Haslemere care home recreates wedding day so groom’s father could be part of the celebration
A Haslemere care home helped a newly married couple recreate their wedding day so the groom’s father could share in the celebrations.
Tom and Lydia Street officially married on Friday 18 September, but Tom’s father, Phil, was unable to attend the ceremony.
Determined that he should not miss such an important family moment, the couple arranged a second wedding celebration at Brownscombe Residency on Sunday 20 September, bringing the ceremony, wedding breakfast and family celebrations to him.
The Brownscombe team transformed the home’s gazebos for the occasion, decorating them in Tom and Lydia’s wedding colours of pink, peach and cream. Flower garlands, chair ribbons and confetti helped create the setting, while the couple wore their full wedding outfits and were joined by family members, including flower girls.
The ceremony was conducted by Emmanuel, a carer at Brownscombe, who created a personal service for the couple. Afterwards, guests gathered in the home’s bistro for a wedding breakfast prepared by chef Dan.
The menu included steak and ale pie, dauphinoise potatoes, tenderstem broccoli and braised red cabbage, followed by Eton mess and wedding cake saved from the couple’s official wedding day. The main course was chosen for a particularly personal reason, as steak and ale pie is Phil’s favourite meal.
The celebration was organised by Charlotte Wareham, Client Relationship Manager, South Region at CHD Living, with support from Brownscombe’s wellbeing team, Molly and Niva, Home Manager Monika, Neil from maintenance, carer Emmanuel and chef Dan.
Tom’s mother, Vivien, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who made this special day happen. You went above and beyond and everyone was very emotional, especially the bride and groom.”
Charlotte Wareham said: “It was an absolute privilege to help Tom and Lydia bring their wedding celebration to Brownscombe so Phil could be part of such a special family moment.
“There was so much care behind every detail, from the colours and flowers to the wedding breakfast and the service itself. Everyone wanted the day to feel personal, joyful and full of meaning for the whole family.
“The most moving moment was seeing how emotional Tom and Lydia were. That said everything. It showed us just how much the day meant, and why making these moments possible matters so much.”
Brownscombe Residency is part of CHD Living, a family owned and operated care provider that has been supporting people across Surrey and South London for more than 40 years.
The provider said the celebration reflected the importance of helping residents and families continue to share meaningful life events together, wherever possible.
Charlotte added: “Care is also about family, memories and the moments people hold onto. This was a beautiful day for Tom, Lydia, Phil and everyone who joined them, and we were honoured to play a part in it.”
The day ended with confetti, fizz, sunshine and happy tears, as Phil was able to watch his son and daughter in law celebrate their marriage surrounded by family.
NACC Announces Winners of Its National Awards 2026
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) unveiled this year’s winners of its prestigious National Awards at a glittering gala dinner on Thursday 15 October.
These highly coveted annual awards celebrate the achievements of the teams and individuals who have done most to raise the standards of care catering during the previous 12 months.
The winners – all nominated by their peers – have not only demonstrated expertise and dedication, but also empathy for their service users and resilience in the face of challenging conditions. This year’s awards included a new category, the Innovation Award, highlighting the cutting-edge improvements that members are introducing to further enhance the nutritional care they provide.
Said NACC National Chair Neel Radia: “In a field of inspirational superstars who all deliver excellent nutrition and hydration to older and vulnerable people every day, it is always difficult to single out just a few members to receive recognition.
However, our annual awards seek to honour those who have gone well ‘above and beyond’ during the year, and we have found a group of very worthy winners. Huge congratulations to everyone who received an award this evening, and thank you to all our members who make a real difference to so many lives, day in day out.”
The 2026 award winners
The 2026 NACC National Award winners are:
Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by allmanhall
- Branksome Heights, Kingsley Healthcare
Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito
- Health & Independent Living Support (HILS)
Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Rational UK
Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions
- Jody Marshall, Group Hospitality Manager, Meallmore
Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Miele
- Jane Oliver, Senior Relief Chef, Cinnamon Care Collection
The Bev Puxley Award*, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Cooks London
- Darren Neal, Head of Culinary, White Oaks
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Atosa Catering Equipment
- Taste the Memories by Signature Dining
Special awards
The winners of the following special awards were also announced at the gala dinner:
NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko UK
- Midlands Region
Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Winterhalter
- Nick Dutton
National Chair’s Award (three winners)
- Consortium of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH)
- Hospital Caterers Association (HCA)
- Umbrella Academy
The gala awards dinner was the culmination of the NACC Training & Development Forum, which took place on 14-15 October 2026 at Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton-upon-Trent.
*The Bev Puxley Award was introduced in 2022 in memory of Bev Puxley, a longstanding friend, supporter and champion of the NACC.
Avon Reach Is Colten Care's Eighth Outstanding Home
A south coast care home has become the eighth Colten Care home to be officially rated Outstanding by independent inspectors.
Sector regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) says other care services should look to its report on Avon Reach in Mudeford, Christchurch, to see what they can learn.
While fewer than one in 20 care homes in England achieve the highest grade possible, the proportion of Outstanding homes at Colten Care is now almost one in two.
This is higher than any other provider in England on a like-for-like basis.
Neil Cox, the CQC’s deputy director of adult social care in Dorset, said: “This is a service built around treating people as individuals, and helping them live full lives, not just receive care.
Other services should look to this report to see what they can learn.”
Residents regaining independence
The report explains how a resident who moved into the home having lost the ability to walk was enabled to regain enough strength and confidence to walk 200 metres unaided.
One external healthcare professional is quoted as saying Avon Reach was one of the best homes they had ever visited.
Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison said: “One Outstanding rating is rare. Achieving it across eight of our 21 homes says something much bigger about Colten Care. This report shows that our consistently high standards of care translate directly into a better quality of life for residents. The fact that independent inspectors are explicitly telling other services to learn from this latest example demonstrates that Colten Care is truly setting the standard for others to follow.”
“One Outstanding rating is rare.”
The 48-page report describes how residents at Avon Reach are not defined by age or changing needs. They retain independence, relationships and lifelong interests, fulfil ambitions and experience a better quality of life, underpinned by clinical expertise.
Wider recognition for Colten Care
The Outstanding rating follows other independent recognition of Colten Care’s success. The provider was last year named the UK’s best medium-sized care home group at the National Care Awards and this year Colten Care teams and individuals are finalists in a record-equalling six categories.
Colten Care also has a consistently high group score of 9.9 out of ten on the UK public review site Carehome.co.uk.
Mark added: “All these independent endorsements demonstrate the reasons we can justifiably claim that, for our size, we are the highest-rated care home group in England, if not the UK.”
Praise from inspectors, staff and families
Avon Reach gained particular praise from CQC for being ‘effective’, ‘caring’ and ‘well led’ with team members demonstrating ‘exceptional practice across several areas’. Feedback from residents and families is described as ‘overwhelmingly positive’.
Ruth Wildman, Home Manager, said she was “incredibly proud of the whole team at Avon Reach”, adding: “The team’s dedication, hard work and commitment have been recognised in such a fantastic way. This achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects the exceptional contribution every team member makes each day.”
Colleague Amy McCormick, Clinical Lead, said it was clear recognition of the home’s “culture for learning which empowers staff to give great individual care.”
Among residents, Elvia Green said: “The staff are kindness itself.”
Relatives and friends have begun sending in cards and messages of congratulations. One wrote: “Such well-deserved recognition which reflects the brilliant home you create. Thank you to every single staff member for your hard work and the high standard of support you provide each resident.”
Central support and other Outstanding homes
As with all Colten Care homes, Avon Reach is complemented by a Ringwood-based head office team that includes departments focused on operational support, learning and development, clinical quality, hospitality and catering, maintenance, refurbishment and gardening.
Elaine Farrer, Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “This fantastic achievement is testimony to our whole team approach. Ruth and everyone at Avon Reach have worked amazingly hard along with central support colleagues. The report clearly showcases the journey we have all been on together and the passion and commitment shown to residents and families at Avon Reach.”
Colten Care’s other Outstanding-rated homes are Abbey View in Sherborne, Amberwood House in Ferndown, Canford Chase in Poole, Fernhill in Longham, Kingfishers in New Milton, Linden House in Lymington and Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst.
The report will be published on CQC’s website in the coming days.
EXCEPTIONAL. Colten Care colleagues celebrate the Outstanding rating for Christchurch care home Avon Reach. It is the eighth home in the Colten group to achieve the highest grade possible from care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.
Linden House, Lymington: Marian Retires After 38 Years
One of the longest-serving team members at a top south coast care home provider has retired after a remarkable 38 years - and a surprise party organised by colleagues and well-wishers.
Marian Brookes joined Colten Care in 1988 to work night shifts as a Health Care Assistant at its first home, Monmouth House in Lymington.
When that closed in 2014, she transferred to newly opened dedicated dementia care home, Linden House, in nearby New Street.
She started on nights but moved to day work when her children started school, and she has kept the same role at Linden House until now.
Asked for her secret of longevity in committing to one job for so many years, Marian said: “You have to love what you do.
My career has been challenging at times but hugely rewarding. I have enjoyed my 38 years with Colten so much and seen so many faces along the way.”
A surprise retirement party
Colleagues surprised Marian by organising a retirement party for her in Linden House’s top floor conservatory complete with homemade cake and a spread of tasty dishes prepared by in-house chefs.
Against a backdrop of black and gold decorations put up specially for the occasion, she was invited to wear a gold medal and a crown adorned with hearts, flowers and the numbers ‘1988’.
Thanking all involved, Marian said: “It was truly a surprise and the perfect way to start my retirement.
I aim to enjoy lots more holidays and spend more time with my husband.”
Among the guests keen to bid Marian a fond farewell were Colten Care Chief Executive Mark Aitchison and Linden House Home Manager Priya Joseph.
Mark said: “Marian has made an incalculable contribution to the wellbeing and quality of life of generations of our residents.
It’s only because of her, and colleagues like her, that we can deliver the exceptionally high standards of care we are known for.”
Priya said: “It has been a joy to have Marian work at Linden House for so long.
She has been a great colleague and will be missed by residents, families and staff. We all wish her a wonderful and relaxing retirement.”
Long service across Colten Care
Marian is one of four team members across Colten Care’s 21 care homes to have completed service of 35 years or more.
The provider and its sister company Colten Developments recently held a celebration to honour 112 colleagues who have each given more than 20 years’ service, a combined contribution of more than 2,600 years or nearly one million days.
Lidder Care Welcomes Helaina Potter as New Home Care Manager
Lidder Care has welcomed Helaina Potter as its new Home Care Manager to lead its home care service across Mansfield, Ashfield and the surrounding areas.
Lidder Care has welcomed Helaina Potter joining bringing more than 15 years of experience in the care sector and a strong commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred care.
Her experience includes roles as a Registered Manager and in other senior management positions, where she oversaw care services and led teams across the East Midlands.
In her new role, Helaina will work closely with colleagues, clients and their families to support the development of Lidder Care's Home Care service, ensuring each person receives care that reflects their individual needs, preferences and routines.
Getting to know each person
Helaina Potter, Home Care Manager at Lidder Care, said: "I'm delighted to have joined Lidder Care as Home Care Manager. For me, good home care starts with getting to know each person, understanding what matters to them and how they want to be supported."
For me, good home care starts with getting to know each person, understanding what matters to them and how they want to be supported.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with our team, clients and their families to build on the service and support more people across Mansfield, Ashfield and the surrounding areas to live well at home."
Meeting growing demand for home care locally
Manjas Lidder, Managing Director at Lidder Care, said: "We're pleased to welcome Helaina to the team. We're seeing excellent demand for home care locally, driven by the strong reputation we've built in the community."
"Offering home care alongside our residential elderly care homes such as Newgate Lodge, means we can support people as their needs change, whether that involves moving into the home for respite or longer-term care or returning to their own home with appropriate support."
"Care should never be one size fits all. It's important that people receive support that reflects their individual needs, wishes and circumstances. Helaina's experience and personal approach will be valuable as we continue to develop these services."
Lidder Care's home care service, officially launched in 2025, provides personalised care and support to people across Mansfield and Ashfield, helping them continue to live fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes.
Free Community Fireworks Party at Orford House, Coulsdon
At Orford House, the Coulsdon-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, the residents and care team are getting ready to make lots of sparkles and stars at their annual, free community fireworks display party to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.
“Our annual community fireworks display always brings the bang to our Guy Fawkes Night party,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House.
“It is one of the residents’ favourite community events and a definitely firm fixture on our wide and varied activities calendar. The residents thoroughly enjoy the pretty, starry display and love watching the fireworks light up the sky with rainbows of beautiful colours.”
“The annual Guy Fawkes Night party is just one of the many ways in which we keep our promise and ongoing commitment to all the residents we support and care for, ensuring they are involved with, and part of, their local community and, like our previous community firework parties, this year’s ‘spark-tacular’ display is guaranteed to definitely light up the night,” added Mary Bradley, Orford House’s Activities Coordinator.
“In true Orford House Guy Fawkes tradition, we’ll have a few ‘rocket-ing’ games to play as well, including the Bonfire Night tradition of Apple Bobbing and roasting Marshmallows to make S’mores and, this year, the stars will be out in full force as we’ll be making all the trees sparkle and twinkle with our special projector,” continued Michelle.
“As ever, Orford House’s very own Guy Fawkes will be present, safely illuminated by solar, battery powered candles,” added Mary.
“There’s bound to be plenty of giggles and laughs as the residents are already in full flow, or should I say, having a blast, telling Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night jokes. The latest favourites are ‘What was Guy Fawkes’ favourite meal? Bangers and mash’ and ‘What do you call a clever firework? A real whiz-kid’.
How to join the party
The free community fireworks party will take place on Guy Fawkes Night, Thursday 5th November 2026, starting at 4:30 p.m. and will be a real ‘Firecracker’ of a night.
Orford House care home is looking forward to welcoming family, friends and members of the local community at the ‘Boom-tastic’, fun-filled evening. There’s no need to RSVP, just come along and enjoy yourselves,” concluded Michelle.
Orford House’s Free Community Fireworks Display and Party
Date: Thursday 5th November 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. onwards
Location: Orford House Residential Care Home, Woodcote Park, Meadow Hill, Coulsdon, CR5 2XN.
Refreshments Available
Free Parking Onsite
Dunham Care Plans a £550m Pipeline of New Care Homes
Dunham Care, the McGoff Group’s luxury care home platform, is progressing an ambitious growth pipeline representing approximately £550 million of development opportunities across England, bringing together decades of experience in care, property development and construction to create a new generation of purpose built care environments.
At the heart of Dunham Care’s approach is a simple belief: great care is about much more than the building itself. It is about creating places where people feel at home, where families feel welcome and reassured, and where care teams have the environment, facilities and support they need to provide the very best care.
With an ageing UK population and increasing demand for high quality residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, Dunham Care is combining its founders’ extensive experience of the care sector with the wider McGoff Group’s integrated development and construction capability to deliver homes designed around the people who live and work in them.
A team with proven experience
Dunham Care is not the team’s first experience of building and operating successful care communities.
CEO Chris McGoff previously founded and led New Care, building, operating and successfully exiting a portfolio of 17 care homes across Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
The portfolio represented a combined gross development value of £274 million, comprising more than 1,000 beds and employing hundreds of care professionals, before the business was sold to another provider in 2024.
That experience provides a strong foundation for Dunham Care, but the ambition now goes beyond simply delivering more care homes.
“The demand for high quality care homes across the UK continues to grow, but for us this is about more than simply meeting that demand,” said Chris McGoff, CEO of Dunham Care.
“People deserve to live in places that feel welcoming, comfortable and homely, with the very best care around them. Families want to know that their loved ones are safe, well cared for and happy, while our care teams need environments that allow them to do their jobs exceptionally well. “We have the opportunity through Dunham Care to take everything we have learned over many years and build on it, creating homes that combine outstanding care with great hospitality, thoughtful design and a genuine sense of community.”
Alongside Chris McGoff, Dunham Care’s leadership team brings together significant experience across finance, healthcare, care operations and development.
Dave Foran, CFO, previously helped raise more than £200 million of capital and supported New Care through its successful sales process.
Emma James, Business Operations Director, was closely involved in the opening and commissioning of New Care’s first homes in 2010 and brings extensive experience across the development, mobilisation and operational side of the business.
Mike Wilson, COO, brings more than 25 years of multi site healthcare leadership experience as a Registered Nurse, with a deep understanding of the operational and clinical requirements of delivering high quality care.
Herne Bay Manor, the first home
Dunham Care’s first operational home, Herne Bay Manor in Kent, opened in March 2026 and provides an early example of the model the group is looking to develop across the UK.
The 67 bedroom home provides residential, nursing, dementia and respite care and forms part of a wider retirement community alongside 50 independent living retirement bungalows. Within its first six months, Herne Bay Manor has reached more than a third occupancy, supported by a healthy pipeline of enquiries and strong early engagement from local families.
Designed to feel more like a high quality hotel than a traditional care home, Herne Bay Manor includes generous communal spaces, landscaped gardens, hospitality led dining and a range of spaces designed to encourage residents to spend time together, welcome family and friends and continue enjoying the things that matter to them.
For Dunham Care, this is an important part of its philosophy.
Care should not mean putting life on hold. It should mean creating the right environment for people to continue living well, maintaining relationships, enjoying good food, spending time outdoors, pursuing interests and making new memories.
The development pipeline
Behind Herne Bay Manor, Dunham Care has a substantial pipeline of secured and prospective developments spanning the North West and Southern England, with schemes phased through to 2029.
Among the confirmed developments are:
- Opening in November 2026, Bowdon Manor, Cheshire – Dunham Care’s flagship 51 bedroom home, being developed on the former Mercure Hotel site as part of a wider intergenerational development.
- Morley Hall, Congleton, is a 70 bedroom care home forming part of a larger multi generational development being delivered in partnership with McCarthy Stone. The wider scheme will include 53 retirement apartments and 14 family townhouses, creating a genuine community around the care home, which is due for completion in October 2027.
- Further sites across Canterbury, Coxheath, Witham, Childwall, Harlow, Nantwich, Stourport, Wilmslow, Northwich, Chelmsford, Rayleigh and Macclesfield are progressing through the pipeline into 2029.
Together, the developments represent an opportunity to create not simply a collection of care homes, but a network of communities designed around the needs of older people and their families.
An integrated platform
Dunham Care’s ambition is supported by the McGoff Group’s fully integrated platform, bringing together site acquisition, design and planning through McGoff Group Projects, construction through McGoff Construction, care operations and long term asset management through McGoff Group Facilities Services.
The Group also brings significant funding experience through Hive Capital Advisory, having arranged more than £600 million of funding supporting the delivery of more than 80 care homes across the UK to date.
This combination of development and operational expertise allows Dunham Care to take a long term view of each home, from the initial design through to the experience of residents and families once the doors open.
“Today we are applying that experience through Dunham Care,” added Chris McGoff.
“We have learned a huge amount about what makes a great care home over many years, but we also know that the sector continues to evolve and that expectations are changing. Our ambition is to create homes where people genuinely want to live and where families feel confident choosing care for someone they love. Ultimately, this is about creating lasting value through care. That means investing in the quality of our homes, our people and the communities around them, while making sure every resident has the opportunity to live well and feel at home.”
Blueleaf Gains Green Mark Level 2 and EcoVadis Silver
Blueleaf Achieves Double Sustainability Recognition with Green
Mark Level 2 and EcoVadis Silver
Blueleaf has further strengthened its sustainability credentials with the achievement of both Green Mark Level 2 Accreditation and an EcoVadis Silver Medal, marking significant milestones in the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and continuous improvement.
Together, the two independent recognitions reinforce Blueleaf’s approach to sustainability across environmental management, governance, ethical business practices, employee wellbeing and responsible procurement.
What Green Mark Level 2 involves
Green Mark Level 2 is an internationally recognised accreditation that validates how sustainability is managed, measured and continually improved throughout an organisation. Achieving Level 2 demonstrates that sustainability principles are embedded within Blueleaf’s policies, processes and day-to-day decision-making, supported by documented evidence and clear accountability.
The accreditation process included a comprehensive review of Blueleaf’s environmental management practices, governance framework, sustainability objectives, reporting processes and supplier sustainability assessments.
EcoVadis Silver Medal results
Building on this achievement, Blueleaf was also awarded an EcoVadis Silver Medal in August 2026.
EcoVadis is one of the world’s leading providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing organisations across four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
As part of the assessment, Blueleaf achieved an overall sustainability score of 74/100, placing the company within the top 15% of organisations assessed globally over the previous 12 months and earning an Advanced sustainability performance rating.
Blueleaf achieved particularly strong results across all four EcoVadis assessment categories, ranking in the top 4% of companies assessed in the Wholesale of Other Household Goods industry for Environment, and in the top 8% for Sustainable Procurement.
The assessment recognised a number of sustainability initiatives already embedded across the business, including environmental management systems, renewable electricity sourcing, carbon reduction programmes, employee wellbeing initiatives, responsible procurement processes and ethical governance practices.
Together, Green Mark Level 2 and EcoVadis Silver provide independent verification of the progress Blueleaf has made in embedding sustainability throughout its operations and supply chain, while supporting customers and stakeholders seeking evidence of strong ESG performance.
Comment from Blueleaf
Ellen Ward, Sales and Marketing Director at Blueleaf, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved both Green Mark Level 2 Accreditation and an EcoVadis Silver Medal. EcoVadis has recognised Blueleaf as being within the top 15% of companies assessed globally for sustainability performance, highlighting the progress we’ve made in embedding responsible business practices across the organisation.”
“While these achievements are important milestones, we remain focused on continuous improvement and building on the strong foundations already in place.”
What it means for customers
For customers, these achievements provide assurance that Blueleaf is taking a structured, measurable and accountable approach to sustainability. They also strengthen the company’s wider ESG ambitions as it continues to support the care sector through responsible procurement, sustainable product innovation and ongoing environmental improvements.
These achievements represent important milestones in Blueleaf’s sustainability journey, but the company remains focused on continuous improvement and building on the strong foundations already established as it works towards its future sustainability goals.
Broomfield Village Wish Upon a Tree: Sam, 10, Helps Charity
A Chelmsford schoolboy has shown that sometimes the most special wish is one made for somebody else, after choosing to donate his wish to Cancer Research UK.
Ten year old Samuel, a pupil at Beaulieu Park School, was selected as this year’s winner of Broomfield Village Care Home’s Wish Upon a Tree initiative, which invites local schoolchildren to share a special wish they would love to see granted.
While wishes can come in all shapes and sizes, Samuel’s immediately stood out. Rather than choosing something for himself, his wish was simply to donate £100 to Cancer Research UK. It was an act of kindness that the team at Broomfield Village knew deserved to be made extra special.
A donation in person at the charity shop
With the help of Samuel’s dad, Daniel, and the team at the Cancer Research UK shop on Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, the wish became a memorable day for Samuel and his younger brother.
Samuel visited the store in person to hand over his £100 donation, which went towards Stand Up To Cancer, Cancer Research UK’s joint national fundraising campaign with Channel 4, helping to fund research that can turn breakthroughs in the laboratory into new tests and treatments for people affected by cancer. Samuel’s generosity didn’t stop there. He and his little brother arrived with a bag of their own teddies to donate to the charity shop too, giving their pre-loved toys the chance to raise even more money for a cause Samuel had already chosen to support.
When Daniel first heard that his son’s wish had been selected, he said: “This sounds amazing, I can’t wait to tell him later!”
A surprise reward for Samuel
Of course, a wish as selfless as Samuel’s couldn’t go completely unrewarded.
Although he had chosen to give his £100 away rather than spend it on himself, the team at Broomfield Village felt his incredible kindness deserved a surprise of its own. Samuel was treated to a £100 Amazon voucher, while both brothers received Broomfield Village goodie bags filled with treats to take home and enjoy.
About Wish Upon a Tree
The Wish Upon a Tree initiative was created by Broomfield Village Care Home to build meaningful connections with younger generations in the local community and bring a little magic to one child by making their wish a reality.
This year, however, Samuel turned that idea on its head. Given the opportunity to have a wish granted for himself, he chose to use it to help others instead.
Holly Claydon, Customer Relationship Manager at Broomfield Village Care Home, commented: “When we read Samuel’s wish, we knew straight away how special it was.
At just ten years old, to be given the opportunity to wish for something and choose to give that gift to somebody else is incredibly thoughtful. Meeting Samuel and his little brother made it even more special, as they even brought their own teddies along to donate! We hope Samuel knows just how proud he should be of the kindness he has shown.”
“At just ten years old, to be given the opportunity to wish for something and choose to give that gift to somebody else is incredibly thoughtful.”
For Broomfield Village, Wish Upon a Tree is about far more than granting a prize. It is about celebrating kindness, bringing generations together and creating moments that make people feel special. This year, one very special ten year old reminded everyone involved exactly what that looks like.
CCFTV ACADEMY 2027 – EMPOWERING FAMILIES BEFORE ENTERING CARE by Jayne Connery FRSA FRSPH Director CCFTV
Knowledge, confidence and understanding before making one of life’s most important decisions.
At Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV), I have spent many years supporting families as they navigate the complexities of the care sector, often during a crisis or when difficult decisions have to be made quickly.
But my understanding of these challenges began long before I established CCFTV.
Over a decade ago, I found myself navigating the care sector as a daughter, trying to do the very best for my own mother. Looking back, I recognise how difficult that journey was, particularly when I didn’t have the knowledge or understanding of the sector that I have today.
On many occasions, I struggled to communicate my concerns effectively, not because those concerns weren’t important, but because I didn’t fully understand the processes, responsibilities or terminology involved. I didn’t always know what questions to ask, who to approach or how best to raise an issue constructively.
With the knowledge I have gained over the years, I often reflect on how differently I might have approached certain situations.
That personal experience has never left me, and it continues to influence the work I do today.
One thing has become increasingly clear to me: families need greater access to information and guidance before their loved one enters residential or nursing care, not simply when something goes wrong.
This is why we are developing the CCFTV Academy, an educational initiative offering practical workshops to help families understand what good care looks like, what questions they should ask and how to build positive relationships with care providers from the very beginning.
Our proposed workshops will explore important areas including:
- Choosing the right care home: What to look for, what to ask and how to understand the differences between residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.
- Understanding care fees and funding: An introduction to local authority assessments, NHS Continuing Healthcare and Funded Nursing Care.
- Care plans and assessments: Understanding how individual needs should be assessed, documented and regularly reviewed.
- Mental capacity and decision-making: Understanding the Mental Capacity Act, Lasting Powers of Attorney, consent and best interests.
- Family involvement and communication: Building constructive relationships with care teams, understanding visiting arrangements and raising concerns appropriately.
- Safeguarding and transparency: Recognising potential concerns, understanding accountability and knowing where to seek support.
- Technology and safety monitoring: Exploring how ethical, consent-led technology can support safety, dignity and reassurance.
I also want these workshops to help families understand the responsibilities and challenges faced by care providers. Good relationships require mutual respect, realistic expectations and open communication.
Having supported families through safeguarding concerns, disputes, Continuing Healthcare assessments and potential care home evictions, I have seen how misunderstandings and a lack of information can sometimes contribute to relationships breaking down.
I also recognise that families are often frightened, overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. When someone you love becomes dependent on others for their care, emotions understandably run high, and communicating concerns can become particularly difficult.
Education before admission could help prevent some of these difficulties.
The CCFTV Academy will not be about encouraging families to challenge care providers at every opportunity. It will be about helping families feel informed, confident and better prepared to work alongside those delivering care, whilst also understanding when concerns need to be raised and how to do so effectively.
We hope to bring together experienced professionals, care providers and sector specialists to share their knowledge through accessible, practical workshops.
For me, this is an important next chapter for CCFTV, bringing together my own personal experience as a daughter and the knowledge I have gained from more than a decade of supporting families and working alongside the care sector.
If I had been offered this type of guidance when I was navigating care for my own mother, I genuinely believe it would have made a difference.
And that is exactly why I want to make it available to other families - because families should not have to experience a crisis before they understand how the care system works.