Evolve Care Academy: Changing the Moment to Create Connection
Every person receiving care, whether in a care setting or at home, brings with them their own life experiences, personality, preferences and ways of communicating. Because of this, building meaningful connections is not always straightforward and often requires patience, understanding and a willingness to see the world through their eyes.
Some people may be navigating a cognitive journey that affects how they process information, communicate or make sense of their surroundings. Others may be living with a Dementia, which can influence how they experience the world around them. Some people may express distress or communicate their needs in ways that are less easily understood, while others may value their independence and need time to develop trust and feel comfortable accepting support.
Whatever their circumstances, taking the time to understand the individual behind the diagnosis, behaviour, or care need, is often the foundation for building genuine relationships and providing meaningful support.
Throughout the year, people working across the Evolve homes in Devon, Wales and Somerset, alongside those working within our Central Support office, take part in training days at the Evolve Care Academy in Bristol. The thinking behind this is simple; regardless of role, everyone should understand the people living within our homes, their life experiences, preferences and the approaches used to support them.
Whether someone works in care, catering, housekeeping, maintenance, administration, or anything in between, they are still part of the environment that family members call home. By developing this understanding, people across every department can better appreciate the impact they have on daily life within the home and the part they play in supporting those who live there.
A Communications Perspective: What Training Taught Me About Care
Having worked within the communications team for almost a year now, I regularly visit our homes and spend time with family members and those supporting them. As someone with no previous experience working in social care, I initially felt out of my depth when I entered the sector. But I was amazed by how much I had learned about Dementia care and care more broadly in just a few short months.
Attending training gives me valuable context when listening to family member and team member stories and sharing them with others. What I find particularly valuable is hearing directly from those attending the training. The discussions often draw on real experiences from the homes, providing an insight into the situations people encounter, the decisions they make and the thinking behind them. It helps bring the training to life in a way that reading or e-learning never could.
What Makes a Person Feel Safe?
The most recent training sessions held in the training room, Seen, Heard, Valued, were designed to explore why creating connections with the people who live with us is so important, and how this helps those living with us to feel safe.
As we entered the training room, the ceiling was covered in a jumble of different items. There were uniforms from a range of occupations, including a nurse’s uniform, police uniform, high-vis jackets and hard hats. Foam football hands hung alongside Christmas decorations, while flags from more countries around the world lined the edge of the room. Together, these objects represented the many things that can make up a person’s identity; where they come from, their culture, the work they once did and the life they have lived.
As the session began, we discussed Thomas Kitwood’s philosophy and why attachment, inclusion, occupation, identity, comfort and love are so important, particularly for people living with a Dementia.
Eve Carder, Clinical Lead at Evolve, explained, ‘Our job is to keep people safe. It is as simple as that. What’s more complex is what a person needs in order to feel safe.’
What I understood from this was that it is not enough for people living in our homes to simply be physically safe. They also need to feel emotionally and mentally safe within the environment around them and the people supporting them each day.
There were discussions around why someone living in our homes may not always feel seen, heard or valued, and how a lack of meaningful connection and understanding can leave a person feeling overlooked or alone. It was explained that if our teams are unable to truly connect with the people living in our care, it becomes far more difficult to understand what they need.
The Big Question
On the tables in the training room were a number of headbands with large question marks attached. We were encouraged to put them on and consider what they might represent. To me, they symbolised the idea that a person is only an ‘unknown’ until we take the time to ask the right questions and truly get to know them; they are, essentially, a big ‘question mark’ until we peel back the layers.
As I am still learning what it means for someone to be living with a Dementia, or on a cognitive journey, I had not considered that some people living in our care may not be able to tell us about themselves or their life history, and may also have no loved ones around them who are able to fill in those gaps for us.
Eve explained that, for some people, being asked multiple direct questions can leave them feeling confused or overwhelmed, causing them to shut down and struggle to respond.
We were also shown brain scans of people living with a Dementia, illustrating how brain cells shrink and die as the disease progresses, leaving parts of the brain darkened and permanently damaged. It was explained how this loss of brain function can affect cognition, including a person’s ability to problem solve, regulate emotions, communicate and make decisions.
What the question mark headbands actually represented was the experience of people living with a Dementia or cognitive condition that affects their ability to answer questions or express themselves in the way they once could, because parts of the brain are no longer functioning properly.
I found myself imagining what it might feel like to be asked multiple questions while being unable to connect memories, thoughts or experiences together clearly in my mind, and realised how confusing and frustrating that experience must be.
Because direct questioning may not always be the most effective way to connect with or understand our family members, a number of exercises had been designed to help team members adapt their approaches in more complex situations. The aim was to give people the confidence and tools to think creatively, work outside the box and find ways to ‘change the moment’ in order to create meaningful connection.
Image Association
The first exercise involved each table receiving a set of Q-cards, with every person given a card displaying a random image of a person, place or object. We were then asked to use the images to build a story together, connecting each card to the next as the conversation moved around the table.
For example, one of the cards showed people running a marathon, so I explained that from a young age I had always wanted to run long distance but had been held back by shin splints (which was actually true!) The next person’s card showed people dressed in military uniforms, so they continued the story by saying that, once they’d given up the dream of being a marathon runner, they had joined the army because they still wanted an active lifestyle, and the story carried on from there.
The purpose of the exercise was to respond to the previous person’s story and relate it to your own, using the images as inspiration while keeping the conversation connected. In practice, this could look like listening to a family member sharing memories or experiences and finding ways to relate to what they are saying, helping to create opportunities for further conversation, connection and trust.
A Bag of Stuff
In another exercise, bags containing five random objects were placed on each table. We were invited to take out one item at a time and create a story inspired by it with the rest of the group.
The exercise encouraged storytelling as a way of connecting with others, using everyday objects as a starting point for conversation. The stories could be personal memories, stories heard from others or completely imagined. What mattered most was the act of sharing and creating something engaging together.
Something as simple as picking up a beach towel and talking about a sunny holiday in Spain may encourage someone else to begin speaking about their own experiences of travelling, holidays or time spent with loved ones, bringing familiarity, comfort and positive emotions into the conversation.
These exercises really brought home to me how caring roles can give people the opportunity to use creativity in meaningful ways to build trust and connection. Alongside exploring ways to create connection, we also discussed the things that can cause people to disconnect or feel controlled rather than supported.
Dementia Language
In one corner of the room stood a series of mock walls spray painted with phrases such as ‘no’, ‘don’t do that’ and ‘not now’. We discussed how language like this can feel restrictive and, over time, may contribute to a person feeling a loss of independence, choice and autonomy. It was explained that, in some situations, constantly feeling controlled rather than supported can lead to distress and expressive behaviour.
Even when these things are said with the intention of keeping someone safe, they can still leave a person feeling emotionally unsafe by creating a sense of lost control. We explored how words, tone, touch, presence and attention can all shape the way a person experiences the world around them and how, when used negatively or without thought, they may leave a lasting emotional impact.
We explored how these same things can also be used positively to create an emotional shift and help someone feel reassured, calm and connected. This may be through using the right words in a gentle or friendly tone, meeting someone where they are in their journey and using language that makes sense to them. It may also be through touch, such as holding a person’s hand to show you are there with them rather than trying to direct or control them, or by lowering yourself to their level and creating a sense of reassurance and presence. Attention was also discussed in terms of truly getting to know the person and not losing sight of the identity behind the diagnosis.
Our care teams have the ability to influence the tone and energy of the day. While they may not always be able to control how someone presents in that moment, they can control their own response and the way they approach challenging situations.
Alongside the care provided by our teams, environment also plays a significant role in helping family members feel at home, comfortable and safe within the spaces around them.
The Importance of Environment
As a last exercise in the training, we were asked to explore an area of the training room where a number of simulated environments had been built. Bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms were set up as examples of inviting and colourful environments that encouraged stimulation, alongside environments which felt uninviting, dull or institutional, to show the impact and importance of creating spaces that feel positive, homely, engaging and personal.
I recalled a similar exercise from the first training session I attended at the beginning of my role and found it fascinating that dining tables within the homes may have miscellaneous objects placed on them, such as puzzles, colouring books or memory cards, to encourage family members to interact with them and create opportunities for conversation and engagement.
These are tables set for more than just a meal. A soft toy, or a newspaper become something to pick up or look at while sitting down to eat. For those who take a little longer, or don’t always feel like eating, having something nearby to focus on and engage with can make all the difference.
And for people living with a Dementia or are on a cognitive journey, they may not always have the words, or no longer able to process and express the desire, to engage with an activity or task, but when they come across something in front of them, it may naturally spark curiosity, familiarity or engagement.
As someone who initially saw these dining tables as cluttered with objects unrelated to mealtimes, the way I now understand the dining experience has changed dramatically. It is not simply about eating a meal, but about creating opportunities for comfort, connection and engagement, just as all environments throughout the home should aim to do.
Speaking about the importance of creating a true sense of home, Eve shared, ‘We are not creating institutions, we are creating homes, places of safety, of creativity and hopefully magic.’
What I Took Away
I know there will always be more for me to learn about care and Dementia care. Leaders like Eve Carder and the wider clinical team have so much expertise and decades of experience that I cannot hope to gain just by attending a few training sessions.
What I have learned so far, however, has left me genuinely moved and inspired. The idea that, no matter where someone is on their cognitive or Dementia journey, there are still ways to connect with them; the challenge is simply finding out how to reach them.
To read more about training, learning and development provided by Evolve Care Group in their Evolve Care Academy, visit https://www.evolvecareacademy.com/
By Ayla Melville, Marketing and Communications Assistant at Evolve Care Group
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.
CARDIFF CARE HOME SOLD FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE OPENING IN 1989
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Belle Vue Residential Care Home on Newport Road, close to Cardiff city centre.
Belle Vue is a long-established dementia care home registered for up to 39 residents. It operates from an attractive three‑storey Victorian residence which has been thoughtfully modernised over the years while retaining many of its original period features. The home provides 39 en suite bedrooms, alongside two comfortable lounges and a secure, well-maintained garden that has long been a valued feature for residents, families, and staff.
The home was founded in 1989 by a husband-and-wife team, who recently decided to sell to step back from the sector and enjoy a well‑earned retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Oliver McCarthy at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Danico Care (New Port) Ltd, which owns two other homes, one in Cardiff and one in Nottingham.
The home has now been re-branded as Ty Clyd, and is in the process of being refurbished so that it can focus on person-centered, quality care. The new owner aims to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating from the CIW in due course.
A spokesperson for Danico Care (New Port) Ltd comments, “Belle Vue represents an excellent addition to our growing care portfolio. It is a well-run home with a strong local reputation, high-quality facilities, and significant potential for continued investment and development. I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure the home continues to deliver outstanding dementia care.”
Oliver McCarthy, Director - Care at Christie & Co, comments, “Belle Vue attracted strong interest due to its scale, location close to Cardiff city centre, and long-standing operational history. This transaction highlights the continued appetite for well-established dementia care homes, particularly those with scope to build on an already solid platform.”
Belle Vue Residential Care Home sold for an undisclosed price.
From Layout to Lifestyle: Care UK’s Blueprint for Better Care Home Design
Interior design plays a far greater role in care homes than many realise. Care UK’s Sophia Wolsey Hurst explains how it shapes daily life, comfort and connection for residents.
A rewarding Process
When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Sophia is clear: “Design is a long process, but when a home is completed, you finally get to see your vision come to life. The best part of that is seeing a resident move in and see them enjoy and interact with what you’ve created. To have designed a space that they and their loved ones feel at home and safe in, and a place where they can find joy, is really special. It’s what drives the design team to create the best environment possible.”
A tailored Approach
Care UK’s small but mighty team of interior designers are responsible for supporting not only new build homes, but also refurbishments of existing homes across England, Scotland and Wales, some of which have been with the provider since the 1980s.
The team recognise that each care home is individual and needs to be treated as such. Every new-build care home is inspired by the local area, helping residents feel a sense of familiarity from the minute they move into their new home. For example, a newly-opened care home in Southampton, The Wickets, is inspired by the county’s cricket scene. This theme is present throughout, particularly in the artwork, where specifically sourced images and 3D elements, including an old Hampshire cricket ball, bat, and wickets, are on display. These encourage conversations between residents, their loved ones and carers on a daily basis.
Collaboration at the Core
The designers work closely with the construction and development teams, but just as importantly, they engage operational colleagues by sharing plans from the outset. This collaborative approach helps them understand the practical needs of residents and colleagues, enabling them to shape thoughtfully designed spaces that support everyday living.
Inspired Designs
A welcoming impression is key in all Care UK homes, which is why the team take inspiration from the hospitality sector for key parts of their design. “You want someone to greet you straight away at a friendly but official front desk”, Sophia explains, “and then you want everything else to feel homely, not sterile and neutral, as has sometimes been the case with care homes.”
The team loves using texture and colour in their designs and is always looking for new inspiration, from their natural surroundings and, often, from bars, restaurants and hotels, which can inspire the cinema rooms, in-house pubs and bars, dining rooms or lounges at Care UK homes. The team always want to try different things: “this can range from designing a new piece of furniture, to simply re-colouring a pattern on a curtain fabric!” Sophia says.
Interior design is also moving on, the team notes. The post-war themes that have regularly been present in care homes are being updated for today’s residents, ensuring that artwork and accessories feel dynamic and engaging: shifting the dynamic towards familiar references from the 1970s and 1980s.
Functionality in Design
Functionality is a key consideration in any care home design and, as a result, bespoke joinery has become a significant part of the design process. From TV units, to the bar and its surroundings, and even built-in bookcases – the team must ensure the items are suitable and accessible for residents and colleagues to use, all whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing.
The team is also moving towards a more functional approach to dementia suites, experimenting with how to keep residents safe whilst they engage with familiar hobbies. Where non-operational sewing machines and typewriters have previously been on display to evoke residents’ memories, there are ongoing discussions about replacing such items with usable, tactile objects. Artwork is changing too, a cluster of vintage holiday posters asks the question “where have you visited on holiday?”, all of which benefit conversation and reminiscence.
Common challenges, particularly in older care homes, are a lack of day space. The three interior designers at Care UK, Sophia, Sarah Mossman and Katharine Shea, prioritise the creation and design of these new spaces wherever they can. Within dementia suites, they recognise that the need for additional spaces, such as a ‘quiet lounge’ or a space for care sessions, is crucial. In a recent refurbishment at Blossomfield Grange in Solihull, the team added an extra dining room to the dementia suite, helping residents enjoy calmer mealtimes.
Designing Suitability
There’s a lot to consider on dementia floors. Within the décor, strong patterns are avoided, and items must be carefully selected to ensure sufficient contrast between furniture, flooring, and walls, enabling residents to easily identify seating. Throughout the corridors, handrails will contrast with the wall colours, aiding with residents’ orientation, mobility and independence.
As well as innovative, personalised design, the team know that it is important for their work to speak to customers. Recently, they’ve worked with Care UK’s digital marketing team and Imagineer to create virtual marketing suite tours that walk you through all upcoming new-build homes in 3D. This will not only help relatives explore the intricacies of the design prior to the home’s completion, but will, most importantly, allow potential residents to familiarise themselves with their new home.
Sustainability at the Core
In keeping with Care UK’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, the design team champions sustainable suppliers. During refurbishments, they will work with Shackletons to recycle furniture that the home no longer needs. Repurposed materials play a central role across our new builds and refurbishments; curtain and upholstery fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles, and carpets are woven with reused fibres.
“Our job isn’t complete until residents feel at home. It’s a privilege to work on something as important as this.”
Doctor-led Belmere Care Group Enters the Market with Acquisition of Premium Welsh Care Provider, Plas Garnedd Care
Husband-and-wife duo Dr Christopher Millward and Dr Elizabeth Sweeney have officially completed the acquisition of Plas Garnedd Care Limited, taking ownership of two highly regarded care homes in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and Pentraeth, Anglesey. The transaction ensures the business transitions to a new family, following the previous owners' decision to step back after years of dedicated service.
The acquisition marks the first for Belmere Care Group, a privately held, doctor-led organisation dedicated to acquiring, modernising, and elevating boutique residential care environments across the UK. Dr Millward, a former NHS neurosurgeon and senior civil servant with the UK medicines regulator, has left his previous roles to commit full-time to building the care group. Dr Sweeney is a Consultant Hepatologist and governance lead at a major NHS teaching hospital.
Together, they aim to bridge the gap between rigorous clinical oversight and premium, person-centred hospitality.
As part of their immediate commitments, the new directors conducted a thorough review of staff salaries. Emphasising their dedication to the workforce, they have implemented the Real Living Wage, alongside an equivalent uplift for all staff. The owners firmly believe in paying what is right to the people who dedicate themselves to looking after residents.
"Throughout our careers in clinical medicine, we have learned exactly what exceptional, compassionate care looks like," Dr Millward and Dr Sweeney stated. "We deeply understand the immense responsibility that comes with being the new custodians of these homes, and we are determined to put our medical and leadership experience to good use."
To ensure the homes continue to thrive as a leading provider of care, the new owners have outlined several strategic improvements aligned with the vision of Belmere Care Group:
- Facility Enhancements: A phased programme of design and development works will be introduced to refresh and elevate the living environments.
- Staff Investment: The owners are focused on providing a supportive working environment that offers immense opportunities for growth, mentoring, and development.
- Digital Transformation: The business will transform its systems to achieve the operational efficiencies required to run a high-quality, sustainable service.
- Enriched Living: The group plans to explore new, highly person-centred activities to enrich residents' daily lives, both in their homes and in the wider community.
- Online Presence: A modern digital footprint will be developed to showcase the high standards of the homes, celebrate staff dedication, and provide families with peace of mind.
The new directors, who are a family of five with three young children, have established an open-door policy for residents, relatives, and staff to help shape the future direction of the homes.
Looking ahead, Belmere Care Group is actively seeking to expand its portfolio. Care home owners considering a sale can contact Dr Christopher Millward directly at christopher@belmerecare.co.uk or visit belmere.co.uk.
We Care Group and Summit Care Group celebrate staff successes at third annual ‘Shining Star Awards’
Leading care home providers, We Care and Summit Care Group, have recognised the dedication, compassion, and excellence of their team members via their third annual Shining Star Awards.
The event, which took place at the iconic Kimpton Clock Tower in Manchester, brought together more than 400 colleagues to recognise the exceptional individuals and services that make an impactful and meaningful difference to the lives of its residents.
This year’s ‘showtime’ themed ceremony recognised excellence across 13 categories, celebrating outstanding individuals and teams from across the organisation.
Winners included Santosh Shahi from Banksfield, Harshani Daniel from Barnston Court, Mia Evans from Ashbourne, Grace Winstanley from Douglas Bank, Rachael Harrison from Swansea Terrace, Alan Potter from Beechcroft, Chitra Jose from Tudor Bank, Kosala Ranasinghe from Head Office, Jayne Hughes from Woolton Grange, and Darren Wilkinson from Knowles Court.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Zamry Ashik from Head Office, while Sowerby House Care Home was named Care Home of the Year.
Speaking about the event, Jacqui Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer said:
“ It is an absolute honour and privilege to be able to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in delivering great care to our residents and their families.”
Bernie Suresparan, CEO of We Care Group and Summit Care Group added:
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our teams.
“Their commitment ensures that we consistently maintain the highest standards of care for our residents. By celebrating these achievements together, we reinforce the shared values that underpin excellence across both groups.”
We Care Group and Summit Care Group are award-winning specialist care providers with a long-standing reputation for providing outstanding person-centred care to residents across the North and Northwest of England.
Helping residents to live with dignity, choice and independence, the groups offer nursing, residential, palliative, end of life, young mental health, and dementia care, all rooted in the values of family, honesty and respect.
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Six care organisations join Memory Makers pilot to support person-centred storytelling in care settings
Six care organisations across the UK have joined the pilot phase of Memory Makers, a new social-purpose storytelling framework designed to help care teams capture residents’ stories, voices and lived experience in a way that fits everyday care environments.
The pilot partners span the UK and include; Brookside Care Home in Preston, The Laurels in Salford, Nightingale Hospice in Wrexham, Belong in Crewe, The Ridings in Birmingham and Sage House in Tangmere.
Together, they form part of the first cohort of ‘Foundation Partners’, supporting the early development of Memory Makers as it begins its national rollout within the care sector.
The six-week pilot will involve structured use of the Memory Makers framework within each setting, followed by a face-to-face review process to assess its impact in practice. This will include evaluating staff confidence, emotional impact for residents and families, practical integration into day-to-day care and identifying any friction points.
The review will also explore how Memory Makers supports person-centred care, alongside validating overall concept value and pricing considerations ahead of wider adoption.
Memory Makers combines a simple, dementia-friendly app with a guided storytelling framework, enabling care teams to capture meaningful conversations through video, audio and photos using gentle prompts. The approach is designed to feel achievable for busy teams, supporting connection, understanding and continuity of care.
Memory Makers founder, Gareth Williams, said: “This stage is about listening and learning properly. These organisations are helping us understand exactly how Memory Makers works in real life application, in real care environments - what works, what needs refining and how it can genuinely support residents, families and staff without adding pressure.
“The focus is not just on capturing memories, but on how those moments improve day-to-day connection, confidence and care. That’s what we’re really testing through this pilot.”
Commenting on the pilot to date, Louise Newton, Care Home Manager at Brookside Care Home, said: “Memory Makers has given us a powerful way to capture and preserve the voices, stories and personal histories of the people in our care. During the pilot, we involved both residents and family members and what stood out immediately was how much everyone learned - not only as a staff team, but within families too, with relatives discovering things they had never known about their loved one’s past.
“What makes this so special is that it goes far beyond a written record or family tree. It captures the memories, expressions and unique sayings that make a person who they are, preserving them for future generations. One family member told us they wished they had been able to have something like this for their own grandmother.
“The idea that, years from now, family members could still hear a loved one’s voice, see their smile and connect with their life story in such a personal way is incredibly powerful. It’s a wonderful concept and we’ve been really moved by its potential.”
Memory Makers was developed alongside care professionals with a focus on making life story work more accessible and sustainable. The organisation’s long-term ambition is to help preserve one million memories across care and community settings.
Following the pilot phase, Memory Makers will use the findings to refine the framework before expanding to further care providers across the UK.
Social Care in an Age of Geopolitical Instability: A Call for Partnership in Resilience Plannin
FIVE NATIONS SOCIAL CARE LEADERS COMMUNIQUÉ
Issued by the Five Nations Social Care Leaders | April 2026
The People at the Heart of This
Social care exists to uphold the dignity, safety and independence of people who rely on daily support, including older people and disabled people, across our societies. That care is delivered by dedicated workers and providers across the United Kingdom and Ireland, who are already managing the practical consequences of geopolitical instability.
When the system that supports these individuals comes under stress — economic, logistical, or human — it is they and their families who bear the greatest burden. Their safety, continuity of support and wellbeing should be central to government resilience and emergency planning.
The Pressure on Providers and the Workforce
Rising Energy and Fuel Costs
Geopolitical instability has contributed to sustained volatility in global energy markets and supply-chain logistics, with direct consequences for social care providers across our five nations. Care delivery is energy-intensive: it depends on transport, heating, and the operational infrastructure of residential settings and community services. As fuel and energy costs rise - unlike many sectors - publicly funded and commissioned care providers cannot adjust their income to reflect rising costs in real time. This lag between cost shock and funding response is itself a risk to sector stability and the continuity of care.
Beyond energy, the current conflict in the Middle East is placing pressure on pharmaceutical and clinical supply chains globally. Cold-chain products, generic medicines, and petrochemical-derived active ingredients are all exposed to input material shortages and supply-chain delay.
For the workforce, these pressures are immediate and personal. Care workers are among the lowest-paid essential workers in our economies and are acutely exposed to the cost-of-living consequences of this instability in their daily lives. Higher travel costs affect those moving between care visits, while higher household bills add to financial pressure on the very people on whom care depends.
Impact on International Staff and Diaspora Communities
Social care across the UK and Ireland is sustained, in significant part, by workers from international and diaspora communities. Among these are individuals with personal and family ties to the Middle East, including those directly affected by the conflict in Iran. These workers are carrying not only the professional burden of an under-resourced sector, but also profound personal anxiety about the safety of loved ones in a region of active conflict.
This human dimension deserves recognition. Effective resilience planning should include the wellbeing of the workforce, including emotional support and practical recognition of the pressures faced by staff with direct ties to affected regions.
Our Call to Government
We, the social care leaders of the Five Nations, call on our respective governments -and the forums through which they engage, including the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly to act with urgency on the following:
Governments should engage meaningfully with the social care sector in resilience planning and social care leaders must be represented in emergency planning structures. Social care must be formally recognised as an essential public infrastructure within each nation’s emergency planning and business continuity arrangements, with standing representation on the relevant national resilience and supply chain contingency bodies. Governments should work with social care providers and workforce representatives to assess and address the specific vulnerabilities that geopolitical instability — and the Iran conflict in particular — is creating for care delivery.
Resilience planning should cover the full operational realities of care delivery. This includes workforce travel, fuel access, medicines, food, utilities, communications, cyber security, PPE, community equipment and supply chains across both residential and home-based care. This holistic approach to resilience planning was exhibited during the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time social care was recognised as integral to health system resilience. This crosssystem coordination must be rebuilt and maintained.
The workforce must be supported in practical and human terms. Recognition of the dual pressures — economic and personal — facing care workers in this period is essential. Support measures should address both the cost-of-living consequences of energy price volatility and the wellbeing of those with direct ties to affected regions.
Social care is not peripheral in times of crisis; it is an essential frontline service. The people who rely on it, and those who provide it, need governments to plan in partnership with the sector now. We stand ready to contribute our expertise and experience to that work.
Issued collectively by the social care leaders of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland
Care Home Open Week 2026 set to build on 2025 success as care homes prepare to welcome their communities once again
National event returns 15–21 June 2026 with World Cup football theme, following a record year of community celebrations across the UK
Care Home Open Week is set to return from 15–21 June 2026, with care homes across the UK once again invited to open their doors, celebrate their communities and showcase the warmth, creativity and vitality of modern care.
Building on the success of last year’s ‘Power of Music’ themed Care Home Open Week, which saw over 5,000 care homes host events ranging from tribute acts to choir performances, this year’s campaign is encouraging even more care homes to get involved and make the week their own.
Last year’s celebrations showed just how diverse and imaginative care homes can be when they invite the local community in. From a musical picnic in Somerset to a lively afternoon concert in Manchester, homes used the week to create meaningful moments for residents, families, staff and visitors alike, while strengthening connections with their communities.
Among the homes that helped make 2025 such a success was Allegra Care’s St George’s Nursing Home in Somerset, which celebrated with a musical picnic in its courtyard and café, complete with live entertainment, homemade food and visits from the Mayor and Mayoress of Weston-super-Mare. The event brought residents and guests together for a day of sun, music, good company and good food, with the home also hosting a community tea and cake to welcome visitors in.
At Heathlands Village in Manchester, the celebrations included a performance from the Manchester Mesivta School Choir, whose traditional Jewish and Israeli songs moved residents and guests alike, followed by an afternoon concert and tea. The week also featured guided tours, creating a vibrant and welcoming experience that highlighted the strong sense of community within the village.
Four Oaks Care Home in Trafford, embraced the summer theme with musical classics, canapés, mocktails, garden tours and a visit from the Mayor of Trafford. The home used the week to showcase not only its hospitality and care but also its landscaped gardens and welcoming atmosphere, while creating an enjoyable day for residents and visitors.
In Scotland, HC-One’s Highgate Care Home, marked the week with singing, dancing and a special visit from a Tom Jones tribute act, alongside performances from local children and appearances from dogs and other community visitors. The home also embraced Pride Month with rainbow-themed treats and decorations, showing how Care Home Open Week can celebrate both community spirit and individuality.
Royal Hampton Care Home also made the week memorable by welcoming a local flautist and vocalist, whose performances brought back cherished memories of opera, ballet and show tunes for residents. The musical celebrations created a warm, uplifting atmosphere and demonstrated the powerful role live entertainment can play in care settings.
Championing Social Care is now encouraging care homes to register for the 2026 event and use the week as an opportunity to celebrate their residents, staff and local relationships. This year’s World Cup theme is designed to be inclusive and flexible, allowing homes to shape their own activities around the interests and abilities of those living and working there. Care homes of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to take part, whether through simple watch parties, football-themed games, group activities or community open days that reflect the character of each home.
Championing Social Care, which leads the initiative, is again providing free resources, downloads, templates and activity ideas to make participation easy and achievable for every home, regardless of budget or capacity.
Mitesh Dhanak, board member of Championing Social Care and chair of the Care Home Open Week committee, said: “Care Home Open Week is a wonderful opportunity for care homes to show the real heart of social care, which is welcoming, creative, community-minded and full of life. Last year’s events were a brilliant example of what can happen when homes open their doors and invite people in, and we want to congratulate all the teams who worked so hard to make them special.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing what homes across the country do this year, and with the World Cup theme there are so many fun, inclusive and memorable ways to bring residents, families and communities together.”
Care Home Open Week 2026 will also be supported by the Great British Care Cycle Relay, taking place from 11–15 June, which will visit Edinburgh, Manchester, the East Midlands, Cardiff and London in the lead-up to the main week of activity.
Care homes can register now and find out more at the Championing Social Care website https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-week/
FRIENDS OF THE ELDERLY’S LATEST WINTER APPEAL RAISES £17,261 AND HELPS TO SUPPORT 324 VULNERABLE OLDER PEOPLE OVER THE WINTER
Friends of the Elderly, is thanking its donors for their kindness and generosity after its annual Winter Appeal raised £17,261 for its Grants Programme, helping 324 vulnerable older people through the cold winter months.
“Our Grants Programme supports older people on low incomes across England and Wales, helping them afford the basics and stay safe and well. With 1.9 million pensioners living in relative poverty in 2023/24, and this forecast to rise to 3.9 million in the coming years, our Winter Appeal is more important than ever,” said Rachel Hill, the charity’s Chief Executive Officer.
One of those the Grants Programme supported is Helen*, who received a grant through the Winter Appeal.
“The grant has made a huge difference,” said Helen. “I lost over three stone due to medical conditions, none of my clothes fit and I had no money to buy new clothes. Energy bills are so high, I am struggling. I was trying to layer up at home, but I didn’t even have a warm coat.
“Thanks to Friends of the Elderly, I was able to buy a lovely warm winter coat that zips all the way to the top. If I hadn’t received the grant, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go out much, as I didn’t have a warm coat. I feel so much happier and confident.
“I volunteer for the visually impaired; one day you are helping people and suddenly you are the one that needs help. Things can change very quickly.
“Receiving the grant has made me feel like I am not on my own. You feel worried about getting help but it’s so wonderful to know someone out there cares and can help. It makes you realise how much it is needed and the difference it makes to people’s lives. It’s like being hugged.”
Sadly, Helen’s experience is far from unique.
“In 2023/24, 1.3 million older people were unable to afford basic essentials, and that number grew by 300,000 in the past year alone,***” added Rachel.
The oldest person who benefited from Friends of the Elderly’s Grant Service last year was 106, and every penny donated goes to help older people who are struggling. £5 could pay for a warm blanket to stop someone shivering, £10 could help cover heating costs to stop chills, £20 could go towards replacing rotten windows, £50 could help fund carpets for insulation and £100 could help to pay for a new bed and warm bedding, so older people don’t have to sleep on the floor or without a duvet.
“It is thanks to the overwhelming support of all those who donated to the Winter Appeal that Friends of the Elderly has been able to help so many older people through the cold, and sometimes unforgiving, winter months,” continued Rachel.
“Supporting older people like Helen is at the heart of Friends of the Elderly’s Winter Appeal. We see every day how even modest amounts of support can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
“The wide-ranging eligibility criteria of our grants mean we are a lifeline to the most vulnerable people in our communities, and it is clear the impact is real, with 80% of recipients reporting they feel happier after receiving support.”
“The Winter Appeal plays a vital role in helping us support older people who have nowhere else to turn. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, particularly at a time when many people are facing challenges themselves,” concluded Rachel.
*Names changed for confidentiality
Figures correct as of March 2026
**(SN07096.pdf)
*** (The-State-of-Ageing-2025-interactive-summary.pdf)