Merriman Grange: Prioritising Resident Safety
Merriman Grange, a beautiful new care home from Cinnamon Care Collection, located in Worthing, West Sussex, is designed to provide a warm, comfortable, and safe environment for its residents. Offering exceptional care across three floors, including a dedicated dementia unit, the home prioritises the well-being of its vulnerable residents. Ensuring comprehensive fire safety in such a complex environment is paramount, requiring a tailored approach that balances robust protection with the specific needs of the residents. Care home fire safety is a multifaceted project. It demands a system that not only detects fires rapidly but also integrates seamlessly with other building systems, minimises disruption during installation, and provides reliable, user-friendly ongoing maintenance. For Merriman Grange, Southern Fire Alarms was entrusted with the crucial task of designing and installing a state-of-the-art fire safety system. As a new build project, Southern Fire Alarms had the opportunity to implement a comprehensive solution from the ground up. They chose Hochiki as their primary life safety manufacturer, citing their ESP range’s reputation for ease of installation and excellent compatibility with other building management systems. This integration was crucial for Merriman Grange, allowing for a streamlined and efficient operation of all building services. The system installed was a full L1 category fire alarm system, providing complete smoke and fire detection coverage across all three floors of the building. This comprehensive approach ensures that every area, from communal spaces to individual rooms, is protected. The presence of a dementia unit presented a unique challenge, requiring a system that would not cause undue stress or panic among residents. Hochiki devices were selected specifically for their flexibility in terms of alarm volumes and tones, minimising potential distress for these particularly vulnerable individuals. The ease of use for staff was another key consideration. Hochiki devices are designed to be intuitive, simplifying routine testing by maintenance teams. This user-friendliness ensures that staff can respond effectively to any fire safety event, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families. “When it comes to reliability and ease of installation, Hochiki is our go-to manufacturer,” said Naomi Fell of Southern Fire Alarms. “Their ESP range of addressable products are consistently high-quality, and their integration capabilities are second to none. For a complex project like Merriman Grange, where we needed a robust and dependable system that also considered the specific needs of dementia residents, Hochiki was the perfect choice. Their devices are designed to minimise false alarms and provide clear, reliable warnings, which is crucial in a care home environment. We know that with Hochiki, we’re providing our clients with the best possible protection.” The successful installation of the Hochiki fire safety system at Merriman Grange underscores the importance of a well-planned and expertly executed fire safety strategy. By partnering with Southern Fire Alarms and utilising Hochiki’s advanced technology, Cinnamon Care Collection has created a safe and secure environment for its residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being for years to come. Tel: +44 (0) 1634 266568; E: padams@hochikieurope.com
Cosmetics influencer role after viral TikTok
A 103-year-old resident with an infectious charm and timeless beauty routine has taken TikTok by storm at HC-One’s Millcroft Care Home in Redditch, Worcestershire. A heartwarming video featuring Joan Partridge applying her signature rouge blusher has gained over 180,000 views, earning her widespread adoration and an exciting new role as an influencer for Collection Cosmetics. Joan, known for her radiant smile and upbeat personality, is a beloved resident at HC-One’s Millcroft Care Home. Joan embraces an active social life and eagerly participates in community activities. Her confidence and social flair shine through in everything she does, making her TikTok moment a perfect reflection of her lively spirit. The viral video, filmed by Lifestyle Manager, Sophie Childs, captured Joan sharing her decades-long ritual of applying rouge – a routine she has cherished since forever. The idea for the video sparked during a casual chat between Joan and Sophie about make-up. When Joan mentioned her love for rouge, Sophie suggested creating a TikTok to showcase her expertise, inspired by the platform’s popular make-up tutorials. Joan enthusiastically agreed, and the result was a charming clip that resonated with viewers worldwide. Overwhelmed by the flood of positive comments, she couldn’t believe how many people connected with her story. The video’s success caught the attention of Collection Cosmetics, who reached out via a comment on Millcroft’s TikTok page, saying, “’Hey, we love the recent video of the gorgeous Joan using our blush. We would love to send her some products to try!” A direct message followed, proposing an influencer partnership. Joan, thrilled by the opportunity, is eager to dive into her new role as a brand influencer. As an influencer, Joan plans to create more videos showcasing her full make-up routine, using her trusty sponge and the new products from Collection Cosmetics. Joan Partridge, HC-One’s Millcroft resident, stated: “I know I’m 103, but I still like my make-up. I do it every morning. I didn’t think I would have gained so much attention. I was shocked and overwhelmed. “It was lovely to share my way of applying rouge because I’ve done this for many years. I’m excited to see the collection of make-up. I can’t wait to get some more make-up and show everyone my whole routine. “Beauty to me means natural all over. It’s nice to feel good about yourself, no matter how old you are – you can’t go without your rouge.” A spokesperson for Collection Cosmetics said: “We love seeing Joan share her make-up tips with such confidence and authenticity. Her approach to blush makes her the perfect example of a real-life beauty ambassador, celebrating individuality, self-expression, and the belief that beauty knows no boundaries. We can’t wait to see more from Joan and hope the younger generations feel inspired by her effortless style.” For more information about Millcroft Care Home and upcoming events, please contact the friendly team on 01527 433 384, or email millcroft@hc-one.co.uk. Millcroft is a residential and residential dementia care home located on Alfrick Close in Redditch and rated 10/10 on the care home review site, Carehome.co.uk. With 66 en-suite bedrooms and attractive décor, Millcroft is proud to offer person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.
SCIE launches awards
SCIE is proud to announce the launch of our first-ever Social Care Impact Awards. These awards will identify, recognise, and reward small organisations doing exceptional work in social care. SCIE is a not-for-profit, independent, and impartial charity driven by improving social care for adults and children. By launching our Social Care Impact Awards, we hope to support those organisations that would not ordinarily have the budget available to commission our services. There are dozens of prizes available—ranging from seventeen days of SCIE consultancy and training support to spaces on SCIE training courses. The awards are open to organisations with annual incomes up to £100,000. The simple application process invites organisations to submit 300 words, a 2-minute video, or a 2-minute voice note explaining why they should be considered for a Social Care Impact Award. If you’re part of a small organisation trying to make a big difference, we want to hear from you. For more details on how to create and submit an entry, please visit our website. The deadline for entries is 9am, Wednesday 28 May 2025. Winners will be notified by 20 June, with first and second prize recipients invited to an awards event in London on 2 July 2025. Kathryn Smith OBE, SCIE’s Chief Executive, said: “SCIE’s vision is for a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives, and the Social Care Impact Awards are about acknowledging, celebrating, and supporting the organisations that embody this vision through their values, passion, and hard work. “We believe that, in the face of significant and critical challenges, the commitment and dedication of the social care sector has never been in greater need of commemoration. “The Social Care Impact Awards are one way we are recognising this need. They will allow us to showcase excellence, support best practice, and share key insights—and, perhaps most importantly, build on the partnerships that already exist across the sector.” https://www.scie.org.uk/
Leading care provider celebrates carers across the country
Leading live-in and home care provider Promedica24 celebrates its carers through a series of awards to recognise their hard work and achievements. Promedica24 , care provider, presented awards to carers specialising in live-in and hourly care. The Live-in Carer of the Year award went to Abosede Oluwawemimo Oyedeji, who is based in Neston. Abosede was nominated by her colleagues, who described her as “caring, proactive, and always ready to help, with a real attention to detail.” Her manager described how she has consistently gone the extra mile with a recent client, providing additional respite when needed. Abosede described her favourite part about being a carer as making a positive difference in the lives of the people she cares for, as well as bringing relief and comfort to her clients and their family members. Commenting on the award itself, she stated that it made her feel as though her “contributions, commitment, hard work, and efforts have been recognised and acknowledged.” She also stated that the award had increased her “confidence and self-esteem.” Promedica24’s Hourly Carer of the Year award was won by Victoria Kudabvanji, who cares for clients across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. She has been celebrated for always putting the well-being of her clients first. The nomination that won her the award emphasises that Victoria “has made a lasting impact with her dedication, kindness, and professionalism.” She was further praised for being not only an outstanding carer but also a wonderful teammate. When explaining why she chose to work in care, Victoria stated that she knew she wanted to care for others from a young age – whether it’s helping someone on a difficult day or simply knowing their likes and dislikes, she always tries to bring patience, positivity, and understanding. Grzegorz Wrzosek, Country Manager at Promedica24, said: “At Promedica24, we know that our people are our greatest asset. It’s our dedicated live-in and hourly carers who set us apart, delivering attentive and person-centred care every day. “We were glad to be able to reward Abosede and Victoria for their great work, and this recognition is just one way we hope to show our appreciation for the carers who go above and beyond. The nominations they both received are a testament to the real impact they’ve had on the individuals and families they support.”
apetito Drives into the Future with EVs Fleet…
In an ‘industry-first’ for the development and mobilisation of refrigerated electric vehicles EVs, that can sustain frozen food temperatures for extended periods, leading meals producer, apetito | Wiltshire Farm Foods has announced a massive £14.3m investment into reducing carbon emissions of its Wiltshire Farm Foods distribution fleet. The aim of the investment is to support apetito’s ambitious carbon reduction targets, through the conversion of 75% of its entire Wiltshire Farm Foods delivery fleet to EVs. The company’s commitment to electrifying its fleet has included a fast roll out with immediate mobilisation of the new EVs. Already Wiltshire Farm Foods has seen over 135 brand-new refrigerated EVs delivered since May 2024, with 240 vans scheduled to be on the road by end 2025. The change will save an impressive 1,102 tonnes of CO2e per year from the business’s current scope 1 emissions of 9,000co2e, making a real difference in apetito’s journey to achieve its Net Zero targets. As the biggest procurer of frozen vehicles in the UK, Wiltshire Farm Foods is unique. Most other companies use ambient – or a split of ambient and frozen. No other company has adopted a frozen fleet which is electric, making this a market-leading initiative that is set to signpost the industry towards the future. Lee Sheppard, Director of Corporate Affairs, Policy & Sustainability for apetito | Wiltshire Farm Foods says: “Whilst EVs are now commonplace on the road, our journey has been complex due to the need for our fleet to be able to sustain freezer temperature for extended periods to ensure our meals are retained and delivered at the right temperature. “At the onset, the suppliers we original spoke to all said that it “couldn’t be done”. However, working with our chosen partner, Pro-Hire, we spent many months researching, developing, and trialling new technologies and today marks an important milestone in that journey as we see our new fleet out on the road. “As part of this new technology, many of our vans have the unique features to extend power draw including the addition of solar panels to enable them to generate more power whilst the vans are in motion. “We’re immensely proud of the fact that we have successfully made this important Net Zero initiative happen, and also of the speed at which we are mobilising the new fleet, which leads the industry in the delivery of frozen food products”. Pat Skelly, CEO of Pro-Hire which partnered with apetito in developing the technology explains that small changes make a big difference when it comes to generating power: “We reviewed every single component of the EV’s to leverage the power opportunity. For example, we added a 12.5volt battery which operates from inside the cab to protect the main battery. We did everything we could to add more power through solar panels, curtains on the back of the van (to prevent sunshine creating warmth), and made sure floor covering is super-smooth to ensure boxes can be pulled out quicker. We’ve decreased the door size to ensure cold is kept in and we’re searching for vehicle improvements all the time. “This series of micro-improvements have improved the macro picture and everything that can be done – has been done! We have a strong relationship with apetito and are absolutely delighted that together we have been able to ‘deliver the goods’.” https://www.apetito.co.uk
Social care employers say YES to the real Living Wage
There are now over 1000 health and social care employers across the UK who are committed to paying their workers the real Living Wage. These organisations employ over half a million people and, through their accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation, have uplifted the pay of over 50,000 low paid workers. Citizens UK and The Living Wage Foundation have led the campaign for a real Living Wage for Social Care, calling on the Government in England to ensure all social care workers are paid at least the real Living Wage for all hours worked, including in-work travel time and sleep-in shifts, by putting in place sufficient funding, delivery mechanisms and guidance for Local Authorities. Government in Scotland and Wales have committed to a real Living Wage for care workers, with Northern Ireland being the latest to join them although this is yet to be implemented. The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated based on what people need to live on. It currently stands at £12.60 (UK) and £13.85 (London). Nkem Okoli, a care worker and Citizens UK leader, said: “I went in to care because I am an empathetic person. I always try to put myself in other people’s shoes. I would love to see my passion for my work reflected in my pay. I have poured my heart and soul into my work, taking every opportunity to improve my skills; doing many overtime shifts to add to my income. Taking care of someone else’s family is rewarding, but I also need to take care of my own. A real living wage means I could spend more time with my children and feel less guilty. I could work the right number of hours and give my all to my job.” Brian Whittaker, People & OD Director for Brunelcare, said: “Six years ago, like most employers in the care sector, Brunelcare was struggling to recruit and retain teams operating over a range of care settings. We launched our People Strategy in 2020 covering a range of activities and initiatives seeking to improve our employee engagement. Core to this was our commitment to become a Real Living Wage employer. Since March 2020 our lowest paid colleagues have had a 46% pay increase. As a result of this and other improvements, our employee turnover is now around 20% (it was over 35%), our retention is now 80%+ (it was below 70%) and we have had less than 20 vacant positions at any stage in each of the last four months. In 2022 we had 150 vacancies across the charity. “Being a Real Living Wage employer is not a cost; it is an investment. Improvements in stability, productivity and less use of agency staff has delivered a significant improvement in our financial results across all areas plus we are now able to focus on ‘added value’ activities to aid retention rather than a relentless focus on recruitment. In our 2024 colleague survey, 84% of respondents would recommend Brunelcare as a good place to work.” Matthew Bolton, Executive Director of Citizens UK, said: “Care workers, like all workers, deserve to be paid at least the real Living Wage. The work they do is vital and skilled, yet so many care workers are being paid poverty wages that barely allow them to survive, let alone live. We know that it doesn’t have to be this way. “Whilst we’re calling on Government in England to ensure care workers are given the dignity of a real Living Wage, we’re also urging employers to do the right thing by accrediting with the Living Wage Foundation. Over 1000 health and social care employers have already made this commitment, and we know more businesses can step up and join them.” http://www.citizensuk.org/
NACC National Awards 2025.
To recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that go above and beyond in their field – from care homes to community services, such as Meals on Wheels and Lunch Clubs. The NACC National Awards 2025 are officially open for entries with a deadline of Monday 30th June 2025. The judges will be looking for examples of innovation, excellence and dedication that create tangible benefits for residents, clients and colleagues in the following categories: The shortlist will be announced in August, with the winners being honoured later in the year* at a gala awards dinner where the recipients of the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Winterhalter and the National Chair’s Award will also be revealed. The NACC Awards 2025 nomination brochure with full category details and entry requirements can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/NACCAwards25 Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, comments: “These awards are always about recognising excellence, innovation and dedication within care catering. Each year they represent a highlight of our year as we gather together to celebrate so many individuals and teams that have gone that extra mile throughout the last twelve months. “The NACC will continue to shine a light on the social care sector that is often undervalued. Everyone within our care has a right to receive good care which must include access to good nutrition and hydration as well as a safe environment in which to live. The current pressures on budgets continue to represent significant challenges in social care but our members, continue to rise above these challenges, through perseverance, dedication and with an innovative mindset. “The Training and Development Forum is the ideal place to showcase excellence, so I very much look forward to coming together with members, colleagues and friends at the NACC TDF and annual Gala Dinner of recognition on the 1st and 2nd October in Nottingham, where we share the exceptional achievements within our sector and the teams and individuals that encapsulate the very best of the best. I would encourage anyone and everyone to enter the NACC Awards 2025 and ensure that the hard work and brilliance of their team members does not go unrecognised.” Entry to the NACC National Awards is open to all members of the NACC. For more information about how to become a member visit www.thenacc.co.uk. * The Gala Dinner and Awards will be the climax of the NACC Training & Development Forum, 2nd October at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.
Realise secures new partnership with care giant
Growing training specialist Realise has formed a new partnership with one of the country’s largest independent care providers and developed a bespoke Level 3 apprenticeship for its staff. Realise’s Health and Social Care division has been appointed by Barchester Healthcare to deliver the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship. Barchester is one of the most respected care providers in the country, with more than 250 care homes from Inverness to Falmouth. Realise will provide the apprenticeship to colleagues working within Barchester’s complex care and hospital care division, which covers 14 settings. Realise will also offer other apprenticeship opportunities from Level 2 right through to Level 5. Angela Kaine, Director of Health and Social Care at Realise, said the collaboration came after the training provider was able to demonstrate how it could adapt the programme for Barchester’s specific needs. She said: “We are delighted to be entering into a new relationship with a care provider of Barchester’s calibre and reputation. “The agreement follows in-depth discussions with Barchester’s leadership team where we were able to demonstrate our agility and ability to adapt the programme so that it best serves their employees within the complex care and hospital care division. “This has meant us working alongside Barchester to create a bespoke curriculum that aligns with the company’s needs, values, language and behaviours. “Consequently, the programme will have a significantly heightened focus on the mental health pathway, including crisis intervention, mental capacity and de-escalation techniques. “We are excited to begin work with Barchester and to be helping the business effectively to address its apprenticeship challenges.” Realise will offer flexible solutions to accommodate off-the-job training and mentoring within varied shift patterns, including evenings and weekends. A dedicated operations team from Realise will work on the partnership to ensure high standards of provision and good outcomes. Other apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5 will also be adapted with specific pathways to meet Barchester’s needs. Members of the Realise management team recently attended Barchester’s Quality First Conference to reinforce the new relationship, understand the business better and allow employees to sign up to the course. A total of 33 staff are set to enrol on the 18-month Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship in the coming weeks, with more to follow soon after. Sarah Clifford, Head of Apprenticeships for Barchester Healthcare said: “From initial meetings and introductions, Realise showed their professionalism from day one. “They listened to our current challenges, taking them away and sharing a bespoke apprenticeship design to support our career development specifically for our Hospitals and Complex Care division. “This included a modern innovated style of delivery which was fit for purpose and role specific, with the golden thread of embedding the curriculum in the Barchester way of working.” For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com
10 year anniversary party
The Grand care home is celebrating with a 10 year anniversary party this April, reflecting on the exceptional care provided to residents since its doors opened a decade ago. Located on Greythorn Drive in West Bridgford, The Grand is one of two Nottingham-based New Care Homes locations,opened in 2015 by Baron Kenneth Clark. Fitted with 82 purpose-built bedrooms and other amenities such as a library, hairdresser and nail bar, the first of its kind care home has built a name for itself, giving residents a sense of community and pride over their home. For the last 10 years, staff at The Grand have been delivering their exceptional person-focused care to those receiving residential, nursing, dementia or respite care services, along with a range of premium features such as daily restaurant-quality meals and engaging hobbies and activities, that all residents can enjoy however they’re able to. The mayor celebrates with staff and residents A decade is a milestone definitely worth celebrating, with even the mayor agreeing! Councillor Andy Brown, the Mayor of Rushcliffe, was in attendance at the anniversary party, alongside the care home’s residents, staff (three of whom have been with the care home since it opened in 2015) and Dawn Collett, Commissioning Director of New Care Homes. Of the staff celebrating their own 10-year milestone was Ellen the Home Trainer, Head Chef Paul and Bridget, The Grand’s Wellbeing Coordinator. Family members of the residents also joined to say a big thank you to the team for 10 years of hard work and to enjoy a day with their loved ones. Later this month, founder Lord Kenneth Clarke will be welcomed back to The Grand to enjoy afternoon tea with its staff and residents, rounding out the anniversary celebrations in style. A decade of community-driven care Attendants were not just celebrating with a 10 year anniversary party, for The Grand, but also a decade of the West Bridgford community and the joy that it brings to their residents. Outings to the local green spaces, Old Market square and even museums around Nottingham are just some of the experiences that the West Bridgford and Nottingham community have made possible, adding that extra bit of colour to residents’ lives. For those residents who are limited in their mobility, or just don’t really fancy getting out and about, The Grand’s cafe, patio and quiet lounge are places of respite and relaxation for residents. Councillor Andy Brown said: “I am delighted to be here today to help celebrate this milestone. Over the last decade The Grand has cared for a great many local people, delivering wonderful levels of care in these beautiful surroundings. “It is testament to the exceptional environment created 10 years ago that many local people in Rushcliffe have been able to stay in the heart of the community that they love while being expertly cared for here at The Grand. It’s been a privilege for us to join you today and I wish you many more years of success in the future.” New Care Homes Commissioning Director, Dawn Collett, said: “It’s truly amazing to see one of our care homes hit this milestone. Even more so to see the staff who have been here so long, some since we opened The Grand’s doors, being appreciated for their hard work. “Having team members who are so dedicated to the quality of care we commit to at New Care Homes is one of the things that makes this line of work such a joy. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the day with the residents who have found a home at The Grand and the staff who make it that home. “We’d also love to extend a thanks to the community of West Bridgford for being a welcoming force to our residents when they’re on their local adventures!” https://www.newcarehomes.com/care-homes/the-grand-nottingham
