The Denture Gap: Protecting Oral Health Across the Care Journey
By Jayne Connery FRSA FRSPH, Director/Founder of CCFTV
For many older people living in care, dentures are far more than a personal possession. They are essential to eating, communicating, maintaining dignity and preserving a sense of normality. Yet when an older person moves between a care home and hospital, oral care can become an overlooked part of the handover process, with dentures among the personal items that can be lost, misplaced or left behind.
Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) has repeatedly highlighted the importance of looking at the whole care journey, particularly when people move between services. A transfer from a care home to hospital, or from hospital back into a care home, is a vulnerable point in that journey. Clinical information must be transferred, medication must be reconciled and care needs must be communicated, but personal belongings and everyday essentials also need to be accounted for.
For a person living with dementia, the loss of dentures can be particularly distressing. They may be unable to explain what is missing, where they last had them or why they are suddenly struggling to eat. Instead, the change may present itself through refusal of food, increased agitation, withdrawal or difficulty communicating. What can initially appear to be a change in behaviour may actually have a very simple explanation: something essential to that person’s daily life has disappeared.
This is why oral health should be recognised as part of the wider safety and wellbeing conversation within social care.
When a resident is admitted to hospital, there should be clear communication about whether they wear dentures, whether they require assistance with them and how they are normally cared for. Their dentures should be appropriately identified, stored and recorded as part of their personal belongings. Equally, when that person is discharged back to their care home, there should be a clear process for confirming that their essential belongings have returned with them.
The same principle applies in reverse. When someone is transferred from a care home to hospital, staff should ensure that relevant information about their oral care accompanies them. A person with dementia may be unable to tell a hospital nurse that they normally wear dentures or that they need assistance to remove and clean them. Good continuity of care means that this information should not depend on the person’s ability to communicate it themselves.
The problem becomes particularly difficult for families when dentures go missing and responsibility becomes unclear. A family may be told that the resident left the care home with their dentures, while the hospital has no record of receiving them. The hospital may believe the dentures remained with the care home, while the care home believes they were transferred with the patient. The family can then find themselves trying to establish where something as fundamental as a set of dentures disappeared.
This should not become a blame exercise - only a learning exercise. Good care depends upon clear documentation and accountability. If an item is handed over, that should be recorded. If it is received, that should be checked. If it cannot be located, the issue should be identified promptly, investigated and communicated to the family.
The financial cost of replacing dentures is also only one part of the problem. For an older person who has worn their dentures for many years, they can be familiar, comfortable and highly personal. Replacement may take time, and during that period the individual may struggle to eat normally or communicate effectively. For someone who is already frail, reduced food intake can have wider consequences for their health and wellbeing.
There is also the issue of dignity. An older person should not have to sit at a dining table unable to eat comfortably because their dentures have disappeared during a hospital admission. Nor should a person living with dementia be left distressed because an item that has been part of their daily routine for years has been lost.
Oral health must therefore be viewed as part of person-centred care rather than an additional task that sits separately from everything else.
The same principle applies to glasses, hearing aids and other essential personal items. These belongings can determine how well an individual can communicate, understand what is happening around them and participate in everyday life. When they are missing, the person’s ability to engage with their care can be significantly affected.
For CCFTV, this is ultimately about continuity, transparency and dignity. Safety does not begin and end at the care-home door. A person’s safety and wellbeing must be protected throughout their journey between services.
That means hospitals and care homes working together, rather than treating discharge as the point at which responsibility simply changes hands. It means accurate records, effective handovers and staff understanding the importance of seemingly small personal items. It also means families being informed when something has gone wrong rather than having to discover the problem themselves.
There is an important cultural point here too. Good care does not mean that nothing ever goes wrong. Mistakes and losses can happen in any organisation and what matters is how they are responded to. Openness, honesty, timely investigation and learning are essential to maintaining trust between families and care providers.
A missing set of dentures may sound like a small issue when viewed within the enormous pressures facing health and social care. For the person who relies upon them, it is anything but small. It can affect whether they eat, whether they communicate, socialise and how they feel about themselves.
It can also affect a person’s dignity and wellbeing and in a person living with dementia, it can affect behaviour and emotional stability - that is why oral care deserves to be part of every safe transfer of care. Every transition should protect not only the person’s clinical needs, but also their dignity, identity, belongings and ability to live as independently as possible.
At Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, our message is oral care is care, and dentures are not simply possessions. They are part of a person’s ability to eat, communicate and maintain their dignity. Protecting them should be considered part of protecting the person.
Barchester's 'Get Moving' Week Shows How Fundraising Can Tackle Isolation
Isolation remains one of the most persistent challenges facing older people and adults living with a disability or mental health condition, and care providers are increasingly looking for ways to address it that go beyond day-to-day care delivery. For Barchester Healthcare, the answer has come in the form of a company-wide fundraising initiative that doubles as a wellbeing exercise for residents, patients and staff alike.
Now in its third year, Get Barchester Moving asks homes, hospitals and support offices across the country to log "move minutes" over the course of a week, with residents and colleagues taking part in whatever activity suits them, from armchair yoga and tai chi to line dancing and gentle walks. The initiative is designed to be as inclusive as possible, meaning frailty or mobility limitations are no barrier to involvement.
Turning Activity Into Impact
This year's totals suggest the format is resonating. Residents, patients and colleagues logged 665,999 move minutes, the equivalent of 462 days of activity in a single week, while the associated fundraising activities brought in £3,050 for Barchester's Charitable Foundation. The Foundation uses these funds to help older people and other adults with a disability or mental health condition connect, or reconnect, with their local communities, which makes the format of the fundraiser as relevant as its outcome.
Some contributions were more modest than others. Among the standout efforts was a 50-mile overnight hike across the South Downs, taking in six different homes in Barchester's South East Division over 24 hours. Regional Director Cosmin Lemnaru chose a different way to mark the week, tackling the Mürren Via Ferrata in Switzerland, a 2.2km cliff-edge trail secured by steel cable along the Mürrenfluh cliff face. At points roughly 600 metres above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with views across the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, it was as much a personal challenge as a fundraising exercise, given his stated fear of heights.
Why the Format Matters
For Simon McCall, Chair of Barchester's Charitable Foundation and Chief Commercial Officer, the value of the week lies as much in participation as in the money raised.
"Get Barchester Moving Week is a fantastic initiative which brings together our residents, patients and staff teams and gets everyone taking part, which is what the Foundation is all about, helping people to participate in community activities and combating isolation. The fundraising element is the cherry on top but ultimately it is about wellbeing and connection."
The rising move-minute totals year on year point to growing engagement across the organisation, and offer a template that other providers looking to combine fundraising with resident and staff wellbeing may find worth studying. Framing an initiative around movement rather than sponsorship targets appears to lower the barrier to entry, allowing residents with varying levels of mobility to take part on equal footing with staff attempting more ambitious challenges.
The Leaders Who Inspire Me
By Jayne Connery FRSA FRSPH, Director of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV)
Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet many remarkable people working across health and social care. Some lead large organisations, others smaller ones. Some are well known across the sector, while others quietly go about making a difference every single day without seeking recognition. What unites the leaders who inspire me is not the size of their organisation or their title. It is their willingness to challenge convention, embrace innovation and, above all, place the wellbeing of people receiving care at the centre of every decision they make.
For many years, social care has found itself balancing an ever-growing number of pressures. We are supporting an ageing population with increasingly complex needs, while providers face workforce shortages, financial constraints and rising expectations from families. Standing still is no longer an option. If we genuinely want to improve outcomes, we must be prepared to think differently, and that requires courageous leadership.
One of the greatest misconceptions I still encounter is the belief that technology somehow diminishes compassionate care. I have never accepted that argument. Compassion has never been defined by the absence of innovation. If anything, the two should work hand in hand.
The role of technology should never be to replace the human touch. No artificial intelligence can comfort someone who is frightened. No sensor can replace the reassurance of a familiar smile, the instinct of an experienced carer or the warmth of a hand held during difficult moments. These are qualities that will always belong to people.
However, we should not allow our respect for compassionate care to prevent us from embracing the tools that can make that care safer.
Every week at Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, I support families whose loved ones have experienced avoidable harm. Behind every call is a person who has fallen, a resident whose deterioration was not recognised quickly enough, medication that was delayed, hydration that was overlooked or concerns that were simply not escalated. These situations are rarely the result of one individual making one mistake. More often, they reveal systems under immense pressure and dedicated staff trying to deliver exceptional care with limited time and resources.
That is why I believe responsible technology has such an important role to play.
Whether it is acoustic monitoring, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, digital care planning or intelligent safety monitoring, these innovations are providing care teams with information they simply did not have before. They help identify subtle changes in health, detect risks earlier, reduce avoidable incidents and support more informed clinical decisions. Used ethically, transparently and with the consent of residents and families, they become another member of the care team—quietly working in the background to enhance safety while allowing carers to spend more meaningful time with those they support.
Perhaps most importantly, technology also has the potential to protect one of our greatest assets - the workforce itself.
We ask an extraordinary amount of our carers. They work under immense pressure, often caring for people with highly complex needs while juggling increasing administrative responsibilities. Yet despite the challenges, I continue to meet carers whose kindness, patience and professionalism never cease to amaze me.
They deserve more than our gratitude.
They deserve investment, support and leadership that gives them every opportunity to succeed.
Responsible technology should never be viewed as surveillance of staff. When implemented correctly, it protects carers as much as residents. It can provide objective evidence when incidents occur, demonstrate that appropriate care was delivered, identify where systems need strengthening and reduce the risk of staff being unfairly blamed for circumstances beyond their control. It creates learning rather than blame, confidence rather than uncertainty, and reassurance rather than suspicion.
The leaders who inspire me understand this.
They recognise that innovation is not about replacing people but empowering them. They appreciate that technology is only ever as good as the values that guide its use. They involve their workforce, communicate openly with families and introduce new approaches with transparency rather than fear. Most importantly, they never lose sight of the fact that dignity, compassion and kindness must always remain at the heart of everything they do.
Families are evolving too. Increasingly, they want to know not only that their loved one is receiving good care, but how that care is being monitored, how risks are identified, how decisions are made and what measures are in place to prevent avoidable harm. They are looking for providers who embrace openness rather than resist it, and who see families as partners in care rather than passive observers.
This is the future of our sector.
The organisations that will thrive are those that combine evidence with empathy, innovation with integrity and modern technology with timeless values. They will understand that the future of care is not about choosing between people and technology, but about enabling each to enhance the other.
As someone who has spent more than a decade supporting thousands of families through some of the most difficult periods of their lives, I remain optimistic. I see extraordinary leadership across our sector. I see providers willing to invest in safer ways of working. I see innovators determined to solve longstanding challenges. I see carers whose dedication humbles me every single day.
These are the people who inspire me.
They remind me that leadership is not measured by headlines or accolades. It is measured by the decisions made when nobody is watching, by the courage to embrace change when others hesitate and by an unwavering commitment to making life safer, better and more dignified for the people entrusted to our care.
That is the kind of leadership our sector needs, and it is that leadership which will shape the future of adult social care.
£5,000 prize up for grabs as Care Sector's Got Talent returns with biggest-ever search for social care's hidden stars
Competition opens to everyone working across social care as organisers aim to celebrate the sector's talent and change perceptions of care
Care Sectors Got Talent 2025Care Sector's Got Talent is back for 2026 with its biggest-ever prize fund, a brand-new stage at the Care Show and a call for everyone working across social care to step into the spotlight.
Run by Championing Social Care, the much-loved competition is inviting entries from across the social care workforce – from care home and home care teams to supported living services, day centres and community care. Frontline carers, nurses, administrators, receptionists, chefs, housekeepers, maintenance teams, office staff, volunteers and suppliers are all encouraged to enter, either as individuals or groups.
This year's competition offers its largest prize fund to date, with £5,000 in cash awarded to the winner to spend however they choose, while the runner-up will receive a £1,000 talent development fund to invest in lessons, coaching or equipment to help take their talent to the next level.
The 2026 Grand Final will take place on 7 October at the Care Show at Birmingham NEC, bringing Care Sector's Got Talent to one of the UK's biggest social care events. With thousands of care professionals expected to attend, finalists will perform in front of the sector's largest live audience yet, giving even more people the opportunity to celebrate the creativity, diversity and extraordinary talent that exists throughout social care.
Organisers hope this year's expanded competition will attract more entries than ever before by reaching every corner of the sector and reminding people that whatever their role, they are a talented and valued part of the social care community.
Whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, magic, spoken word, instrumental music or an unexpected hidden talent, Care Sector's Got Talent is about celebrating the people behind social care and showcasing the passion, creativity and personality that exists beyond the day job.
Nye Brown, Co-Chair of Care Sector's Got Talent and CEO of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, said: "Social care is full of incredible people whose talents often go unseen outside their workplace. Care Sector's Got Talent gives us the chance to celebrate those individuals, while showing the wider public a different side of our sector – one that's creative, diverse, compassionate and full of extraordinary people. Every performer who takes to the stage helps challenge perceptions of social care, and we can't wait to discover this year's hidden stars."
Angela Boxall, Co-Chair of Care Sector's Got Talent, Chair of Care England and CEO of Majesticare, added: "Care Sector's Got Talent is a celebration of the people who make social care extraordinary. It doesn't matter whether you're delivering care in someone's home, working in a care home, supporting people in the community or keeping services running behind the scenes – if you're part of social care, this stage is for you. Hosting the final at the Care Show will make this our biggest celebration yet, giving thousands of people the chance to come together and celebrate the incredible people who make social care such a special profession."
Last year's winner, saxophonist Oladayo Ojekanmi, has gone on to perform at care sector events across the country, demonstrating how Care Sector's Got Talent can open new opportunities while shining a spotlight on the remarkable people working across social care. He says: "It was truly an incredible journey from the auditions to the grand finale. The organisation, support and professionalism throughout the competition made the experience both memorable and inspiring."
Entries are now open and close on 21 August 2026. Applicants should submit a two-minute video showcasing their talent via the Championing Social Care website: https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-sectors-got-talent/register/
Whether you're a solo performer, part of a choir, dance troupe, band or workplace group, Care Sector's Got Talent wants to hear from you.
Cyclists ride 488km for Social Care
The Great British Care Cycle Relay marked the opening for Care Home Open Week 2026, covering ground in Edinburgh, Manchester, Newport, the Midlands and London.
The five-day event, hosted by Championing Social Care, saw groups of cyclists take on a series of one-day relays, making stops at pre-selected local care homes and providers along the way.
The aim of the Cycle Relay has long been to inspire, connect and unite, inviting experienced cyclists to combine their passion for cycling with their appreciation for the care sector and help us to promote the amazing social care work that lives at the heart of every community. Every year, we see more cyclists applying to take part in the relay, acknowledging not just the physical rewards but the huge impact that campaigns like this have on the care sector’s reputation and standing in local communities.
Each day’s ride was carefully designed and led by experienced cyclists, ensuring an enjoyable challenge for those taking part. And while some cyclists took part in a single leg of the relay, others rose to the full five-day challenge, lining up at every start line and travelling the length and breadth of the country.
Vishal Shah, Chair of Championing Social Care and a keen cyclist himself, was one of those who could be found on the start line every day of the relay.
“The cycle relay is not only a great physical challenge, but an opportunity to bring together enthusiastic cyclists from across the sector for an incredible cause. Stopping at various care homes throughout the relay, we’ve experienced countless displays of support and hospitality, while really showcasing our sector in all its glory.
This is one of the highlights of the year for me, and I love seeing the routes change and develop every year as we take in more of the landscape between care communities that are at the heart of society across the nation. Ending the 2026 great British Cycle Relay at Wandsworth Common Care Home, while raising a glass to the start of Care Home Open Week, was the perfect conclusion to five inspiring days.”
But it’s not all fun and physical endurance. The Great British Care Cycle Relay marks the start of Care Home Open Week; one of Championing Social Care’s most prolific annual campaigns. Running from 15th – 21st June, this year’s Care Home Open Week saw over 5,000 care homes across the UK sign up and open their doors to residents, families and visitors alike. Following a timely World Cup theme, just some of the standout events included football challenges, 1966 World Cup screening events, accessible tournaments, inter-generational activities and countless BBQs and picnics.
The Great British Care Cycle Relay and Care Home Open Week are both annual campaigns hosted by Championing Social Care, supported by fantastic organisations from across the care sector.
Ralph the Therapy Dog Makes a Paw-sitive First Visit to Heanton Nursing Home
At Heanton Nursing Home, a new four-legged visitor has already made a strong impression on everyone at the home.
Ralph, a therapy dog from Pets for Therapy, recently made his first visit to the home alongside his owner, Gemma Darke, spending time with residents (who the home fondly refers to as family members) and team members across the home. From the moment he arrived, Ralph quickly became a popular guest, bringing plenty of smiles as he made his way around.
The visit marks the start of regular visits, with Ralph now set to return each month. During his first visit, he enjoyed plenty of fuss and helped create natural moments of conversation. One family member, Roger, particularly enjoyed spending time with him, making the most of the visit and the chance to have Ralph by his side.
Abigail Denford, Home Manager, spoke about the value of introducing visits like these. She said: “Animals can often bring something different into the day. They can help people feel settled and can encourage conversations about pets from earlier in life. It was lovely to see how naturally people responded to Ralph and how much they enjoyed having him here.”
Therapy animal visits can play an important role in care settings, offering companionship, encouraging interaction and helping to create moments of familiarity. For some, it can also be a simple source of enjoyment and a welcome change to the day. At Heanton Nursing Home, introducing regular visits from Ralph is another way the home continues to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for family members in everyday life.
St Neots care home collaborates with Inspire2Ignite to support young people into work
This week, Henbrook House care home in St Neots celebrated the one-month anniversary of its newest receptionist, Apryl, joining the team – a talented young woman whose journey into work shows the difference that early intervention and support can make.
Like many young people, after leaving college, Apryl spent eight months not in education, employment or training, often referred to as ‘NEET’, and struggled to find work despite applying for jobs every day. Repeated setbacks began to impact her confidence and motivation, and she began to feel unsure where she might fit into adult life.
That changed when she was introduced to Inspire2Ignite, a Cambridgeshire-based youth organisation supporting young people outside formal education or employment. Through its employability programme, and later an internship with the organisation, Apryl rebuilt her confidence, strengthened her CV and eventually secured a full-time role at Henbrook House after applying for the vacancy on her own initiative.
During her time with Inspire2Ignite, Apryl developed practical skills in budgeting, goal setting, business planning and customer relationship management. Those skills have helped her hit the ground running at Henbrook House, where she has quickly become a valued part of the family.
Michael Zinaka, General Manager at Henbrook House, comments:
“Apryl has been a fantastic addition to the team who has really hit the ground running with residents, staff and families. Too often, talented young people like Apryl fall through the cracks because no one is willing to give them the chance they need to prove themselves. What Apryl’s story shows is that when someone is given the right support in the right environment, they can blow you away with what they can achieve.”
Apryl’s story speaks to a much larger trend in the UK, where youth inactivity has risen steadily in recent years. According to the Office for National Statistics, between January and March 2026 there were over 1m young people aged between 16 to 24 who were not in education, employment or training – equivalent to 13.5% of all young people in that age group.
The issue is being felt especially sharply across closer to home, with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority estimating that 14.2% of 16 to 24-year-olds across the region currently fall into the ‘NEET’ category. For context, this equates to more than 15,000 young people who have disengaged from the workforce and formal education entirely.
For Inspire2Ignite, the key to tackling this problem is practical, early interventions in young people’s lives which help them develop the skills and contacts they need to thrive. Since launching, the organisation has supported more than 15,000 young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through entrepreneurial programmes, industry projects, internships and volunteering opportunities with local employers like Henbrook House.
Reflecting on her own path to success, Apryl says the kind of hands-on support she received made all the difference. Asked about what she would say to other young people who may feel stuck or unsure what to do, she said:
“It’s okay to feel stuck. A lot of people go through periods where they don’t know what comes next, and that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful. Traditional education isn’t the right path for everyone, and that’s completely okay. There are many different ways to achieve your goals and build a successful future. Don’t be afraid to take a different route if it’s the one that’s right for you. Most importantly, don’t give up on yourself. Keep looking for opportunities, ask for help when you need it, and remember that one chance can completely change your future.”
Sam Squire, CEO at Inspire2Ignite and a former NEET himself, shares his thoughts:
“Apryl’s story is a moving example of what can happen when young people receive the support they need before becoming stuck outside education or work long-term. Too often, the problem is not a lack of talent or ambition – it is that young people lack the confidence, clear routes forward, and opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive. Our goal is to help reduce youth inactivity in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from 14.2% to around 3% by 2030, matching the low levels seen in places like the Netherlands. We know this is ambitious, but Apryl’s journey shows that when young people are given practical support and a real opportunity, they can surpass every expectation."
Henbrook House has developed a close working relationship with Inspire2Ignite, supporting the organisation through local activities, events and community projects. Young people from Inspire2Ignite regularly visit the home as part of entrepreneurial and employability programmes, helping bring residents, families, staff and local young people together.
For Henbrook House, the collaboration reflects its wider commitment to being an active part of the St Neots community. By opening its doors to local young people and giving talented individuals like Apryl the chance to thrive, the home hopes to play a small but meaningful role in tackling youth inactivity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Hastings Care Home Workers Raise Over £500 for Cancer Research UK
Staff members at Ponbay Lodge care home in Hastings raised £575 during the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.
Donned in pink, Wendy Bennett (Lifestyle Assistant) and Mandy Dawson (Care Assistant) completed the 3K race, while Graham Liley (Chef) completed a 5K race in support of breast cancer research.
Supporting their own, Ponbay Lodge residents and team members decorated the home with balloons and bunting to cheer the trio on.
Care Assistant Wendy said, “I have friends and family who have been affected by cancer, so doing the Race for Life means a lot to me. It was a challenge for me, but I’m so happy I did it.
“Next year, I plan to beat my time and raise even more money for Cancer Research UK. Thank you to everyone who donated and offered support!”
Zac Hampshire-Jones, the General Manager at Ponbay Lodge, added, “Everyone at Ponbay Lodge is incredibly proud of Wendy, Mandy, and Graham. They have raised an amazing amount of money for Cancer Research UK, a life-saving charity.”
You can find out more about charity initiatives and community work at Ponbay Lodge during the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event, where all are welcome from 10:30AM to enjoy refreshments and freshly baked treats with the residents. Tea on Tuesday takes place at Ponbay Lodge on The Ridge, Hastings, TN34 2AE.
Brampton Manor honours Newmarket Day Centre in first Community Champion award
Award-winning Newmarket care delivers inaugural hamper to the town's much-loved day centre in recognition of its quiet, vital work
Newmarket's Brampton Manor Care Home has presented its first Community Champions award to the Newmarket Day Centre, after the organisation was nominated by members of the local community.
The award, a luxury hamper, was personally delivered by Brampton Manor Home Manager Akhi Goswami to Kirsti Dare at the Day Centre, where Akhi was given a tour of the facility and saw first-hand the breadth of support it provides to people across the town.
Community Champions launched in June 2026 as a monthly initiative inviting Newmarket residents to nominate individuals or groups whose voluntary efforts, quiet dedication, or community spirit deserves public recognition. The Newmarket Day Centre was chosen as the inaugural recipient following nominations from community members who rely on and value its services.
Akhi Goswami, Home Manager at Brampton Manor, said: "This is a lovely initiative, and what better way to start it than by recognising the Newmarket Day Centre. They are a central hub and a lifeline for so many people in this town, yet so much of what they do goes unnoticed. It was a proud moment to be able to deliver that hamper to Kirsti and her team. They are thoroughly well deserved winners, and I hope this shines a small light on the hidden support they offer every single day."
The Newmarket Day Centre provides vital support services to vulnerable and isolated adults in the local area, offering social activities, practical assistance, and a welcoming space for those who might otherwise have little connection to the community around them.
The Community Champions initiative forms part of Brampton Manor's wider commitment to being an active and caring part of Newmarket life. Nominations for future monthly awards remain open, and the home is encouraging residents to put forward anyone whose contribution to the community they feel deserves recognition.
To nominate a local hero, call Brampton Manor on 01638 598 827 or send a direct message via the home's Facebook page.
BARCHESTER HEALTHCARE RAISES OVER £64,000 FOR CHARITY
For the fifth consecutive year, colleagues from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals have tackled the Tour de Barchester, a gruelling 200 mile cycling challenge, all in the name of charity. Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or a mental health condition by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Over four days in May a team of care home workers, suppliers and directors cycled across Barchester’s North East & Scotland Division from Thurso to Glasgow via Inverness, Dundee and Edinburgh calling at 16 care homes and a support office to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. They were joined and supported by suppliers, sponsors, staff members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through. Representatives from local groups and charities that had recently received funding from the Foundation were also invited to join in the celebrations.
Shona Conway, Foundation Trustee, Tour de Barchester Organiser and team cyclist, said: “I am delighted to say that so far this year through our corporate sponsors and with the help of all our services supporting us we have raised a staggering £64,000 which is just wonderful and money is still coming in. I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes and colleagues that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise. I also have to say a massive thank you to our superb support crew who are absolute legends and to our very generous corporate sponsors, without them Tour de Barchester wouldn’t be able to happen.”
Chair of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, Chief Commercial Officer and Tour de Barchester team cyclist, Simon McCall, commented: “Everyone knows that the Tour is my favourite week of the year. It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to get out on the open road, visit our wonderful homes and meet our fantastic residents, patients and teams to witness first hand all the crazy things they are getting up to in the name of charity. Being in the Highlands this year we had lots of bagpipes, kilts and Scottish dancing, my absolute highlight was the sensational wheelchair Scottish dancing with the residents at our Fordmill care home in Montrose, that was outstanding but everywhere we went gave us such a warm welcome.
“We have raised a phenomenal amount again this year and it will be put to such good use supporting individuals, community groups and small charities, helping to connect people and combat loneliness which is what the Foundation is all about. Thank you to every single person involved, you are all absolute superstars. Here’s to the Tour 2027, we’re already planning!”
