marking another successful transaction for Montane Care and reinforcing our reputation as a trusted specialist within the UK care sector.
Catterall House has long held a valued place in the local community, providing residential care for older people in a supportive and homely environment.
Under the ownership of Arrowsmith Care Homes Ltd, the home became known for its compassionate care, dedicated staff team, and strong compliance record. These qualities, together with a loyal local reputation and consistent occupancy, made Catterall House an attractive opportunity for a quality-driven operator.
Montane Care was instructed to manage the sale through a confidential and structured process, designed to protect residents and staff while achieving the best outcome for the vendor. Drawing on our national database of active buyers and in-depth understanding of the sector, we
generated multiple expressions of interest and selected the most suitable and well-funded purchaser.
Following a detailed due diligence process, the sale completed in October 2025, transferring ownership to Holywell Care Group, a growing regional operator with a strong commitment to delivering highquality, person-centred care.
Acting for the vendor, Jo Clark of Adams & Remers LLP provided legal representation, while Daniel Coll of RB Legal acted for the purchaser.
Reflecting on the sale, Skanda Rajaratnam, managing director of Arrowsmith Care Homes Ltd, said: “Catterall House has been part of our journey for many years, and choosing the right buyer was incredibly important to us. From the outset, Darren and the Montane Care team were understanding, proactive, and professional.
“Their communication was clear, their process was discreet, and I always felt they had our best interests at heart.
“The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I’m confident the home will continue to thrive under Holywell Care Group’s ownership.
“My sincere thanks to Darren and everyone involved for their expertise and support.”
The purchaser, Sabe Connor
of Holywell Care Group, added:
“We are delighted to welcome Catterall House into the Holywell Care Group family. From our first visit, it was clear the home had been exceptionally well-managed, with a strong, caring team at its core.
“Working with Montane Care made the process straightforward and efficient. Communication was excellent throughout, and we appreciated the professionalism and transparency shown by all parties.
“I would also like to thank our solicitor, Daniel Coll of RB Legal, for his dedication and attention to detail. We look forward to building on the fantastic foundations already in place and continuing to deliver the highest standards of care.”
The collaboration between Montane Care and both sets of solicitors played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.
By combining brokerage expertise, and hands-on involvement throughout the process, Montane Care ensured the transaction progressed from instruction through to completion.
Darren Edwards of Montane Care said: “It has been a genuine pleasure to represent Skanda and the Arrowsmith Care Homes team in the sale of Catterall House.
“This was a well-run home with a strong culture, and it was
important to find a buyer who shared the same values.
“Holywell Care Group were an excellent fit, and both parties worked collaboratively throughout. I’d also like to thank Jo Clark of Adams & Remers LLP, who acted for the vendor, and Daniel Coll of RB Legal, who represented the purchaser, their professionalism and communication ensured the process remained efficient and positive from start to finish.”
He added: “At Montane Care, we continue to see strong demand for well-managed care homes with solid compliance and long-standing reputations.
“Our ability to deliver discreet, structured transactions and our deep connections within the sector allow us to achieve strong results for our clients.
“If you are considering selling or would like to understand the current value of your care business, I would be happy to have a confidential conversation about how we can help.”
The sale of Catterall House reflects Montane Care’s ongoing commitment to supporting care home owners, operators, and investors nationwide.
If you’re considering selling your care business or exploring an acquisition, I’d welcome a confidential conversation. Please contact me on 07720 653322 or email darren.edwards@montanecare.co.uk
In his latest in a series of regular columns, care provider Mike Padgham, who is honorary president and former chair of the Independent Care Group, gives us his personal take on the big issues facing social care.
Social care at a crossroads – a sector under strain and an economy in need
AS I write this, the social care sector stands at one of the most precarious moments in its history.
In just a few days, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will deliver her first Budget.
I hope – indeed, I urge – that she takes full account of the pressures facing social care providers and the millions of people who rely on our services. The stakes could not be higher.
For too long, social care has been treated as if it were merely a cost – a drain on the public purse.
Yet the truth is entirely different. Social care is both a lifeline for individuals and families and a major economic contributor.
According to the latest Skills for Care report, the adult social care sector in England contributed £77.8billion to the economy in 2024/25.
At the same time, the sector employed approximately 1.6 million people in filled posts, with 1.71 million posts in total.
These figures show clearly that social care is not simply a cost centre – it is a significant economic engine.
And yet, despite this immense value, the sector is under extraordinary strain.
Rising costs, chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and escalating demand are creating conditions that many providers simply cannot survive.
Across the country, committed
and long-standing providers are telling us – often privately, because they fear speaking openly – that they are struggling to keep their doors open.
Some are reducing services or declining new placements. Others are on the brink of closure.
This is not theoretical; this is the lived reality. And if providers collapse, the impact will be catastrophic – not only for the people who rely on social care, but for the NHS and the broader economy.
We know from experience that when social care falters, the NHS quickly becomes overwhelmed. Hospital discharge slows. A&E waiting times rise. Ambulances queue. Beds are blocked. Staff are stretched beyond reason.
Costs soar.
Any hope of creating a more effective health system evaporates.
If the Chancellor is serious about restoring economic stability and supporting growth, she must recognise that social care is part of that mission – not separate from it.
Investment in social care is, in fact, one of the smartest economic moves the government can make.
A well-funded social care system delivers three powerful outcomes:
n It keeps people well and independent.
High-quality care prevents crises, reduces hospital admissions, and supports healthier communities. That saves the NHS money and improves lives.
n It supports the national workforce.
Millions depend on social care for themselves or loved ones. When care is reliable, people can stay in work. When it breaks down, they leave work or reduce hours – hurting productivity and family incomes.
n It boosts the economy.
As noted, the sector contributes nearly £80billion and supports more than 1.6 million jobs. Every pound invested in the sector generates value in local and national economies.
The forthcoming Budget is an opportunity to acknowledge these
realities and provide the stability that providers urgently need.
We are not asking for extravagance—simply for fairness, sustainability, and a recognition of the vital role social care plays in both society and the economy.
As honorary president and former chair of the Independent Care Group, I hear every day from providers who are committed to delivering the highest standards of care.
They are resilient, passionate, and dedicated.
But even the most committed cannot defy the laws of economics.
Without meaningful action, we will see more closures—and the consequences will be felt immediately across the health system.
In the coming days, I will be writing to the Chancellor personally.
I will urge her to act decisively, and without delay. If we lose more providers, the NHS will feel the strain instantly.
Families will face impossible choices. Communities will lose vital services. And the wider economy will lose one of its most reliable contributors.
Rachel Reeves has the chance to show that this government understands the value of social care – not as a cost, but as a cornerstone of economic and social wellbeing.
Pioneer Joy relives former glories
HENBROOK House in St Neots organised a trip down memory lane for resident Joy Wilson and her son Neil.
During an outing to Southlake Water Park in Little Paxton, the team arranged a visit to a waterskiing club so Joy could reminisce about her own connection with the sport which began more than 73 years ago. Back in 1952, waterskiing had only just arrived in the UK from America – and was still seen as a niche (and rather dangerous) hobby by many in Britain Joy, 93, who lived and worked with her parents at the time in a seafront hotel in Torquay, was nevertheless an enthusiastic early adopter of the sport, and quickly became one of the first women ever to waterski in the UK.
After speaking with Joy about her story, the team at Henbrook House wanted to help her relive
her glory days by arranging the outing.
After receiving a heartfelt welcome from DAMS
Watersports club as a returning veteran, Joy sat on the jetty with a cup of tea to watch a training session in action.
Catherine Frost, general manager of Henbrook House, said: “We believe every resident’s passions and legacies should be celebrated; and so when we discovered we had a genuine pioneer in our midst we knew we had to do something special.
“It was wonderful to help Joy relive her cherished memories out on the water, and to continue being a part of a sport which she contributed so much to in her early life.”
Waterskiing was not always seen as an acceptable pastime in the UK.
Joy remembers that gaining formal acceptance of the sport in Torquay was an uphill battle, and it took a lot of convincing for the authorities to allow it to be
practiced at all.
However, through persistence, determination and a deep love of the sport, pioneers like Joy eventually succeeded in gaining official recognition of waterskiing in 1958.
It is now one of the most popular water sports across the UK, and remains an important part of life in Torquay in particular.
The town recently hosted the second and third rounds of the UK Waterski Racing Championships.
Catherine added: “Joy’s story is nothing short of inspirational. She broke barriers and helped pave the way for generations of women to follow in her footsteps.
“It was a privilege to help her reconnect with such a formative part of her life, and to help a remarkable woman continue to tell her story.”
Mike Padgham
Joy Wilson and her son Neil.
Moray
of the playgroup at Parklands and
homes in Buckie, Earthtime will now bring the
to Aberlour’s Speyside
home. Sessions will be held every Thursday. The playgroup is designed for babies and pre-school children to enjoy outdoor play and nature-based activities, while giving parents and carers the chance to connect with other families. The sessions also encourage intergenerational connections, with residents of Speyside joining in the fun.
Home becomes first to join Freemasons’ new scheme
A SCARBOROUGH care home has become the first in the world to officially join the Freemasons’ new ‘Masonic Aware’ initiative.
Cayton View Care Home, located in Eastfield, part of Cromwell Care, welcomed around 30 members of the Freemasons of Yorkshire, North and East Ridings, including Provincial Grand Master Dr David Chambers, for a special ceremony to mark the occasion.
The visit included speeches, refreshments and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The new partnership aims to ensure Freemasons and their families who move into care are recognised, supported, and connected to the organisation if they wish to be. Ahead of the visit, all Cayton View team members completed training on the values and history of Freemasonry, equipping them to deliver tailored care to those with Masonic links.
Leah Moon, general manager at Cayton View, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Freemasons. They are an incredible organisation that does fantastic work for the communities they’re involved in, and we are
very excited to welcome their members.”
During the visit, guests were given a full tour of the home’s purpose-built facilities, which include a cinema, café, hair salon, and spacious en-suite bedrooms.
Dr David Chambers added: “We would like to thank Cayton View for becoming the very first Masonic Aware care home and are very much looking forward to expanding this initiative.”
As part of the scheme, every new resident at Cayton View will be asked if they have any connection to the Freemasons. Where a link is identified, and the
resident wants to maintain it, the care home will help facilitate that relationship through a dedicated point of contact provided by the Masonic Province.
The Freemasons’ Masonic Aware programme is based on the organisation’s four core values – Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service – and aims to provide continuity, companionship and practical support for Freemasons and their families during life transitions.
Cayton View is now being used as the model for other care homes looking to join the scheme.
Cayton View’s Leah Moon with Provincial Grand Master Dr David Chambers.
Operator publishes book featuring residents’ musical memories
AN OPERATOR has published an interactive book containing the musical memories of the people living in its five homes – and charities are set to benefit from the sales.
Magical Musical Memories is the name of the book, which is a compilation of songs chosen by the residents in Dormy Care Communities’ homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wales and Herefordshire.
People who buy the book won’t only be able to read why a song has particularly special memories for residents, they will also be able to watch and listen to the song on YouTube by pointing their smartphone camera on the QR reader on each page.
From classical music by greats such as Mozart and Beethoven to more modern songs by the likes of Queen, Tom Jones and Cyndi Lauper, the book includes residents’ favourite songs and any particular anecdotes/stories about them.
These were collated following interviews conducted with people who live in Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Pine Martin Grange Care Community
in Wareham, Dorset, Bramshott Grange Care Community in Liphook, Hampshire; and Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe.
It comes as a study by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge reveals how music can reduce stress in people living with dementia and after former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie revealed how music has helped prompt memories for their loved ones.
Dormy Care Communities chief executive Helen Davies-
Parsons said: “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the residents in our care communities.
“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.
“Music has the unique ability to transport us back to a specific time and place, stirring up memories that we may have
long forgotten and through the recollections of these wonderful people, these memories will now live on forever.”
Among the residents whose musical memories have been captured are Doreen Binks, from Bramshott Grange, who tells how she and her husband Gary got to see John Denver perform live in the front row of a concert in Reno, Nevada, despite not having tickets; John Deadman, from Pine Martin Grange, selects Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh as it reminds him of a dress his late wife used to wear; Jane Harding, from Foxhunters, reveals her Elvis obsession; Cherill Forster, from Brockington House, explains why she was Cliff Richard’s number one fan and Peter and Diana Andrews, from Glenburnie Lodge, recall their road trip to the USA when Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours was constantly played on the radio.
Copies of the book are being sold at £15 each and anyone interested in purchasing a copy can do so by contacting any of the homes. The homes can take card payments over the phone and post the book out.
A donation from all sales will be made to local charities.
Bench unveiled in Judy’s memory
A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled in memory of a muchloved former care home owner who spent her life looking after others.
The bench was donated by Peter Haycox in tribute to his late wife Judy who was a resident at Pendine Park’s Cae Bryn care home in Wrexham and it’s now taking pride of place in their gardens.
Peter and Judy were themselves deeply involved in the social care sector - running Trewythen Hall Care Home in Gresford for decades.
Judy spent 14 months at Cae Bryn, which specialises in dementia care, before she died aged 86.
After donating the bench, Peter and his family then travelled to Trewythen Hall, which is now being developed into assisted housing apartments, to spread Judy’s ashes in its wild garden.
Peter said he and his family wanted to thank Pendine Park for its care, and as Judy enjoyed spending time in the gardens, thought a bench would be the most appropriate gift.
He said: “The care Judy received at Cae Bryn was outstanding, absolutely outstanding.
“We used to go into the gardens when the weather was
okay and have a walk around and sit down on a bench.
“And of course when there were any activities going on, dancing or anything, Judy would be up there in the middle of it, she loved it.
“We were very grateful for the quality of the care Judy received at Cae Bryn so we wanted to donate a bench.
“Judy used to love sitting in the gardens, so we thought the very least we could do was to leave a bench for Cae Bryn.”
Peter and Judy ran their 36-bed care home from July 1983 to August 2018.
They were supported by 40 staff and Judy’s sister Diana Hawnt, who was a nurse.
The couple were prominent figures in the care sector in Wrexham and during their time at Trewythen Hall they also pioneered the concept of assisted living by building 19 bungalows in its grounds.
Peter said the home’s long success was down to the way it
was run.
He said: “It was like a family, we bought it as a business, but we had a constant parade of families and friends visiting.
“It was an absolute nucleus for bonding and friendship and care.
“The staff were treated like family, even now I am still invited out by the staff, we’re still friends. We still go out for dinner every couple of months because we built that relationship up at Trewythen and we still have that now, it was like one big family home.”
Peter said excellence in care was always the aim at Trewythen Hall.
He said: “We sold the home in August 2018 but Judy was having a few memory issues even before then.
“We went to the memory clinic at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and she went through tests and in February 2019 she was diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s “I looked after her at home until September 2023 but inevitably she was later admitted into hospital for review and assessment and it was decided she needed to go into a nursing home.
“Judy went into Pendine Park’s Cae Bryn in January 2024 and sadly she died in March this year.”
Group celebrates 20 years of care and community
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE based care group is celebrating 20 years since acquiring its first home, having provided care and a place to call home for thousands of people in the community.
Church Farm Care was founded by Lucy and Patrick Atkinson in 2005, growing from a single site into a thriving business with five homes across the region –Church Farm at Cotgrave, Field House, Skylarks, Rusticus and most recently, Wren Hall.
And, based on its success, the team now has plans underway to develop a sixth site which will be the group’s first new-build project.
Patrick said: “Our success has come from consistency, strong values and a great team.
“The loyalty of our staff speaks volumes and we’re proud to have grown while staying true to our principles.”
Church Farm at Cotgrave was where it all began, with many of the original team still part of the home today. Already working at Church Farm 20 years ago – and still actively involved across the group – was Maria Atkinson, Patrick’s sister and current deputy manager at Skylarks, and her husband John Spollin who was the home’s first manager.
Other longstanding team members include: Anne Benke,
head chef at Cotgrave, who’s celebrating 28 years, Jane Hernandez, now house leader at Rusticus who has been with Church Farm Care for 24 years, Cassie Qevani, who started at Cotgrave aged 15 and is now house leader at the same home, Janet Maiella, who has been working as a nurse at Cotgrave for nearly 40 years, and Wynne Williams who has been working for Church Farm as a nurse for over 36 years. And at Field House, Debbie Croucher has worked at the home since Lucy’s parents owned it, a connection going back more than 40 years.
Over the last two decades,
Care team support Mental Health UK
AN intrepid Sanctuary Care team from Scotland white-knuckled their way through some nail-biting water adventures to support a charity close to their hearts.
Regional manager (Scotland East) Joseph Greiner challenged his team to support the operator’s charity of the year – Mental Health UK, by embarking on a river wild adventure at Laggan Canyon in the Scottish Highlands. With jumps, slides and abseils, the team threw themselves into the challenge with gusto – raising more than £1,400 in the process.
Joseph said: “It was a great honour to scale new heights
and dive into this adventure with some of my home managers and team members from Scotland East. It was an absolute joy to conquer the Laggan Canyon – it was great fun, and we felt very proud to have experienced such an amazing adventure.”
The team’s event supports a wider Sanctuary Care fundraising initiative, where each year the not-for-profit care provider’s homes and teams host a series of events, culminating in the Senior Ops Challenge, where its senior operations team take on a physical conquest, often involving land and water.
Church Farm Care has developed a reputation for delivering personcentred care, particularly for people living with dementia.
From the outset, the group adopted the Butterfly Approach, moving away from traditional care models to create more engaging, responsive and home-like environments.
Strong links with the wider community has – and remains –an important part of the ethos of Church Farm Care, with all homes regularly welcoming schools, local groups and performers through their doors.
The trust established amongst healthcare professionals is
also clear, with GPs and social workers regularly choosing to place their own relatives in Church Farm homes.
For the team it’s the real-life impact that matters most. One standout example is of a woman who had moved between eight different homes before arriving at a Church Farm Care home.
Every morning at the previous homes, she would pack a bag and wait by the door. At Church Farm, she never did.
“She didn’t speak much,” said Lucy, co-founder and director of Church Farm Care. “But her daughter told us that her not packing her bags each day said everything. That kind of trust, comfort and sense of belonging is what we’re here to provide - and those are the moments that truly define our work.
“This anniversary is a chance to celebrate our team, our growth and the families who’ve trusted us with their care.
“We’re proud of how far we’ve come – from buying our first home to now employing 480 members of staff and 68 nurses, each of whom contribute so much to our family members’ lives and make a true difference every day. Our focus for the future is to continue providing the best care and building on our reputation at Church Farm Care.”
Care home launches new day care service
BRUNELCARE’S Glastonbury
Care Home has launched a new day care service designed to support the local community.
The service provides opportunities for residents to take part in enriching activities, wellbeing sessions and social engagement in a safe and welcoming environment.
The home is offering a free half day trial day for anyone interested in experiencing the day care service
Clinical lead nurse Nisha Binumon said: “We’re proud to be part of such a wonderful community.
“Offering day care services gives us the chance to welcome residents, make new friends, and create meaningful moments together.
“All our day care guests always leave with a smile on their faces and some of them end up moving into the home.”
The care home is rated ‘Good’, with an ‘Outstanding’ in care, and boasts a team of qualified professional carers and nurses,
including specialists in dementia care.
Guests benefit from homecooked, nutritious meals, beautiful gardens, a sensory room, and a wide range of daily activities designed to promote wellbeing and engagement. Day care is available from 8.30am to 5.30pm, 365 days a year, ensuring consistent support and care for the local community. Times are flexible to help families, and the home also offers respite care and is currently welcoming permanent residents too.
Lucy and Patrick Atkinson
People need people – the Outstanding Society in 2025
By Ruth French
STRONG, heart-centred leadership in care
As Benjamin Zephaniah reminded us, “People need people.”
In an era dominated by conversations about AI, tech innovation, and change, this truth has never been more relevant.
At the Outstanding Society our focus remains unwavering: delivering outstanding and compassionate care for the people we support in social care.
That begins with nurturing a workforce that must feel respected, valued, and empowered. Every action we take must reflect this commitment.
2025 has been a year of momentum and meaningful engagement for us. From vibrant sector events and parliamentary receptions to the thoughtprovoking Care Show Learning Lounge and industry panels, the OS has continued to champion collaboration and excellence across the social care sector.
These are some of our key takeaways from 2025:
Innovation with integrity
The emergence of AI in social care is an exciting prospect—but one that demands caution.
During our Care Show panel, AI developers echoed the phrase “walk slowly.” While technological solutions are advancing rapidly, they must earn trust and demonstrate real-world value before widespread adoption.
For the OS, innovation will always be balanced with integrity and the human touch that defines outstanding care.
Cybersecurity and culture
Our Cybersecurity Roundtable with headline partner Howden sparked lively debate and deep reflection, reminding us that safeguarding data is as critical as safeguarding dignity. Culture, too, remains a cornerstone of quality. As Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker famously said, “The culture of any organisation is shaped by the worst behaviour the leader is willing to tolerate.”
At the OS, we strive to set the bar high—because excellence is not optional.
Celebrating diversity
One of the year’s most memorable moments was attending Brighton and Manchester Pride alongside those we provide care to.
These were days full of joy, inclusion, and solidaritycelebrations that will be talked about for years to come.
Our follow-up roundtable in Birmingham reinforced this commitment, amplifying voices from across the sector to create meaningful change for the rainbow family and beyond.
And of course, we had the privilege of attending the beautiful Hindu wedding ceremony of our fellow director Sanjay to his husband Harry, set in the grounds of his former care home in Oxfordshire—unforgettable.
Sharing knowledge, driving change
The OS continues to speak to everyone involved in social care, from frontline carers to CEOs.
Through well-attended webinars with CQC and Skills for Care, representation at conferences hosted by Care England and the RCN, and judging at industry awards, we’ve taken every opportunity to share expertise and inspire improvement.
Our contribution extends to groundbreaking research, notably the VIVALDI project, where care home infection data is now flowing to researchers in ways that will shape future policy and practice.
We’ve also supported regional Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils, ensuring that nursing voices remain central to sector development.
Looking ahead
With CQC’s consultation on its future inspection plans underway and providers preparing for new systems in 2026, the Outstanding Society’s role has never been more vital.
In challenging economic and regulatory times, we want to stand as a beacon of collaboration, inspiration, and integrity—helping providers deliver their best for those who matter most.
Because at the heart of everything we do is a simple truth: People need people. And outstanding care starts with outstanding culture.
n Ruth French is a director of the Outstanding Society.
The OS is a Community Interest Company, free to all providers irrelevant of their rating.
It is a platform to share and celebrate best practice, help others to improve and promote careers in social care.
Please contact Sonia – info@ theoutstandingsociety.co.uk for more information or follow the links below:
Ruth French
Operator aims to embed personalised playlists in dementia care for residents
HALLMARK Luxury Care Homes, which operates across the UK, has appointed music and dementia charity Playlist for Life to provide training across its 22 care homes on the strategic use of music for its residents living with the condition.
Playlist for Life advocates for the use of personally meaningful music for people living with dementia and works across the health and social care sector, in the community and with policy makers to reach its goal of providing everyone living with dementia a personally meaningful playlist of songs.
Tracey Carter, head of dementia care and wellbeing at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, said: “We’ve seen significant benefits in the implementation of Playlist for Life in our homes and are now embarking on rolling this out across all our homes to help improve the wellbeing of our residents.
“We saw significant improvements in both physical and psychological wellbeing for our residents, with families also telling us they had seen positive change in their loved one, and that it had helped to develop a new dimension to their ability to
connect and stay connected with them too.
“Our team reported positive change in many areas, including a reduction of stress and distress, weight gain and stabilisation of healthy weight and a reduction in falls too.”
The training for care homes is based on more than two decades of scientific research, showing that listening to a personal playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia.
A playlist of personally meaningful music can reduce anxiety and distress, improve connection, communication and enhance quality of life for not just
Daredevil employees skydive for charity
PLUMMETING 13,000 feet from the sky, two Housing 21 employees took on a skydive to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.
Assistant care managers Tammy Roberts and Jessica Smith at Housing 21’s extra care scheme, Summerfield Court in Stone, decided to take the leap together for a cause close to their hearts and to the hearts of the residents they support.
Jessica said: “We did the skydive together because it’s something we have both always wanted to do. We are not just colleagues; we have been friends for more than 10 years, and we wanted to support each other. It was an amazing experience to share.”
Alongside the skydive, the pair also hosted cake sales and raffles at the scheme to raise money for the cause. So far, they have raised a total of £1,400 with donations still being made.
Tammy added: “The residents have been fully invested in us, offering lots of supportive words and reassurance in the build up to it. They were all eagerly waiting for the news that we had completed it and were safe.”
The skydive took place at Skydive Tilstock in Whitchurch, and shortly afterwards, they hosted a coffee morning at the scheme for residents and their colleagues to see photos and videos from the big day.
the person with dementia – but for those who love and care for them too. Playlists have also been shown to reduce medication in some cases.
Playlist for Life has delivered training to healthcare and social care professionals since 2015, training more than 10,000 people across care homes and NHS units. Training is tailored to each care setting, ensuring that personalised playlists are embedded into care and used as an integral part of a resident’s personalised care plan.
So far, three care homes in the Hallmark group – Anisha Grange in Essex, and Tŷ Enfys and Shire
Hall in Cardiff – have achieved Playlist for Life certified status. Certified status is awarded to homes that have successfully completed Playlist for Life’s certified training and provided evidence on how they have embedded playlists into care.
Following this success, Hallmark Luxury Care Homes has now invested in Playlist for Life’s ‘Train the Trainer’ programme which upskills team members across the business to become Playlist for Life licensed trainers.
This means team members who have completed this course can continue to roll out Playlist for Life training to all care homes in the group.
Michael Timmons, executive director at Playlist for Life, added: “Team members at Hallmark have shown incredible commitment to improving lives of their residents and team through investing time and energy into rolling out Playlist for Life. The teams at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes are truly setting the gold standard in how to embed playlists into care.
“Playlists might seem like a simple idea, but used in the correct way, with dedication from all team, and they can be life changing.”
Couple mark platinum wedding anniversary
A COUPLE celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary at The Burroughs Care home in West Drayton, West London with a family afternoon tea thrown for them by staff.
Activities coordinator Alison Belghar said: “We were honoured to be a part of John and Catherine’s day and celebrate their 70 years of love.
“It’s a truly special thing to witness and we all wish them many more happy years together.”
In 1955, John and Catherine Clarke stood before family and friends to exchange vows and begin a lifetime of love together.
Seventy years on, the devoted couple celebrated their wedding anniversary surrounded by loved ones, marking an extraordinary milestone.
The couple first met as teenagers and quickly fell in love. Together, they raised a wonderful family and embarked on countless adventures.
Catherine recalls the exciting journeys they shared traveling the country with their children in John’s beloved camper van which he took great pride in.
Their marriage was tested when John suffered a serious accident
that required a long hospital stay.
During this difficult time, their children stayed with relatives while Catherine focused on his recovery. Both John and Catherine describe this period as one that strengthened their bond, forging an unbreakable partnership built on resilience and devotion.
Now living at The Burroughs, John welcomes Catherine’s visits. The couple can often be seen hand in hand, reminiscing about their remarkable life together.
Staff and residents were honoured to join the Clarke family in celebrating this special day, paying tribute to a love story that has endured seven decades.
John and Catherine Clarke
A Blyssful experience for your care team
DELIVERING outstanding care requires more than compassion – it demands organisation, compliance, and seamless teamwork.
That’s where Blyssful comes in.
Blyssful is a digital platform designed for care providers, helping make compliance, care planning, and teamwork effortless.
Whether you’re managing a residential home or supporting clients in the community, Blyssful brings everything together in one intuitive system.
Why Blyssful?
Care planning can often feel overwhelming, with multiple regulations and ever-changing needs.
Blyssful simplifies this process by combining care planning, compliance tracking, and insightful reporting in a single
solution. Your team can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering care.
Meet the Blyssful family:
n Blyssful – The core platform for care planning, compliance, and reporting.
n Blyssful Go – A mobile app for point-of-care recording, ensuring accurate documentation wherever your team is.
n Blyss AI – An intelligent assistant that helps create smarter, more personalised care plans with ease.
The result? Better organisation, improved compliance, and care plans that truly reflect the individual.
With Blyssful, you’re not just investing in software—you’re empowering your team to deliver exceptional care with confidence. Discover more at https://ablyss.co.uk
Group champions digital equality
A NATIONAL initiative to bridge the gap between older people and technology has been signed by Housing 21.
The provider of housing for people over the age of 55 has joined the Charter for Digital Inclusion as part of its strategy to become more digitally inclusive for residents.
Jessica Ettridge, digital inclusivity lead at Housing 21, said: “We recognise that without access to digital tools and the internet, many of our residents face the risk of being excluded from essential aspects of modern life. This includes vital areas such as communication with family and friends, access to healthcare services, management of financial affairs, and participation in social activities.
“This is why becoming a member of the charter is extremely important for us to take the next step in our mission to be digitally inclusive.”
The Charter for Digital Inclusion has been created by the Digital Poverty Alliance for organisations to recognise the ongoing challenge of ensuring fair access to digital tools, skills and literacy.
By becoming a signatory, Housing 21 joins a collective effort to break down barriers
through shared resources and expertise. New digital skills training, communal WiFi and smart technology are helping the retirement living and extra care provider’s residents access services and stay connected, with the organisation’s Resident Digital Inclusivity Group ensuring residents help shape the approach.
Housing 21 already collaborates with partner organisations including the Digital Poverty Alliance and the HACT Digital Inclusion Network and is committed to strengthening relationships with other digital inclusion organisations and charities to better support its residents.
Membership of the Charter also opens opportunities to attend the Digital Poverty Alliance Gala and be nominated for Digital Inclusion Awards.
Wolfenden appointed to accelerate digital growth
DANFORTH Group, the parent company of Danforth Care Homes, Cromwell Care, and Adore Care Homes, has signed a three-year contract with Wolfenden to lead the digital marketing strategy across its entire portfolio; an appointment which sees the agency further expand and solidify its care credentials.
The partnership will harness Wolfenden’s expertise across SEO, digital PR, paid media, and data and analytics to grow awareness, connect with communities, and ultimately increase both resident enquiries and recruitment across the group’s UK-wide homes.
Joanne Rossiter, head of marketing at Danforth Group, said: “Partnering with Wolfenden gives us the expertise we need to take full ownership of our marketing strategy.
“Their experience in the care sector, alongside a proven track record of delivering results across each of our brands, made them the clear choice to help us reach families and communities more effectively, strengthen our reputation, and attract the very best talent.”
Wolfenden’s remit will focus on: n SEO – improving online visibility so families can easily find the right
care solutions.
n Digital PR – strengthening the reputation of Danforth Group and its brands within local communities and the wider sector.
n Paid media – driving qualified enquiries and awareness across digital channels.
n Data and analytics – uncovering insights to optimise campaigns and inform long-term strategy.
Daisy Wolfenden, managing director of Wolfenden, added:
“The care sector is one I have huge admiration for, both professionally and personally, so it’s a privilege to be supporting Danforth Group.
“This partnership is about more than digital growth – it’s about making sure people find the right care, and that Danforth’s homes are recognised for the incredible, high-quality environments they provide for both residents and staff.”
Carer Kerry gains new perspective
A CARE home worker in Ellesmere Port spent a shift in a wheelchair to deepen her understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly residents she supports.
Activities coordinator Kerry Vickers, from Aaron Court, undertook the empathy-driven challenge to gain first-hand experience navigating the world in a wheelchair.
She also used the initiative to raise funds for The People’s Pantry, which supports local families through food bank services, homelessness support, and children’s activities during school holidays.
Kerry was guided throughout the day by resident Phill Floyd, 81, who uses a wheelchair himself and offered practical tips on manoeuvring, turning, and navigating ramps safely.
She said: “Phill was brilliant. He was giving me tips on the best way to manoeuvre, telling me how best to turn the wheels when needing to turn around, and how not to lean too far back when coming up a steep ramp, so I didn’t tip back.”
Fellow residents also got involved, offering encouragement and even a helping push, but Kerry quickly discovered how
challenging it can be to get around – especially outside the care home.
She added: “While I only got a small glimpse into the challenges facing wheelchair users, I found the whole experience a real eye opener.
“When I went to a shop with admin Sarah I realised how stuck I would be without her help, as I couldn’t get in due to a step to enter.
“Also the paths on the way to the shop were very slanted, so this was a struggle. Inside the care home was much easier but there were still challenges and it helped me to see things from the perspective of our residents who use wheelchairs.
“That night in bed my arms ached and my legs felt like they were swaying with all the twisting and turning I had done during the day.”
Digital Reception
Fast, simple and secure visitor management at your fingertips.
Professional First Impressions
Enhanced Security and Compliance
24/7 Digital Records
Custom Branding
Introducing
Care Home Dependency Calculator
In just 2 minutes, turn resident needs into clear care hours and see exactly where shortfalls are. Track trends over time, evidence care levels for inspections and make confident staffing decisions all in one tool for homes and groups.
CareCalc provides you with...
How many total care hours are needed
How many staff are required on shift
Staffing shortfall oversight CQC Staffing Compliance
What to ask for in fee reviews
From Needs to Numbers in Seconds
Advertiser’s announcement
Why technology must serve people, not replace them
CARE homes across the UK are under constant pressure to deliver high-quality, person-centred care despite workforce shortages, rising costs, increasing regulatory demands, and limited time.
While technology is often promised as the solution, the real question is: does it actually make life easier for staff and improve care for residents?
Increasingly, the answer depends less on the scale of digital adoption and more on whether the right tools are chosen – tools that reduce the burden on staff, support compliance, and nurture genuine human connection.
Two innovations leading this shift are AVA Digital Reception and CareCalc, solutions designed not to replace people, but to empower them.
Digitising the front door to care: AVA Digital Reception
A care home reception is far more than an entrance – it’s a point of welcome, a safeguarding checkpoint, a record-keeper, and, at times, a bottleneck in an already demanding environment.
Traditional paper visitor books are slow, insecure, and increasingly incompatible with regulatory expectations around
safety and GDPR.
AVA Digital Reception brings that front-door process into the modern world – speeding up sign-in, improving safeguarding, and giving staff back valuable minutes every day.
The system records who has entered and exited the building, logs contractors and reasons for visits, stores digital consent for data-sharing and fire safety briefings, and provides instant visitor reports when needed for audits or emergency evacuation.
Most importantly, AVA does all this automatically. No manual data entry, no deciphering handwriting, no lost paper logs.
During inspections, homes using AVA can produce real-time visitor histories, compliance evidence, and fire-safety sign-offs at the click of a button – turning what used to be a frantic search through sign-in sheets into a moment of calm efficiency. With greater visibility comes safer care. With less paperwork comes more time for staff to do what they’re there to do – provide support, comfort, and care for residents.
Calculating care fairly: The rise of dependency-led staffing Staffing remains the biggest
operational challenge in the sector, with many teams feeling overstretched and underresourced.
Yet often the issue isn’t lack of care – it’s lack of clarity.
Many homes simply do not have the tools to quantify the exact number and skill level of staff needed, especially as resident needs fluctuate.
CareCalc, a dependency and staffing tool developed specifically for UK care homes, provides that clarity.
By calculating individual resident care needs in hours and minutes – not generic scores – CareCalc shows exactly how many care hours are required on any given day, and how those hours should be distributed between carers, senior carers, and nurses.
The result is a level of transparency that benefits everyone. Managers can evidence safe staffing levels to the CQC and local authorities.
Families gain reassurance that their loved ones are supported based on need, not guesswork.
And when funding discussions arise – something becoming increasingly frequent – homes can finally take a data-led approach to fee negotiations.
CareCalc doesn’t just highlight shortfalls; it supports workforce planning, skill-mix balance, and financial sustainability. It’s a tool that is already reshaping how care homes think about staffing – from reactive firefighting to proactive workforce strategy.
The future of care technology is human
The success of digital tools will never be measured by their complexity or novelty, but by whether they give staff more time, more confidence, and more capacity to care.
Solutions like AVA and CareCalc prove that when technology is designed with the sector’s realities in mind, it strengthens rather than replaces the humanity at the heart of care. In a time of limited resources and growing expectations, the care sector doesn’t need more technology – it needs the right technology.
Tools that protect time, support decisions, and help care teams do what they do best: deliver safe, dignified, compassionate care every single day.
Fusion Care Software – One Login to One
Operator gives back to numerous schools through latest campaign
A CAMPAIGN launched by Oakland Care has seen seven schools across London and the South East benefit from sustainability initiative grants and volunteer support.
Earlier this summer the operator wrote to schools in the local communities surrounding its 10 care homes, inviting applications for support with meaningful and impactful projects.
Off the back of this, seven school applications were selected, with grants of up to £1,000 awarded in tandem with volunteer support from members of Oakland Care’s local care home teams, head office and supply chain partners who helped to undertake project activity over recent months.
This has included at Gildredge House School, near Beechwood Grove care home in East Sussex, where team members have helped create a new, vibrant, wetland area for pupils to enjoy.
Meanwhile at Forty Hill Primary School in Enfield an overgrown wasteland space has been transformed into an allotment for the school to grow fresh fruit and vegetables.
Elsewhere at Horizon Primary
Academy, near Birchwood Heights care home in Kent, Oakland Care has helped to establish a new outdoor reading area for children with special educational needs, and across the county at Hildenborough CE Primary School, by Hyllden Heights care home, a muchneeded new pathway is being built.
Aaron White, assistant director of corporate services and sustainability at Oakland Care, said:
“We’re delighted with how successful the ‘Support a
School’ campaign has been. We feel a strong sense of responsibility to support our local communities, and this initiative has provided us with a valuable opportunity to give back to others.
“It has been great to not only facilitate, but offer a helping hand, in delivering several excellent projects for seven schools and their pupils.”
Grants have also gone towards other ‘green’ projects, including the creation of a bike shelter at Lambourne Primary School, close to Lambwood Heights care
home in Essex, which will help to support and promote sustainable travel.
This activity comes in addition to the wide range of sustainability efforts which have been undertaken by Oakland Care as part of its annual Greener Month, a fourweek marathon of events and activities focused on positive environmental change that have been delivered during September over the last several years.
The ‘Support a School’ campaign is the first step towards the launch of Oakland Care’s ‘Caring for the Community’ initiative which will launch in 2026. This initiative will see the provider extend grant funding and volunteer support to other groups and businesses in its local communities.
Aaron added: “Many of our team members and residents also have family ties to the schools which have benefitted from the initiatives locally, which has been very special and brought about much pride in Oakland Care. We look forward to building on this campaign in the community with the launch of a new, exciting, initiative in the new year.”
Homes team up with University at Alzheimer Europe Conference
STAFF from an East Midlands care group and the University of Nottingham recently attended an international Alzheimer’s conference – taking learnings to apply to their pioneering dementia research studies.
Rachel Squire, the manager of Milford Care’s The Meadows care home, joined delegates at the 35th Alzheimer Europe Conference in Bologna, Italy, alongside Dr. Rachael Carroll, Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham.
The pair have been working closely together on three major dementia studies – the DACHA Study, DACHA-DASH study and the LiLAC Study – across the past three years at both The Meadows and Buddleia House care home, in Hucknall.
The DACHA study involved Dr. Carroll working with Buddleia House to trial a minimum data set, a standard, agreed-upon list of information collected about residents. This was then combined with information from other care records to help different groups better understand and improve care for older adults
living in care homes.
Dr. Carroll said: “We then shifted from looking at general information about all residents in a care home to focusing on the individual themselves.
“The main goal was to help staff, residents and their families focus on what truly matters to each individual person. Instead of just tracking health issues, staff use the collected information to guide meaningful conversations and tailor care.”
By creating and sharing examples with other care homes, the project aims to improve care delivery across the country.
This includes showing how to better share information and use tools that measure a resident’s quality of life.
Rachel added: “The data we collect isn’t just about likes and dislikes; it’s about understanding the deeper needs of our residents, including their spiritual, emotional and relationshipbuilding requirements.”
Another groundbreaking initiative, the LiLAC Study, is currently being conducted at The Meadows, focusing on managing challenging behaviours in people with dementia.
This study aims to advance understanding of dementia care and help shape new practices that could improve quality of life across the sector – both in the UK and overseas.
Rachel said: “The conference was incredibly informative. We took away best practices but were also being inspired by the people living with dementia who are showing the world how to
lead with dignity and resilience.”
Dr. Carroll’s work also explores themes of intimacy, identity and spiritual needs in dementia care – highlighting the importance of viewing residents not just as individuals with health needs but as people with rich life histories and personal stories.
The Meadows is home to 65 residents, 60 of whom live with dementia. A key philosophy of the home is to champion the voices of residents, ensuring they are involved in all aspects of life within the home and wider community.
“It’s essential to find creative ways to involve residents and families in feedback and decisionmaking,” Rachel added. “The goal is always to support the residents in being a part of their community and maintaining their sense of identity and agency.”
The partnership between Milford Care and the University of Nottingham will continue to advocate for more personalised, data-driven and compassionate approaches that prioritise the dignity and quality of life of those living with dementia.
Oakland Care team members created a new wetland area at Gildredge House School.
A new management team has been established at Egerton Manor in Bolton, with Joanne Morton appointed as manager and Katie Dorning as deputy manager. Joanne was previously the deputy manager at the home, while Katie was previously head of care. Joanne has been involved with Egerton Manor since the care home opened in 2023. A qualified nurse, she has spent much of her career in care working with the elderly, an area she is particularly passionate about. Having worked in the health and care sector for more than 25 years, Katie’s experience and expertise is impressive. Her passion to provide the very best care is exceptional, she leads by example and encourages career development through mentoring and training.
A homecare provider has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of a new concierge and care lead, strengthening its ability to deliver highly personalised, lifestyle led support for older adults and those with complex needs. The new role has been created to enhance Venelle’s holistic model of care, which combines clinical precision with the attentiveness of a private concierge. From chefs, cultural experiences and travel arrangements to sensory programmes and wellbeing routines, Venelle’s approach is built around ensuring clients can live joyful and fulfilling lives for as long as possible within their own homes. Jessica Davis, an experienced carer with an extensive background across healthcare and education, has taken on the new role.
Originally from Australia, Jessica brings valuable experience from roles at Sydney Children’s Hospital School, One Door Mental Health and TAFE Bankstown.
Hartford Care has appointed Vishul Seewoolall as chief operating officer, a newly-created role that supports the group’s continuing growth strategy. With more than 20 years’ experience in the care industry, Vishul joins Hartford Care from Signature Senior Lifestyle, where he was the chief operating officer and held various director roles throughout his seven years with the company. He previously worked for Bupa as regional director of operations. Vishul will work alongside chief financial officer Amanda Smith, with a particular focus on Hartford Care’s newly built homes in Aldershot, Alton, Southampton and Swindon.
Belong has appointed Rebecca Woodcock to the post of chief operating officer as the dementia specialist prepares to expand into Merseyside with its ninth care village, Belong Birkdale. Rebecca joins Belong’s executive board having been promoted from group operations manager. Highly experienced, she has worked for the organisation for more than 20 years, previously holding general manager and registered manager positions at the group’s Atherton and Wigan villages respectively. She was instrumental in growing both to join the two per cent of adult social care settings in England holding CQC Outstanding ratings. The news comes ahead of the Belong Birkdale opening next year.
Anchor has made two appointments to its executive team. Dan Ryan joins as executive director – care services early in 2026. He is currently deputy chief executive officer and director of operations at MHA. Dan has more than two decades of executive experience across both charitable and private organisations in the independent health and social care sector. Julie Wittich joined Anchor in June 2025 as executive director – property and assets. Her role is expanding with immediate effect and, as executive director –operations, she will also have responsibility for Anchor’s customer and housing services.
Anchor has announced the appointment of Rachael Shimmin OBE as its new chief executive officer. She will join the business in January. Rachael has had a distinguished career in public service leadership, particularly in health, social care and local government transformation. She was appointed as the CEO of Buckinghamshire County Council in 2016 and has led Local Government in the county through its formation and evolution into a billion-pound turnover organisation, merging five predecessor bodies and with more than 4,000 staff. She is a national influencer across Local Government and chairs the network of County Council Chief Executives who between them are responsible for services for more than 27 million people.
Orchard Care Homes has appointed Amelia Greenwood as its new head of specialist services, marking a key step in the organisation’s strategy to expand and enhance its specialist care provision for older people living with dementia and complex mental health needs. With nearly 30 years’ experience across the NHS, private healthcare and social care, Amelia brings a wealth of expertise in mental health, dementia care and quality improvement. Her extensive career has included frontline clinical roles, senior leadership in private mental health hospitals, and regional quality positions where she has led service improvement, clinical governance, and patient safety initiatives. Over the past decade, Amelia has specialised in quality improvement and workforce development, working as a senior regional clinical lead and regional quality nurse.
Merceode Lodge, a new, purposebuilt residential and dementia care home set to open in Marchwood, has announced the appointment of Helen Chapman as its general manager. She is an accomplished professional with extensive experience as a regional manager, operations manager and CQC registered manager within the adult social care and healthcare sectors. Helen’s commitment to excellence has consistently resulted in “Gold Standard” service and improvements in quality outcomes across the care homes she has supported. She is particularly passionate about wellbeing for both residents and colleagues and has introduced a range of initiatives within previous roles to promote holistic support.
Operator acquires Suffolk care home
BLACK Swan Care Group has acquired All Hallows Care Home, in Bungay, Suffolk marking a major strategic investment in local care provision.
The home will be fully renovated and re-registered as a 42-bedroom facility, with enlarged bedrooms featuring ensuite wetrooms, designed to support people requiring short-term care and longer term support, including people living with dementia.
The home has a long local history and was originally part of the All Hallows Healthcare Trust, before NorseCare Limited bought it in 2019. Subsequently, the permanent closure of the home was announced in October 2023 and it has remained shut since.
The investment by Black Swan means it will become the
operator’s second care home in Suffolk and brings the total number in the group to 24.
Managing director Tom Lyons said: “Our goal is to create a special care home that combines high-quality residential care in a warm, homely environment.
“Our closest care home in
Beccles, just five miles away, has been operating at full capacity with a waiting list, so we know that there is a really high demand for high quality residential care in the local area for older people, including those living with dementia.
“We want to create an
environment with excellent standards of care, with supportive staff. In order to deliver that we will need to recruit a dedicated team of staff. We’ll be hiring more than 50 people in caring, catering, domestic, maintenance and management roles. They will be people who share our passion for delivering the highest quality, compassionate care.”
The existing building and infrastructure requires substantial refurbishment. This will include enlarging most of the bedrooms at the home to include ensuite WCs and wetrooms, making them fit for purpose.
Work on these changes will start imminently, with the aim of reopening the home in the autumn of 2026, subject to formal registration by the Care Quality Commission.
All Hallows Care Home in Bungay, Suffolk.
Agincare purchases Ambient Support services to preserve hundreds of jobs
NATIONAL health and social care provider Agincare Holdings Ltd has acquired the majority of business operated by Ambient Support Ltd and its subsidiaries.
The deal sees the continued operation of 80 homes and services across the UK, preserving more than 800 jobs and protecting around 700 peoples’ care and support provision.
Ambient Support, a registered UK charity with more than 30 years’ experience operating care and support services, appointed Julie Palmer and Andrew Hook from Begbies Traynor Group and Robert Insall from BTG Advisory for restructuring advice.
After recommending the sale of the company, Begbies Traynor Group launched an accelerated sales process, which saw 31 interested parties consider the purchase under NDA and six parties make an offer.
The deal enables Agincare to acquire the services offered by Ambient, mainly comprising care and support to people over the
age of 18 with mental health needs or learning disabilities.
Raina Summerson, group CEO of Agincare Holdings, said: “We are delighted to complete this deal to keep 80 sites across the UK open and welcome the talented 800-strong team to our group.
“It is critical that high-quality, affordable, social care is there for people when they need to
draw on it. We want to thank Begbies Traynor for the support and advice in getting this deal over the line and we are committed to reinvigorating the Ambient services and investing in the workforce as part of our sustainable growth across the group.”
Founded in 1986, Dorsetbased Agincare is a familyowned holding company that
operates across more than 100 locations employing more than 4,500 care professionals. Comprising multiple social care subsidiaries, Agincare has significant experience delivering a range of services including care homes, home care, live-in care, supported living, and children’s services.
Julie Palmer, managing partner at Begbies Traynor, added: “The completion of this deal means that a significant number of residents can continue to access crucial health and social care services while preserving the jobs of more than 800 specialist employees.
“Under the new leadership of Agincare, the business can move forwards and the residents and their families will be pleased after a period of uncertainty.
“Early engagement with the Begbies Traynor Group team working across a number of its service lines from restructuring to advisory together with our in-house specialist property team has been crucial to helping Ambient progress.”
Operator rescues Woking care home
A WOKING care home that was previously shut down has been given a new lease of life thanks to CHD Living.
The family-run care group has stepped in to acquire the former Avens Court site in Pyrford, restoring 41 care beds to the local community.
The home, which had closed its doors after entering special measures with the Care Quality Commission, will reopen shortly as Willow Grange Care Home, following an extensive redesign.
Shaleeza Hasham, commercial director at CHD Living, said:
“For us, this was about doing the right thing for the community. When a care home closes, it can have a huge impact on local families and on the wider health system.
“By acquiring and redeveloping the Avens Court site, we’ve been able to restore 41 vital care beds and ensure that this space continues to support the people of Woking. We’re proud to be giving the
home a fresh start, whilst creating much needed local jobs in the area.”
Working closely with Surrey Fire, CHD Living has transformed the building into a fully compliant, modern and luxurious care setting designed to meet the highest standards of safety, comfort and wellbeing.
Willow Grange will offer specialist residential, respite and dementia care, blending homely surroundings with the latest care innovations.
Provider announces opening of new facility
A NEW state-of-the-art care home near Brownhills, Walsall, is set to open its doors to residents in January.
Millfield Rose will deliver residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, providing a compassionate and welcoming environment for all its residents.
The home also offer professional bariatric care, with fully trained staff and appropriate equipment to ensure comfort, safety and dignity for all residents.
The home is part of the Macc Care Group and will be the operator’s 17th home in the Midlands.
Director Bhav Amlani said: “Millfield Rose represents an exciting new chapter for Macc Care. As we continue to expand our network of care homes, this new development underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care within modern, purpose-built environments.
“We are proud to offer a space where
residents can truly feel at home, while benefiting from professional care that respects their dignity and individual needs.”
Millfield Rose will offer a range of modern amenities, including all rooms with ensuite facilities, a specialist dementia care area, day care facilities, cinema, activity room and wellness suite to enhance the quality of life for residents. Those residing at the home will enjoy comfortable, private en-suite bedrooms, along with communal spaces both inside and out.
The home’s integrated technology includes a nurse call system, safety monitoring and advanced care planning tools, ensuring residents receive care tailored to their individual needs. Furthermore, robust infection control measures, including temperature screening, infrared taps and Ozone room sanitiser, will ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
Home opens ‘Reconnect’ dementia community
ORCHARD Care Homes’
Lansbury Court in Sunderland has opened a new Reconnect Dementia Care Community, providing specialist care for people living with dementia.
Lansbury Court is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and is the latest home in the group to introduce this innovative, person-centred approach to dementia care.
Home manager Marlena Derda said: “Having cared for people living with dementia throughout my career, I know just how transformative the right environment and support can be.
“I’m incredibly proud that we can now offer this enhanced level of care, helping our residents to feel more at home, more understood and more connected.”
These innovative communities adopt a person-centred approach to dementia care in a therapeutic environment, aiming to understand why people exhibit the behaviours they do and adapting support to reduce distress.
Orchard’s Reconnect model succeeds by offering genuine inclusion. To reflect a homely
atmosphere and promote choice of activity, Lansbury Court has adapted its environments to include areas found in a typical family home. Residents can choose to use these spaces as they would in their own homes, and family members are encouraged to be as involved as they would like to further feelings of identity and ownership.
Amelia Greenwood, head of specialist services at Orchard Care Homes, added: “Lansbury Court’s Reconnect community
not only ensures that people in Sunderland and surrounding areas can access high-quality dementia care locally, it also supports the broader health and social care system by helping reduce pressure on hospitals and external services.
“Additionally, it creates new job opportunities, training pathways and long-term development for care professionals in the region – further demonstrating our commitment to excellence in dementia care.”
Oakmont Lodge in Bangor has unveiled a £250,000 refurbishment. The investment has brought a fresh look to the care home, including renovated bedrooms, upgraded flooring, and new furniture – all designed to revitalise key areas and create a hotel-style accommodation experience for residents.
Residential manager Catherine Rea said: “Our newly updated facilities will further enhance the quality of life for our residents, offering a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere where they can feel valued, respected, and supported every day.” The refurbishment at Oakmont Lodge follows the opening of the £2m dementia wing in 2020, which brought the total number of beds at the home to 80.
Lansbury Court in Sunderland
Operator to develop new home in Market Drayton
ROYAL London Asset
Management has completed the acquisition of a site in Market Drayton and will forward fund the development of a state-ofthe-art 71 bed home, working in partnership with Lovett Care Group, who will develop and operate it.
The completed transaction is the first of a new strategic partnership that will deliver multiple new homes into the sector.
Keith Crockett, CEO of Lovett Care Group, said: “We are delighted to be expanding into Market Drayton with this exciting new development.
“This home will not only deliver exceptional care but also set new standards in sustainability and innovation. By working closely with our partners, we are creating a home where residents will thrive in a safe, modern, and welcoming environment, while also contributing positively to the local community.”
The new facility will provide residential and dementia care, with each bedroom benefitting from ensuite wet rooms, ensuring comfort, privacy and convenience for every resident.
Residents will enjoy a range of amenities, including a beauty salon, cinema, café and landscaped gardens. The home will use technology to enhance
resident wellbeing and safety, including the latest in fallprevention.
The new home is being designed to meet sustainability standards, aligning with the ESG aspirations of Royal London Asset Management. It will incorporate renewable energy solutions including solar panels, heat pumps and smart energy
systems.
Nick Short, healthcare fund manager at Royal London Asset Management, added: “Our strategy is focused on the delivery of care beds within modern purpose-built homes, working in partnership with bestin-class operators such as Lovett.
“Market Drayton represents our 24th acquisition and this agreement will facilitate the delivery of further high-quality and sustainable homes across the UK as we continue to create a robust, scalable portfolio that meets the growing social needs of the UK’s aging population.”
Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with doors opening to residents in 2027. Torsion Projects Ltd are appointed as contractors.
Lovett Care Group were advised by Sarah Skuse, partner at Bevan Brittan. Royal London Asset Management were advised by Adrian Collins, partner at Addleshaw Goodard.
Developer completes sale of home site
DEVELOPER Charterpoint has completed the sale of its care home site at Vistry’s Westcombe Park to LNT Care Developments.
The deal follows the granting of planning permission in the summer for the 66-bedroom facility at the development in Heybridge, near Maldon in Essex.
It paves the way for work to start on site on the three-storey home, which will provide residential care and residential dementia care.
Meanwhile, Charterpoint will continue to develop detailed plans for the neighbourhood centre and other associated facilities at Westcombe Park, which will include later living apartments, a health
centre, a convenience store, other retail units, and a day nursery.
MD Giles Nursey said: “The sale of our care home site at Westcombe Park to LNT Care Developments marks the next stage of development at this exciting garden suburb of Heybridge.
“We look forward to seeing the delivery of this first-class care home, which will become a valuable community asset. Our focus is now on developing more detailed plans for additional facilities that are planned for the neighbourhood centre for Westcombe Park.”
The deal was brokered by Portunus Associates working for Charterpoint and Matt Gill of Whirledge & Nott working for Vistry.
Provider opens latest home in Manchester
LOVETT Care has opened the doors to its latest, luxurious care home; Upland Manor Care Home in Northern Moor.
With its CQC registration in place, the team has already welcomed its first residents, Joe Whittaker and Pat Derbyshire. The home will be managed by experienced home manager Michaela O’Brien, with Upland Manor providing 59 spacious bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms. There are plenty of communal spaces too, including a chic lobby café, relaxing lounges, elegant dining rooms and a beauty salon.
Michaela said: “It’s great to be involved from the very start. Welcoming Joe and Pat and watching them settle in over the last few days has been incredibly rewarding.
“We are building our team and look forward to welcoming more new residents in the coming weeks, offering reassurance, warmth, kindness and respect as they start a new chapter at Upland Manor.”
Externally, Upland Manor enjoys landscaped gardens and terraces to the first and second floors. Creating approximately 80 local jobs, Upland Manor will offer
residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. Committed to doing ‘more’, the team at Upland Manor will also ensure that residents live a fulfilling and joyful life, ensuring all their needs are not only met, but exceeded.
In addition to the care provided, residents at Upland Manor will benefit from a menu of engaging daily activities within the home, such as yoga and learning a new
language, as well as trips out to their local community.
Dawn Collett, deputy managing director at Lovett Care, adds: “Every aspect of our care homes are carefully considered, and Upland Manor is a magnificent example of what a brand-new care home should offer.
“From exacting design and build to the very latest technology that supports the care the team provides, improves safety within the home and enhances our residents’ daily lives, we continually strive to exceed expectations.
“We believe in ‘more’ for our residents on every level and are very much looking forward to welcoming new residents to Upland Manor, creating a vibrant and joyful community within the home.”
One of the south’s oldest residents has celebrated her 104th birthday among well-wishers in a specially created ‘ice cream parlour’. Win Clowery, who was a Land Girl in the Second World War, was naturally the centre of attention on the big day at Colten Care’s Poole care home
The Aldbury. Companionship Team members there granted her wish to have an ‘ice cream party’ by turning a lounge into a vintage-style parlour and donning stripy aprons, hats and red bow ties to serve her. A delighted Win then asked to join in the fun by wearing a bow tie herself as she enjoyed an ice.
Residents and staff at Silverlake Care’s Coniston Court in Uckfield were delighted to celebrate the 100th birthday of Arthur Razzell. Arthur, whose life has been rich in service, scholarship and family, marked his centenary with a card from the King and Queen, along with a cake and celebrations surrounded by loved ones and fellow residents. Born in Welling, Kent, Arthur has had an extraordinary life. This year has been especially momentous, as he and his wife Daphne also celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, alongside Daphne’s 95th birthday. The couple share three children – Philip, Margaret and Simon – as well as 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Residents, staff and family members at RMBI Care Co. Home James Terry Court, in South Croydon, came together to celebrate Marjorie Pat Hamilton’s 105th birthday. Pat was born in Tulse Hill, between Brixton and Streatham, in 1920, only two years after the end of the First World War. Pat married her husband Mac in 1941, and their daughter Brenda was born in 1944. Although she stopped working after she married, Pat’s life was full of adventure, moving 23 times due to Mac’s career. To celebrate her birthday, Pat’s family flew in from America, New Zealand and Australia. James Terry Court hosted a party in the lounge, complete with a singer for all to enjoy together.
A surprise guest trotted in to help a great-great grandmother celebrate her 100th birthday at a Hampshire care home. Chloe Tubbs was naturally the centre of attention as family and friends joined her for a party at Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton in Winchester. And staff at the home secretly arranged a further special treat having heard Chloe recount fond girlhood memories of owning a pony called Jenny and going for rides in the 1930s. Ahead of the big day, they contacted a nearby stables who were only too pleased to bring in one of their ponies, Freddie, to meet Chloe face to face and enjoy time together. After leaving school, Chloe went on to marry and have four daughters: Nicola, Jacquie, Pippa and Pennie. She now has 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
A former electrical engineer and prominent figure in local government in Dorset has celebrated his 100th birthday. Alan Havelock was the centre of attention as friends and family joined him at Colten Care’s Kingfishers care home in New Milton. Among the highlights of the day was a live performance of one of Alan’s favourite pieces of music. Companionship Team member Beverly McKeown sang ‘O mio babbino caro’ from the comic opera Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini, delighting host and guests with her solo. Guests at Alan’s party included Colten Care founder John Colwell who was invited to open the celebration with words of congratulations.
A former Spireites player with more than 100 appearances for the club received a special gift for his 93rd birthday – a Former Players Association legacy badge. James “Jim” Lovie played 103 games for Chesterfield FC across three seasons from 1961-64, scoring seven goals. Now the third oldest living player, he received a visit at Springbank House Care Home on his birthday from the club’s community trust heritage officer Peter Whiteley. Peter presented Jim with the special award, when they discussed his playing days and looked over old photos of him on the pitch. After retiring from professional football, Jim settled in Chesterfield and remained active in the local football scene, playing in non-league and Sunday league teams for many years.
There were smiles all around at RMBI Care Co. Home James Terry Court as resident Josie Winter celebrated her 100th birthday. She was surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents and staff at the care home in South Croydon. During the Second World War she worked as a shorthand typist in an office before being evacuated with her family to Wales, where she continued her vital work supporting the war effort. It was there that she met her future husband, Harry, and the pair later married in 1950, five years after the end of the war. To mark the special occasion, the staff at James Terry Court hosted a lively celebration filled with music and laughter. Entertainment was provided by the Barbershop Singers.
Abbotsleigh Care Home celebrated a remarkable milestone as one of its beloved residents, who has been a part of the Nellsar family since June 2018, continues to inspire those around her with her energy, sense of humour and zest for life. Born in 1917, Emily Twort celebrated her 108th birthday. She grew up in a large family on a farm near Leeds Castle. She trained and worked as a nurse with her sister before marrying and joining her husband on their fruit farm, where they raised two sons. Now, Emily enjoys the companionship of her friends and fellow residents at Nellsar Care Homes, often sharing stories from her past and her witty sense of humour.
Championing both innovation and excellence in care sector training
A YEAR on from a landmark decade of recognising excellence, the Princess Royal Training Awards continue to be a respected symbol of workforce development achievement across the UK and Ireland.
These Awards highlight organisations’ dedication to impactful training programmes that deliver real business results.
From modest beginnings to prestigious recognition
Established in 2016, the Awards were created to highlight outstanding organisations deeply committed to learning and development.
HRH The Princess Royal, a passionate advocate for skills and training, lends royal endorsement, adding unique prestige.
Over time, the Awards have recognised organisations of all sizes and sectors, showcasing initiatives from leadership development and cultural change to apprenticeships and talent pipelines.
The Awards’ reputation has become synonymous with excellence, attracting a growing number of applicants striving
to achieve this distinguished accolade.
Growth and innovation amidst changing workplaces
Participation has steadily increased, with 57 programmes achieving the Award in 2025.
The Awards’ appeal is boosted by an esteemed ceremony, access to a thriving alumni network, and comprehensive applicant support.
The Awards are also completely free to enter and organisations are not in competition with one another, they simply need to demonstrate how their training meets rigorous standards of excellence.
Over the years, the Awards have adapted to changing needs, introducing virtual support workshops, offering draft application feedback, and launching recognition renewal to encourage ongoing excellence.
For 2026, in recognition of today’s interconnected workplaces, eligibility is expanding to include organisations with UK and Ireland-based training that also have a global training footprint, acknowledging excellence both domestically and internationally.
Spotlight on the care sector: Recognising outstanding contributions
The care sector has been represented by numerous organisations over the years recognised for diverse training programmes involving volunteer engagement, apprenticeships and paid staff training; each vital for sustaining skilled workforces and advancing sector innovation.
Joining the alumni in 2025 are Carefound Home Care, who achieved an Award for its enhanced Care Professional Pathway, a scalable programme
exceeding Care Certificate standards that tackled workforce pressures post-COVID.
It has delivered a 14 per cent reduction in hospital admissions, 27 per cent growth in care hours, and over 95 per cent staff satisfaction.
Lifeways Group has also been honoured for its Ops Leadership Development Programme, which improved CQC ratings, reduced staff turnover from 45 per cent to 29 per cent, and achieved high staff performance and engagement, driving cultural change across their supported living services.
Take the next step
For organisations committed to workforce development, applying for the Princess Royal Training Awards is a unique chance to showcase achievements and join an active network of training leaders.
Applications open on December 1 and close March 20.
You can learn more and register at www.princessroyaltraining awards.com or contact info@princessroyal trainingawards.com
Nourish, move, thrive – a winning partnership to enhance wellbeing
RESIDENTS at Cherry Holt and Branthwaite care homes in Retford were recently treated to a special day filled with laughter, games and delicious food, designed to prove that good nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand.
apetito teamed up with BeGreatFitness to create a lively programme that showcased how healthy food and regular movement can transform the wellbeing of older adults.
The day of fun activities included the likes of boules, hoopla and an exercise class, as well as a traditional funfairstyle ‘Hook a Duck’, all helping residents to build strength, balance and flexibility – vital in reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence.
After working up an appetite, the meals provider dished up a nutritious lunch from its “Apetiser” van for residents and relatives, with dishes including
Fish & Chips, Chicken Korma and Mexican Bean Chilli, finished off by cakes and ice creams.
Bailey Greetham-Clark, managing director of BeGreatFitness, spoke on the importance of encouraging the older generation to keep moving.
He said: “There’s a phrase –‘move it or lose it’ – and it’s true.
As we age, movement often declines which can impact both physical and mental health, ultimately resulting in a loss of someone’s independence and livelihood.
“And staying active goes hand in hand with good nutrition. If the food being served isn’t giving residents the energy and nutrition that they need, then they are not able to take part – and we can see the difference today when both come together. Ultimately, if residents don’t eat well then, they don’t live well.”
Richard Woodward, general manager of care homes at
apetito, added: “It’s been a pleasure to see residents, relatives and staff enjoying both the activities and the food on offer.
“At apetito we are passionate about making every mealtime nourishing, social and uplifting.
“Partnering with BeGreatFitness has been instrumental in supporting this mission and showcasing the important role that nutrition and exercise have in improving quality of life in care.”
Bailey added: “Today has shown how important collaborations like this are for the care sector, and why there is a need for more to be taking place.
“We’re extremely pleased to partner with apetito and set the foundations of how nutrition and exercise can go together – helping older adults nourish, move and thrive.”
Watch the partnership in action at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ynipx5tC-po
