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.
When your registered manager is firefighting, your systems are failing - not them
By Tim Jones, Kaizen Business Consultants Ltd
Manager overwhelm in care is not a wellbeing issue. It is a systemic governance and quality risk – and treating it as anything less is a leadership failure with direct consequences for the people in your care.
Picture your registered manager at 9am on a Monday. Before they've had a coffee, they're fielding a call about a rota gap for Wednesday and trying to remember whether that safeguarding review was formally reviewed and signed off last week... By 10am they're firefighting. By Friday, they haven't once looked at the data sitting in their system that would have told them something was starting to go wrong.
This is not a story about a bad manager. It is a story about a silent operating system – one that carries no risk, surfaces no patterns, and places the entire quality burden on one person.
When systems don't surface risk, provide oversight, or prompt timely review, people carry it in their heads. And people, however skilled and committed, have a finite capacity. Care quality doesn't sit in a person. It sits inside an operating system. When that system is silent, managers fail – not because they aren't good enough, but because no human being can lead effectively while manually holding together everything the system should be doing for them.
The question is not why managers miss things.
It is why owners, directors, and boards have built operating models where missing things is almost inevitable.
Staffing costs consume between 70–90% of most care providers' budgets. Margins are razor thin. The administrative and assurance burden on frontline leaders has grown steadily as regulatory requirements have increased. And yet the expectation that registered managers can simultaneously run day‑to‑day operations, maintain compliance, support their teams, and lead strategically has never been higher.
What gives is the higher‑order thinking – the pattern recognition, the early intervention, the proactive conversations that prevent small problems from becoming serious ones. Quality doesn't collapse loudly. It erodes quietly, over weeks and months, in the gaps between what a manager intended to check and what they actually had time to check. By the time something surfaces, the conditions that created it have been building for a long time.
So what must owners and directors do differently?
They must stop treating manager overload as an individual performance issue and start treating it as a systems design failure. If your registered manager is constantly reactive, the operating model is broken. That is a leadership and governance failure, and it sits at board level.
Intelligence – I prefer that word to AI – is a pattern‑recognition engine that surfaces risk earlier, creates a credible governance and assurance layer that doesn't depend on any one person's memory, and generates the headspace leaders need to make better decisions sooner. It does not replace clinical judgement. It does the heavy lifting that currently stops managers from exercising it.
You & I Care, an award‑winning provider operating across Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire, made exactly that shift. By centralising rostering, care planning, and compliance into a single digital system, managers gained an accurate, real‑time overview of operations that paper‑based processes simply could not provide. The result, in their own words, was the ability to “act early when a service user's needs change, make faster decisions, and spend more time on what matters.” Less reactive management. Clearer oversight. Time redirected from administration back into care. That is what a well‑designed operating system delivers – not just efficiency, but early visibility of risk that allows leaders to lead.
The tools exist. The barrier is a culture that has not yet made the connection between system design, manager clarity, and care quality. That connection is the responsibility of every owner, director, and board member in this sector.
Manager headspace is not a nice‑to‑have.
It is a non‑negotiable quality control mechanism – and designing systems that protect it is a core leadership responsibility.
If your registered manager has no capacity to think, your service has no early warning system. Risk accumulates silently. Quality slips before anyone with the authority to act has seen it coming. That is not a people problem. It is a governance failure.
Owners and boards must now ask a harder question than whether their managers are working hard enough. They must ask whether the systems around those managers are working hard enough. Build the operating model that protects thinking time, surfaces risk early, and removes the noise that drowns out leadership. Because the cost of not doing so does not show up in your margin first. It shows up in your quality.
Highlighting the impact of outdoor activities at Buchan House Care Home
Outdoor activities are one of the most beneficial types of activities for people living in care homes. Time spent outdoors engaged in activity or socialising with friends can support wellbeing, physical fitness, and provide gentle sensory stimulation.
The fresh air and natural light, combined with the sights and sounds of nature can have a calming effect, especially for people who live with dementia.
At Buchan House Care Home in Cambridge, the team encourage residents to spend time outside, even if it’s something simple, like enjoying a cup of tea or a quiet moment with friends. Built into the activity schedule, especially through the summer months, are a range of engaging outdoor activities that provide a welcome change of scenery and enhance people’s quality of life.
The gardening club is one of the most popular outdoor activities at the care home. For many people, it brings back fond memories of tending to their own gardens in years gone by. The opportunity to continue this hobby not only has a meaningful impact on their outdoor space but provides satisfaction and fulfilment. This regular group session also provides enrichment, as people are able to see the plants they sow in early spring blossom into beautiful flowers during the summer months. It also enables the kitchen team to incorporate delicious and nutritious homegrown vegetables into their recipes.
Sometimes a simple change of scenery is all it takes to raise a smile. Whether it’s the option to dine ‘al-fresco’ and enjoy mealtimes outside, or, taking activities usually hosted inside, out into the garden. These sometimes-spontaneous moments add excitement and help to encourage participation among those who don’t engage as regularly in activities.
Amongst the variety of outdoor activities, day trips to local attractions and destinations also take place. Seaside visits are especially popular and help to bring back fond memories from coastal trips with families and friends. The scents and sounds associated with the seaside, along with the taste of traditional fish and chips provide multi-sensory stimulation and create new cherished memories.
These positive impacts are best described by the people who live at Buchan House. “Getting outside really lifts my spirits,” said one person, while another shared, “I don’t need to go far – a seat outside and some sunshine makes my day much nicer.” For others, it brings a deeper sense of meaning, with one gentleman explaining, “Going outside gives me purpose.” On a recent trip to the park, one person summed it up perfectly: “I felt like a kid again, getting outside and playing.”
As the summer months begin to arrive, outdoor activities will feature more frequently – providing lots of opportunities to enjoy the sunshine surrounded by nature and the wide range of benefits this offers.
Huntingdon care home staff raise £4,000 for unpaid carers in Cambridge half-marathon
This week, staff from The Chase care home in Huntingdon laced up their running shoes to take part in the 2026 Cambridge Half Marathon to raise funds for Caring Together Charity – which is dedicated to supporting unpaid carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.
The team, made up of colleagues from The Chase and senior leaders from the Connaught Care Collection, ran alongside members of Caring Together in a powerful show of solidarity for the thousands of unpaid carers who provide vital support to loved ones every day.
In the lead-up to race day, The Chase also hosted a special fundraising auction evening, raising an impressive £1,945 for the cause. Combined with individual sponsorship raised by runners, the initiative has so far generated around £4,000 to support unpaid carers across the region.
Laura Price, Senior Fundraising Manager at Caring Together Charity, reflected:
"We are hugely grateful to this brilliant band of runners from Connaught Care and The Chase, who joined forces with our own staff, to raise a magnificent amount for Caring Together. They all trained hard and fundraised even harder for this epic event, and every mile they ran will make a real difference to the lives of unpaid carers in our community."
Across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk alone there are over 150,000 unpaid carers; and likely many more who have not realised they fall into this category. Nationally, nearly three in five Brits are expected to become unpaid carers within the next decade, and yet 73% of people who are providing (or have provided) care remain unaware they count as a carer.
This knowledge gap can make it even harder for unpaid carers to cope with the physical and emotional strain of full-time care. Many will face financial hardship, career disruptions, and poverty and poor physical and mental health as a result of their situation – impacts which could be mitigated through earlier intervention and structured support.
Laura Price again:
"According to our research, three in five people in the UK will become a carer at some point in their lifetime – whether it’s looking after family members long-term illnesses, or caring for a friend living with disabilities. Raising awareness has therefore never been more important, and we're very proud our runners have used their energy and commitment to champion this cause.”
Having seen first-hand how demanding yet essential care work can be, the team at The Chase wanted to support Caring Together Charity in whatever way they could. Their partnership went far beyond race day; with the organisations sharing a dedicated WhatsApp group to keep spirits high throughout training.
Domonic Bird, the Connaught Care Collection’s Group Sales Development Manager who took part in the half-marathon, said:
“Training for the Cambridge half-marathon has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my life. I think every runner knows the pain of staring at your shoes and thinking about skipping a session, but for me knowing I was doing it for an important cause helped massively. Caring Together really is a brilliant charity and I'm so proud to be able to support their work".
The Chase is part of the Connaught Care Collection, an award-winning provider of luxury care homes. You can still give your support to the runners and donate to Caring Together by emailing Fundraising@caringtogether.org or via their website: www.caringtogether.org.
Boutique Care Homes Brings Generations Together for World Book Day Across Four Counties
Award-winning care home group celebrates UK's biggest reading event with intergenerational activities across Surrey, Suffolk, Kent, and West Sussex
Boutique Care Homes marked World Book Day 2026 with a series of intergenerational reading events across its four care homes, welcoming hundreds of young readers from local schools and nurseries to share stories with residents.
World Book Day, celebrated annually on the first Thursday in March, is the UK's biggest celebration of books and reading. This year, The Burlington in Shepperton, Brampton Manor in Newmarket, Chartwell House in Broadstairs, and Keymer Hall in Burgess Hill each hosted special events that brought different generations together through their shared love of storytelling.
The Burlington, Shepperton welcomed pupils from Saxon Primary School, who arrived dressed as beloved characters from Alice in Wonderland to The Cat in the Hat. The children transformed the Piano Bar into a reading haven, sharing their favourite books with residents and sparking conversations, memories, and smiles. Resident Tom Stubbs OBE shared: "It brought back a lot of memories when my children were younger reading books to them."
Brampton Manor, Newmarket hosted two separate sessions, welcoming children from Fairstead House School in the morning and Clip Clop Nursery in the afternoon. The celebrations come just weeks after the home won the prestigious Intergenerational Connections Award at the National Activity Awards 2026. "The room was absolutely buzzing with enthusiasm," said Valda, Head of Activities and Wellbeing. "Although it was the first time the Fairstead children had visited, you would never have known it. They seemed to gel straight away, as if they had been coming here for years."
Chartwell House, Broadstairs welcomed young readers from three local primary schools: Year 6 students from Bromstone Primary School (marking their second consecutive year), mixed-age students from Newlands Primary School in Ramsgate, and Year 2 children from St Mildred's Primary Infant School. Seven-year-old Lachlan from St Mildred's said: "I really enjoyed reading to everyone. I would like to do it again."
Keymer Hall, Burgess Hill welcomed children from Dicker House Pre-School for its first-ever World Book Day celebration, just three months after opening. Mary Poppins arrived carpet bag in hand, while Tigger bounced around spreading smiles as children and residents gathered in the garden on a beautiful sunny morning. Christine Bunce, Home Manager, said: "Watching our residents light up when the children arrived was absolutely beautiful. These moments remind us why intergenerational connections matter so much, the joy goes both ways."
The coordinated celebrations reflect Boutique Care Homes' commitment to intergenerational engagement, which earned the group the NAPA Award for Intergenerational Engagement in January 2026. The award recognises the company's innovative approach to bringing together different generations to enhance wellbeing and combat social isolation across all its homes.
Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, said: "World Book Day gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of storytelling to bring generations together. Watching young children and our residents connect over shared stories reminds us that reading isn't just about literacy—it's about building relationships, sparking memories, and creating moments of genuine joy. I'm incredibly proud of our teams across all four homes for embracing this day so wholeheartedly and creating such meaningful experiences for residents and children alike. These events exemplify our commitment to building real community connections, not just talking about them."
The World Book Day celebrations align with Boutique Care Homes' Life Enrichment Programme, which is built on six wellbeing principles: Contribute, Grow, Reflect, Feel, Move, and Connect. Intergenerational activities form an important part of the programme, promoting social engagement and emotional wellbeing for residents while strengthening ties with local communities.
Research shows that intergenerational engagement provides significant benefits for both age groups. For residents, interactions with children provide emotional stimulation, reduce isolation, and often trigger treasured memories. For children, the experience develops empathy, patience, and communication skills while building confidence through reading aloud.
Bishop’s Stortford care home residents paint flames onto visiting pony to mark ‘Year of the Fire Horse
This week, Meadowbrook care home in Bishop’s Stortford welcomed a very special guest as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations. Pebbles, a much-loved therapy pony from Royston in Hertfordshire, visited the home to help residents mark 2026 as ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ under the Chinese Lunar calendar. Many were delighted with the opportunity to spend the evening interacting with such a wonderful pony.
The evening also included a live magician, Chinese tapas, and a selection of Chinese teas, cocktails and mocktails to help residents gallop into the new year. To mark the occasion in creative style, Pebbles’ owner, Lauren, also brought along hair chalks so residents could paint elaborate flame designs onto Pebbles’ coat – a symbolic and joyful tribute to the year ahead.
Commenting on the celebrations, Meadowbrook’s General Manager Michelle Humphreys said:
“The Lunar New Year is always such an exciting moment for Meadowbrook, even for those of us who have never been to China! Something about the day always captures the imagination of our residents and staff, so this year we decided to do something special. Huge thanks to Lauren for agreeing to take part in the fun, and to Pebbles for being such a relaxed and obliging guest”.
Pebbles is well-known across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, and is fast becoming a regular fixture at schools, children’s birthday parties, and care homes. A naturally relaxed and sociable pony, her owner quickly realised that Pebbles is perfectly suited to therapy work and community visits. During her time at Meadowbrook, Pebbles went from room to room to ensure that no resident missed out, happily accepting fuss and attention wherever she went.
Lauren’s love of horses began at just four years old. At ten, she shared a pony called Chic whilst riding and caring for larger horses at her local yard, often spending entire days there learning what was involved in looking after them. Years later, her passion was reignited when she returned to work at a yard, loaning a pony called Scarlett before buying her own horse, Stampy.
Owned for four years, Pebbles was originally broken to drive carts in Chelmsford before being retrained as a riding pony. Today, she brings joy to children as a “real-life unicorn” at parties and offers comfort and companionship to care home residents across the region.
Speaking about Pebbles’ role as a therapy pony, Lauren said:
“When we first got Pebbles, we realised quickly how calm and unflappable she was. Pebbles knows her job and loves bringing joy to others; nothing phases her and she is a pleasure to own. I can’t imagine ever selling her – she will stay with us for the rest of her life and will continue to make new friends up and down the country; in-between being spoiled rotten, of course!”
The purpose of the event was to celebrate cultural traditions in an engaging and inclusive way, whilst creating meaningful experiences for residents. By combining entertainment, food, and a memorable animal visit, Meadowbrook ensured that residents were able to welcome the Lunar New Year with laughter, creativity, and a true sense of community.
BARCHESTER’S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION’S RECORD-BREAKING 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation celebrated its silver anniversary in style by achieving a record-breaking donation milestone of £424,000 for the first time in its 25 year history. The funds raised in 2025 enabled the charity to provide vital help to 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals - the most people the Foundation has ever helped in one year.
Established in 2000, the aim of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is to help older people and adults living with a disability or mental health conditions in local communities across the country. The charity provides grants to improve mobility and quality of life, and each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales, however 2025 has proven to be the charity’s best year ever, both in terms of funds raised and grants gifted.
The money to help good causes comes from the generous support of Barchester Healthcare, its staff and corporate supporters who fundraise or support through events such as the annual Barchester Golf Tournament, the Cook Off Challenge and the Tour de Barchester mammoth four day cycle ride. In addition, Barchester team members organise fundraising activities at Barchester’s care homes and hospitals and personal challenges such as the Three Peaks and the Great North Run, all money raised by Barchester staff is matched pound for pound by the company. The Charitable Foundation also receives legacies from residents, showing that the excellent care provided in Barchester’s care homes and hospitals can inspire extraordinary charitable giving.
Once again in 2025, the entire company collectively participated in Barchester Get Moving, a week of intensive fundraising where staff and residents tracked their steps and took part in all kinds of different initiatives which helped boost the money raised.
The vast majority of grants for disabled and older individuals are for mobility aids such as mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and specialist walkers, enabling people to get out and about in their local community and to take part in social activities. This type of help can be transformative to people’s day-to-day life and wellbeing, as well as giving back independence and freedom. Grants to small community groups and local charities have been more varied, funding a broad range of activities, outings, transport, equipment and materials for older people and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges. The projects cover a very wide variety of social and educational activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, woodwork, exercise, yoga, music, sewing, theatre and dance.
Simon McCall, Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and Barchester’s Commercial Director explains: “2025 marked our 25th anniversary - we started the year with ambitious plans wanting to ensure we had an exceptional silver anniversary and I am immensely proud to say we absolutely smashed all our expectations. I am so hugely grateful to all of the Barchester homes, hospitals, residents, patients and team members who have taken part in so many different fundraising events to enable us to support hundreds of small charities and individuals – an astounding 385 different causes and individuals in total. These grants make such a difference to people’s lives helping to overcome loneliness and isolation all over the country. I am amazed and delighted by how much we have all been able to collectively achieve.”
Case studies of some of the people the Foundation helped in 2025:
- Johnny from Tyne & Wear talks about the benefits to his day-to-day life, after receiving a grant for a Tri Ride wheelchair power add-on:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/finding-new-normal-after-injury
- Headway Cambridge and Peterborough received a grant for adapted sports equipment to provide more varied physical activities such as New Age Curling, adapted volleyball and basketball for adults living with a brain injury:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/new-adapted-sports
- Reddish Men in Sheds in Greater Manchester received a grant for their Bike Giveaway scheme. They are a group of (mainly) older men who meet three afternoons each week to service and repair donated old bicycles:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/recycling-cycles
How care homes can support residents with personalised food plans
Everyone has different eating habits and food aversions, and this is no different as we progress into later life. In fact, these challenges can escalate as appetite often decreases with age. This is why personalised care plans, including flexibility around food choices, are so important in care homes. The experts at Elmfield Care share how they put this into practice and how other care providers can follow suit.
Why does your appetite decrease as we age?
Esther Cambridge, general manager of Flowers Manor care home, shares: “As we age, our metabolism slows down, and our sense of taste and smell can change. There are specific reasons for this, including medical conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's that can lead to a diminished sense of hunger.
Medication can also have side effects that affect appetite, such as nausea, dry mouth, altered taste perception, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Reduced physical activity can also play a role, as being more sedentary slows down digestion, which can further suppress appetite.”
What are the health risks linked to appetite loss?
Naomie Griffith, general manager of Nodens Manor care home, explains: “There are a number of risks for the ageing population when appetite is diminished. These include malnutrition and unintended weight loss, a weaker immune system that makes it harder to fight off illnesses, as well as muscle weakness, which can increase the risk of falls, fractures and hinder independence.
“A lack of key nutrients that would usually be obtained through a balanced diet, including B vitamins and omega-3s, can contribute to memory problems, confusion and cognitive decline.”
How can care staff spot appetite problems in their residents?
Michael Berkley Blezard, general manager of Old Sarum Manor care home, says: “There are many warning signs that residents might display when they are not eating enough. One of the most obvious is sudden, unexplained weight loss. Another key sign is fatigue and weakness, which can make everyday tasks they were previously able to manage more difficult, such as struggling to hold up a newspaper or concentrate on a crossword.
“Other signs include noticeable changes in eating behaviours, such as skipping meals or no longer enjoying their favourite foods. Care staff might also find food left uneaten after mealtimes or untouched snacks, indicating a growing disinterest in regular eating.
“Some signs can be harder to spot, including increased difficulty with chewing or swallowing. This could be linked to dental issues or dry mouth, but it can easily go unnoticed if not verbally communicated. Additionally, changes in mood can also be associated with a decreased appetite, although this can be harder to directly link to eating habits.”
How can care homes adapt?
Esther shares how care homes can support those who are struggling: “There are many ways to approach appetite issues, and what works will vary from resident to resident, so it is important to trial different approaches until you find what works best. Being consistent with mealtimes and involving residents in food choices may help. You can also make mealtimes more sociable, if that is something the individual enjoys.
“Another effective approach is offering smaller, nutrient-dense portions more frequently throughout the day, such as every three to four hours. Making meals visually appealing through colourful fruit and vegetables, as well as thoughtful presentation, may also help encourage appetite.
“Supporting good hydration throughout the day is also important, as dehydration can impact how someone feels about eating. Gentle movement, whether it be through light exercise or short walks, can also help stimulate hunger in older people, whilst improving overall wellbeing.”
Why are personalised care plans so important?
Naomi shares why tailoring care for residents is so important: “Every person is different, and this remains true as we age. These individual differences mean that care needs can vary significantly from resident to resident within care homes.
“By personalising care plans around specific food needs, such as dietary requirements or individual preferences, care homes can ensure residents’ needs are fully met. This helps to support healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
Broomfield Village Care Home Marks One Year of Care and Community in Chelmsford
A resident-led ribbon cutting, a growing community, and a first year shaped by purpose
A Home That Welcomes Families In
Residents and their families are at the heart of life at Broomfield Village, and from day one they are welcomed as part of the community. One family recently shared that from their very first meeting with the team through to their loved one’s first week as a resident, they were “bowled over” by the warmth, professionalism and inclusivity they experienced. Loved ones are encouraged to spend time together freely, sharing meals, relaxing with a cuppa in the garden cafe, or simply enjoying one another’s company. With thoughtfully designed spaces for visiting children, a cosy cinema room, and a much-loved sweet shop stocked with treats, the home is designed to make time together feel easy and joyful.
A Year Filled with Moments That Matter
Life at Broomfield Village is rich with opportunity and shared experience. In just a short space of time, residents may find themselves enjoying gardening, baking, mini golf, music and movement sessions or settling in with a film and a few sweet treats. Care Home Open Week was a particular highlight of the year, when the home opened its doors to the wider Chelmsford community. From Tai Chi and a visit from a mini zoo to BBQs and a doggy picnic, the week offered a joyful snapshot of daily life at the home, warm, vibrant and full of connection.
Care Delivered With Dignity and Kindness
Behind the activities and shared moments is care that is professional, skilled and deeply compassionate. Families consistently speak of the dignity, kindness and respect shown to their loved ones. This thoughtful approach allows families to relax, confident in the knowledge that their loved ones are not only well cared for, but genuinely known and made to feel special every day.
A Team That Grows With Purpose
At the heart of Broomfield Village is a dedicated team who care deeply about what they do. Over the past year, new team members have joined across care, hospitality and leadership. Internal promotions have been celebrated, and personal development has been encouraged. By nurturing talent and championing growth, the home continues to build a confident team who feel proud of the difference they make every day.
Rooted in the Chelmsford Community
Beyond the home, Broomfield Village is proud to support the local community. This includes granting a heartfelt wish for a pupil at Beaulieu Park School through the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, donating gifts to the care of the elderly ward at Christmas in partnership with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and supporting local charity Sanctus through donations and hands-on involvement.
Looking Ahead
As Broomfield Village enters its second year, the focus remains firmly on what matters most: exceptional care, meaningful relationships and a home where residents, and their families, always feel welcome. For anyone beginning to explore care options, or simply curious to see what makes Broomfield Village special, visits are warmly welcomed.
Care UK and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service mark 10 years of lifesaving partnership
Care UK and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) are marking ten years of a lifesaving partnership that has strengthened fire safety standards and helped protect residents and their loved ones, Care UK colleagues and visitors.
Over the past decade, the partnership has focused on building a clear, consistent approach to fire safety that works day to day across Care UK’s care homes. The partnership operates through the Primary Authority Scheme, which allows organisations operating across multiple locations to receive consistent fire safety advice through a single fire and rescue service.
For Care UK, this has meant working closely with ECFRS to develop and maintain a clear and consistent way of managing fire safety across a large and varied estate. Through the partnership, ECFRS has supported Care UK with ongoing advice and guidance on fire safety policies, evacuation arrangements and staff training. The focus has been on ensuring these arrangements are practical, proportionate and able to evolve as services, buildings and teams change over time.
Phil Clarke, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Care UK, said:
“The most valuable aspect of the Primary Authority Scheme has been the support in helping us review our approach to fire safety, from policy development through to evacuation planning and drill training. The scheme has helped us achieve consistency across the many different Fire and Rescue Services we work with, and the direct involvement of our liaison manager has been invaluable. It has also provided assurance to organisations we work with, particularly local authorities, that we have a robust and proactive approach to fire safety.”
Over the course of the partnership, Primary Authority working has supported ongoing learning and improvements in how fire safety is governed, reviewed and applied across Care UK’s services. As a result, regular review of fire safety policies, procedures, training and risk assessments has become an established part of how fire safety is managed across Care UK’s homes.
Jonathan Dixson, Primary Authority Scheme Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“This partnership has not only improved fire safety standards but has also fostered a culture of learning and assurance. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to another decade of making a difference.”
Dave Bond, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, added:
“We are delighted with the success of this ten-year partnership and the positive difference it continues to make in protecting people. By working closely with Care UK, we’ve been able to provide consistent, practical fire safety advice that supports safer environments and gives confidence to both staff and residents.”
ECFRS works with a range of organisations through its Primary Authority Scheme, supporting consistent fire safety approaches across complex estates. Current partners include Care UK, The Salvation Army, Chelmer Housing Partnership and The Chesterford Group.
As Care UK and ECFRS look ahead, both organisations remain committed to building on what has been achieved through the partnership. The experience highlights the value of long-term, collaborative working in supporting organisations that care for vulnerable people and operate across multiple locations.