‘Brave soles’ take on charity firewalk
A Firewalk Challenge has helped raise over £3,800 for a veterans’ care home in Worthing, with the total expected to rise. Participants braved a walk across 600°C coals to raise funds for the care and wellbeing of residents at Care for Veterans – a Royal Star & Garter Home, at Worthing Rugby Club on 20 September. The Home provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families who live with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions. Among the ‘brave soles’ who took part was Care for Veterans Home Manager Vicky Strange, who raised £1,400. She said: “It was amazing to see so many people step out of their comfort zones to support our veterans. The courage they showed raised money which will help us continue giving our residents the care and recognition they deserve. I’ve never done anything like this before but I wanted to give something back to our veteran community, and as the Home Manager, to lead by example for any future events and to get more people involved. I want to thank everyone – from firewalkers to volunteers and all those that supported us on the night of the firewalk – for making it such a memorable, fun and worthwhile event.” In total, 15 people walked across the red-hot embers for Care for Veterans, helping raise £3,853, with more donations still coming in and expected to push the total over £4,000. Care for Veterans is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a merger with the charity earlier this year. The Home is welcoming new residents. For more information on this and other ways to fundraise and support, please go to www.careforveterans.org.uk
Spicing Things Up with a Evening of Trivia and Delicious Curry
At New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the care team is getting ready to spice things up with a community Curry and Quiz Night. “The residents thoroughly enjoy our regular quizzes and different community-orientated events – and like nothing more than tucking into one of our Chef’s ‘Dal-icious’ curries, so we thought we’d bring three of their favourite things together in a fun-filled community evening,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place. On Saturday 11th October 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the care home will host an entertaining community evening, full of tasty trivia and curry. “You could call it ‘Korma’,” continued Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activity Coordinator. “Along with the residents and care team, we are inviting relatives, friends and members of our local community to come along and team up to test their knowledge in a light-hearted and amusing quiz and, of course, enjoy a selection of scrumptious curries, hand-made by our care home Chef.” Quizzes are a regular activity on New Copford Place’s meaningful and inclusive activities calendar as they not only stimulate cognitive functions, enhance memory and recall, but boost overall well-being and mood. “The residents really look forward to and enjoy our regular quizzes, which cover a range of topics,” added Chelsey. “By taking part, they provide a sense of accomplishment, are great for social interaction, starting conversations, laughing together, discussing possible answers and promoting memory recall. All our meaningful activities are designed to meet the residents individual needs and incorporate their likes, preferences and favourite pastimes, and quizzes are definitely one of their favourites.” “Quizzes act as a great brain exercise as they stimulate cognitive functions,” added Daniel. “The range of different quiz subjects and questions can act as positive triggers, bringing up memories and sparking conversations, especially for older people who are living with dementia.” Curries can also be good for older people due to the Curcumin, a member of the Ginger family, which is in Turmeric, as it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. “The anti-inflammatory spices in curries can improve heart health by boosting blood flow and may help regulate blood glucose and lipids,” continued Chelsey. “Spicy curries can cause digestive issues, so we are opting for less spicy versions at our Curry and Quiz Night. “To make sure the spice levels are perfect, not too hot, fiery or spicy, our Chef will serve a Chicken Curry and a Vegetable Curry which will be accompanied by rice and tasty sides of Naan Bread, Onion Bhajis and Samosas – and, of course, Mango Chutney.” Teams at New Copford Place’s Community Curry and Quiz Night can be up to six people and the entry fee is only £5 per person, which includes the fantastic curry and accompaniments – and all drinks. To book your place at this ‘Rogan Joshing’ night, please email Chelsey at chelsey.leather@fote.org.uk or call the care home on 01206 210397. “We’d love for as many people to join the residents and care team for the evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together as a community, share laughs, make memories and enjoy something special together,” concluded Daniel. www.fote.org.uk
Care home embraces Veteran Friendly Framework
The manager of a care home has explained how she became “hooked” on the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) after overcoming her initial reservations. The VFF helps homes in England provide tailored support and care to veterans and their partners. Kirsty Allen, Home Manager at Cotman House Care Home in Felixstowe, felt she might struggle to free up the time to take on the VFF, but discovered working on the free-to-access project had a calming effect, explaining: “I became so involved in the process, and now find that if I’m having a challenging day because of other things, I just step away for a time and do VFF work, which I really thrive on.” She is now recommending the VFF to other care homes, and encouraging their participation, saying she wished Cotman House had completed it earlier. Cotman House is part of the Caring Homes group, and currently has 27 veterans and partners of veterans in its care. The group has 18 care homes in England and has pledged to put all of them through the VFF process. Kirsty said: “I was hesitant about committing to the VFF project when I first heard about it. My days are already jam-packed and I thought it might be super-stressful. But the first thing we had to do was identify veterans, and that set off a spark, I was hooked! We were speaking to residents, emailing family members, and discovering their stories, seeing their old photos and learning so much about them. That started conversations with our residents and it was really beautiful.” Chantal Sencier, a VFF Champion at Cotman House said: “I think there were probably five or six residents here that we didn’t know were veterans until we’d spoken to their families. And there were some residents who we knew were veterans but we didn’t know what they had done. We found out one resident drove a tank. We’d known he was in the military but we didn’t realise he was a tank driver!” Kirsty said: “I think the VFF has given us so much more understanding, especially with residents living with dementia, to go into their world a bit more. We had a Navy veteran who was living with dementia and believed that because he could see the sea from the home that we were on his ship. His behaviour could be quite challenging and he could become quite distressed. I think if we’d known what we know now from our VFF journey we would have been able to support and understand him much more. We weren’t as knowledgeable or aware as we might have been. But we are now.” Cotman House was able to complete the VFF process in weeks. Kirsty said it complemented the work they were already doing, and Chantal added: “It was a pretty straightforward process, thanks partly to our VFF Project Officer. We just can’t sing her praises enough. She kept us motivated and was very positive.” Chantal continued: “Kirsty has become quite the ambassador for other Caring Homes signing up to the VFF. She’s a great advocate because she can be honest and tell home managers about the doubts she had at the beginning, and how they were quickly dispelled.” Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk, email VFF@starandgarter.org or call 07425 326070.
Open Days for veterans and their partners at Surbiton care home
Royal Star & Garter is holding two open days at its Surbiton Home. They will take place on 7 and 9 October, and showcase the exceptional nursing and dementia care it provides for veterans and their partners, alongside its Day Care and Lunch Clubs. The open days will run from 11am-1pm on 7 October and 2-4pm on 9 October, and those wishing to attend are asked to register in advance. The Home provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Day Care and Lunch Clubs are among newer services reaching out into the community which have also been launched at the Home. Those attending the open days will be given a snapshot of everyday life at the Upper Brighton Road Home, and the chance to speak to the Home Manager and other senior staff. They will be offered a tour of the Home, which will include the in-house physiotherapy room and hair salon, gardens, activities rooms and lounges. Visitors will also have the chance to join in with the activities organised by the dedicated Wellbeing team, and chat to residents. Helena Maher, Home Manager at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, said: “We understand that choosing a care home can feel like a big decision, which is why we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Our Home is like a family, dedicated to caring for veterans and their partners with warmth and compassion. Open days are a great chance to have a look around, see the fantastic facilities and activities on offer, and have a friendly chat with our team.” The open days are for veterans – including reservists and those who completed National Service – and/or their partners, as well as two accompanying relatives or friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to register interest online through Eventbrite, with places limited to three per booking. To register interest, please go to bit.ly/SRB-Open-Days If you are unable to register online, please call 0808 281 5068. If you are unable to attend the open days but would like a tour of the Home or to speak to staff about becoming a resident or a short break, please email enquiries@starandgarter.org or call 0808 281 5068. www.facebook.com/starandgarter https://bsky.app/profile/royalstarandgarter.bsky.social www.instagram.com/royalstarandgarter https://www.linkedin.com/company/starandgarter
Care expert reveals 5 seated exercises
As we get older, staying active is key to maintaining independence. However, traditional exercise often becomes more difficult due to reduced mobility, loss of muscle strength, and joint pain. The good news is that chair-based exercise is a great low-impact activity that helps older adults keep moving and build strength from the comfort of home. Sophie Dales from The Leeds United Foundation, who runs the exercise class at Weavers Court Care Home, shares why it’s important to stay mobile and 5 seated exercises that can improve strength and flexibility later in life. Why are mobility and strength so important later in life? “As we age, walking and getting around can become more difficult, which can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. That is why exercises that target mobility are important to help improve strength and flexibility. Regular exercise also supports overall health, helping to reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease,” explains Sophie, who runs regular exercise classes at the care home in Leeds. “Aging looks different for everyone, but for older adults over 60 who are already be experiencing mobility issues and joint pain, strenuous exercises may not be feasible. That is why we encourage armchair exercise as a low-impact alternative that still effectively builds muscle strength, enhances flexibility, and gently raises their heart rate.” “Research has shown that armchair exercises can help us as we age and assist in some of the everyday tasks and challenges that we may face later in life. Whether that’s walking short distances, getting up and down stairs, or carrying heavier objects around the house.” 5 seated exercises to improve strength and mobility Chest Stretch Upper-Body Twist Hip Marching Ankle Stretch Neck Rotation
Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP visits Acacia Court
Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Acacia Court Care Home in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, welcomed Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey and Chancellor of the Exchequer. The visit was hosted by James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer of HC-One and Hannah Carrington, General Site Manager at Acacia Court, who accompanied the Chancellor on a guided tour of the 41-bed residential and residential dementia care home. Ms. Reeves joined residents and colleagues in the lounge, where she enjoyed a cuppa and a slice of cake while chatting about daily life at Acacia Court. The relaxed conversation offered an opportunity to hear first-hand about the positive experiences of those living and working at the home, as well as its vital role at the heart of the Pudsey community. Residents warmly welcomed the Chancellor, sharing their appreciation for the home and its colleagues while enjoying a friendly game of dominoes – a moment that captured the warm and supportive atmosphere Acacia Court is proud to provide. The visit also highlighted HC-One’s ongoing commitment to delivering kind, high-quality care and building strong community connections. Hannah Carrington, General Site Manager at HC-One’s Acacia Court Care Home, said: “It was such a special day for us, and it meant a great deal that the Chancellor chose to visit Acacia Court. Our residents really valued the chance to share their personal stories and raise the issues that matter most to them, and it was wonderful to see how engaged she was in listening to their experiences. Moments like this go beyond a simple visit, they help build important connections between care homes and politicians, helping to ensure that the voices of older people in our community are truly heard.” Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey and Chancellor of the Exchequer, commented: “It was a pleasure to meet with Acacia Court in Pudsey who are doing excellent work providing dignity and comfort to residents.” For more information about HC-One care homes in your area, please visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.
Friends Place Opens Its Doors
At Friends Place, the new state-of-the-art residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, in Calcot, Reading, the care team is busy putting the finishing touches making sure everything is ready for its first free Open Weekend, which is taking place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. Offering residential, dementia and respite care and a day care service, Friends Place has been caringly and conscientiously designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where residents feel valued, secure, and supported. “The newly opened Friends Place brings not only delivers high-quality care but also creates 30 new jobs to the local area,” said Alina Gutu, General Manager at the care home. “We are extremely happy to be in Calcot and are looking forward to becoming a valued member of the local community. “We will be hosting our Open Weekend and inviting all our new neighbours, professionals from the medical and care services, members of the local community, prospective residents and their families to visit us and see, first hand, our fantastic facilities and care team in action.” “There will be a wide range of activities taking place including tours of Friends Place which will take in our Cinema Room, Bar, Tea Room and Garden Room, Beauty Salon, beautiful, landscaped gardens and outside seating areas, the comfortable, spacious communal areas, stylish lounges and much more,” added Friends Place’s Activities Coordinator, Elisha Hall Jones. … “Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in some delicious refreshments, enjoy entertainment courtesy of singer and performer Victor Burbridge and also the chance to take part in a selection of other activities. Plus, on Sunday 14th September, we are offering free mini head and shoulder massage taster sessions,” added Alina. Friends Place is more than just a care home – it is a place to belong within a caring and loving community where every resident is treated with respect, dignity and esteem. “Everyone at Friends Place is looking forward to the Open Weekend and welcoming our guests to our lovely care home,” continued Alina. “It will also give us a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our focus of giving the older people in our care the support they need to continue to live fulfilled lives, whether they stay with us as a full time resident, are enjoying a short-term respite break or attending the day care service. We look forward to showing our visitors the support and care we offer, every hour of every day.” No booking required, please click the link below for more information: https://ow.ly/MYPA50WRjrm
NACC TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
NACC TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT FORUM 2025 PROGRAMME CONFIRMED The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) once again returns to the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, 1 – 2 October, for the NACC Training & Development Forum 2025*. The theme for the Forum this year is ‘Future Proofing Your Care Catering Operations’ and will cover everything someone working in the care catering sector will need to know now and for the future. The Forum will provide a wide range of keynote speakers, masterclasses, live cookery demonstrations, meet the buyer/supplier meetings, exhibition viewing and networking. This year’s programme, reflects the issues that are topical within the care sector including a look at how the Care Home Catering market will evolve over the next decade and asking the question ‘are central production kitchen’s the way forward for the sector? The first day will commence with the popular meet the buyer/supplier meetings. A number of new and returning premier partners and exhibitors will be on hand to talk about their products and offers. These will include names such as Atosa Catering Equipment UK Ltd, Cuisine Centre, Dunsters Farm, Love Struck, Middleton Food Products, Nisbets Ltd, ProSauce UK, WaterADE. Click here to view full list. https://bit.ly/3IFHex3 The day will conclude with a celebration of the 2025 Care Chef of the Year finalists, with the crowning of this year’s winner. This is a change from previous years and allows the chef to receive the attention that they truly deserve. Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC will kick off the second day with opening remarks, followed by plenary sessions exploring how to future-proof your care home kitchen and leverage AI and technology to enhance your services. Other sessions will reflect on the first year under the new government, examine the caterer’s role in supporting resident wellbeing, and explore the risks associated with feeding residents who have allergies or other dietary challenges. RELEVANT PROGRAMME: The Forum will be chaired by Phil Raynsford and the expert keynote speakers set to inform and inspire include:Simon Stenning, Founder, Future Foodservice – How will Britain eat in the care home catering market over the next 10 years. The presentation will explore all the developments for the future of care home catering, the key trends, drivers of change and emerging consumer demands. Simon will outline the most relevant food trends and consumer behaviours over the next 10 years and how they will affect the provision of services in care home catering. Josh Hawker, Head of Operations, Ablecare Homes Ltd – Are Care central production kitchen’s the way forward in the Care Sector? Josh will explain how a regional care home group with a young and dynamic team, now have a central production kitchen to feed all their homes – the team will discuss the benefits to management, operations, kitchen staff and ultimately residents. David Mulcahy, Vice President, The Craft Guild of Chefs – Future proofing your Care Home Kitchen – David will look at how adopting sustainable practices can help care providers future-proof their operations against potential risks associated with climate change, resource shortages, and economic fluctuations. The session will look at practical sustainability practices from across the Hospitality Sector. Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer, The National Care Forum – Adult Social care – Where are we now? – Vic will bring you right up to date with the latest policy and practice across adult social care. She will talk through the very significant impacts of new legislation and policy as well as ensuring that you have a flavour of how care is changing in relation to the use of technology, latest models of delivery and what is coming over the horizon! Dr Jane Townsend OBE, CEO, Homecare Association – Use of AI and technology in Care Services – This session will look at how AI and technology is used, where it works best and the benefits to the care business. As businesses prepare for the future, the importance of technology, sustainability and AI in hospitality will only grow. Adopting AI-driven solutions is no longer a question of “if,” but “when”. INSPIRING COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS Following on from the success of last year, there will be four demonstrations. Special celebrity Chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, Saturday Kitchen and Chef Proprietor of Café Spice Namasté will be cooking some delicious small plate dishes for the delegates to take inspiration from and share with their residents. Richard Clark, North England Area Manager, Robot Coupe – will give ideas to increase residents’ hydration and fibre intake through a range of great tasting drinks. James Brown, Development Chef, Unilever Food Solutions and Samuel Sewell, Head Chef, Cinnamon Care Collection & NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024 will demonstrate Desserts with Benefits. This cookery demonstration will serve up some fabulous dessert ideas on how to give residents the tastiest, and naughtiest looking sweet treat at the end of their meal, which is, in fact packed with as much goodness and nutrition as possible. Continuing the sustainability theme, Respect the ingredient – will see Jamie Clews, Key Account Manager and Development Chef, Metcalfe Catering looking at reducing food waste one item at a time. EDUCATIONAL AND INTERACTIVE MASTERCLASSES Delegates will have the opportunity of attending two of the dynamic masterclasses, including: DRY STORE INNOVATIONSDanny Silcock, Development Chef, Brakes In this presentation, Brakes care development chef Danny Silcock shares his insights and ideas around the unsung heroes of care home catering – dry-store ingredients. He’ll outline his list of core ingredients, selected for cost-effectiveness, low waste and suitability for different skill levels, and discuss the importance of creating and enhancing base flavours and textures to add variety and avoid menu fatigue. He’ll also reveal his own top three ingredients; two of them very familiar, and the third a potential surprise! FERMENTATION – HELP YOUR RESIDENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT Colin Wheeler-James, Founder, Ground up Cookery School will give tips on how to help residents maintain a healthy gut and overall well-being, whilst also reducing food waste. ALTERNATIVE
NACC Awards 2025 shortlist announced
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has revealed the shortlist for the NACC National Awards 2025. The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care catering sector. Across six categories the finalists represent those working in or associated with care catering that deliver exceptional service every day, from care homes, Meals on Wheels services and Lunch Clubs to suppliers to the sector. The overall winners will be announced at a special gala awards dinner on Thursday 2nd October 2025 which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham. The NACC National Awards 2025 finalists are: Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by allmanhall • Severn View Park Care HomeMeals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito • NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko UK
