Arnold care home marks VJ Day 80th anniversary
The recent VJ Day celebration event is part of Coppice Lodge’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellbeing and happiness among its residents through engaging activities that celebrate life’s joyful moments. HC-One, which delivers all-inclusive, person-centred care at Coppice Lodge Care Home with no hidden fees, ensures residents can live their best lives in a relaxing and supportive environment. Residents at HC-One’s Coppice Lodge Care Home in Arnold, Nottingham, brought history to life on Friday, August 15, with a heartfelt celebration to honour Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), commemorating the end of World War II in true style. VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) in 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender during World War II. It is observed on August 15, 2025, in the UK and Commonwealth, while in the United States, it is celebrated on September 2, 2025. This day is significant as it commemorates the end of the war in the Pacific and is marked by various events and activities to honour the WWII generation. Coppice Lodge residents, along with their families and friends, were treated to an unforgettable afternoon filled with music, nostalgia, and community spirit. The event featured a captivating performance by the talented Amy Evans, who delighted guests with classic wartime hits that echoed the spirit of the era. The atmosphere was alive with smiles, laughter, and plenty of toe-tapping as everyone savoured delicious refreshments and nibbles. The celebration provided a meaningful tribute to a remarkable generation who lived through extraordinary times. Ken Buxton, HC-One’s Coppice Lodge Care Home Manager, stated: “It was a beautiful way to reflect on such an important moment in history. Events like this give our residents the chance to share memories, feel connected, and simply enjoy life surrounded by loved ones.” Resident Doreen said: “The event was brilliant – they had lovely cakes and white wine spritzers for us to enjoy, and they all wore hats. The singer Ami was very clear, and she could hear everyone word that she sang.” The recent VJ Day celebration event is part of Coppice Lodge’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellbeing and happiness among its residents through engaging activities that celebrate life’s joyful moments. HC-One, which delivers all-inclusive, person-centred care at Coppice Lodge Care Home with no hidden fees, ensures residents can live their best lives in a relaxing and supportive environment. The home’s vibrant activities programme – from historical talks and reminiscence sessions to themed tea parties and patriotic sing-alongs – brings residents together for memorable and joyful experiences. For more information about the All-Inclusive campaign at Coppice Lodge Care Home and upcoming events, please contact the friendly team on 0115 920 5906, email coppice.lodge@hc-one.co.uk or visit Coppice Lodge – Care Home in Arnold, Nottinghamshire | HC One
Friends of the Elderly new Chief Executive
Friends of the Elderly is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Hill as its new Chief Executive; Rachel joins the charity from The Whiteley Homes Trust where she has served as CEO since 2020. Rachel brings a wealth of experience in health and social care, having held senior roles across both the NHS and the voluntary sector. Prior to joining The Whiteley Homes Trust, she was Head of Nursing at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and also held leadership positions at Woking and Sam Beare Hospices. Rachel takes the helm at an exciting time for Friends of the Elderly, as the charity celebrates its 120th anniversary and marks the opening of a brand-new care home in Reading, Berkshire. With a proud history of providing care, support, and a grants programme for older people living in financial hardship, the charity is focused on the future, expanding its reach and adapting its services to meet growing demand. Commenting on her new role, Rachel said: “It is a real privilege to be joining Friends of the Elderly at such a significant point in its history. The charity’s long-standing commitment to older people is something that is close to my heart, and it is a real honour to now be part of that story. I’m looking forward to working with the team, volunteers and partners to build on Friends of the Elderly’s legacy and ensure we continue to make a real difference in the years ahead. Chair of Trustees, Chris Maidment, said: “Rachel is an inspiring leader with the values, vision and experience to take Friends of the Elderly forward. Her understanding of the care landscape and her focus on dignity, choice and community make her ideally placed to lead the charity as we open a new care home and mark 120 years of supporting older people.” Rachel officially took up the role on 4th August 2025. www.fote.org.uk
1970s Summer Party
Charity’s Day Care Service Hosts A 1970s Summer Party To Celebrate Its 120th Anniversary To celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s 120th Anniversary, the care team and clients at the charity’s Wallington Day Care Service — which supports people living with dementia and other age-related conditions — are throwing a free, 1970s-themed Summer Party for the local community, complete with an afternoon of disco dancing. “On Friday 15th August from 12:30 p.m., the day care centre will be reliving the glam rock and disco days of the 70s,” said Nicola Davies, the Day Care Manager at the Wallington service. “The clients thoroughly enjoy all our community events and love all genres of music, so we thought they would really enjoy a 70s Summer Party to celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s landmark 120th Anniversary.” The clients, their relatives, friends and local community will be able to enjoy a free delicious picnic and tasty refreshments, whilst ‘getting down’ to 70s songs and tunes thanks to DJ Jimmy who will be spinning the decs and getting the party going. “Alongside the entertainment and scrumptious picnic, we will also be holding a Best 1970s Costume or Outfit competition,” continued Nicola. “We got lots of prizes to give out, and the clients are already in full swing deciding on what they will wear. “There have been lots of chats about the decade since we decided on the 1970s theme. The clients never cease to amaze me; their recollections are amazing. “We’ve talked about the 1976 heatwave, the iconic bicycle of the time, The Raleigh Chopper MK1 and even their favourite 70s television programmes such as Fawlty Towers, The Good Life, Are You Being Served and Porridge. “One client told me that in 1971, British currency changed to the decimalised system we know today and another said they remembered celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee with a street party. It just goes to show that the 1970s were more than just disco music and questionable fashion choices.” “Everyone at Wallington Day Care is super excited for the Community 1970s Summer Party and to be opening the doors of the day care centre and welcoming the clients, their families, loved ones, friends and our local community to join us at what we hope will be fun, funky and seventies-tastic event to celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s 120th anniversary,” concluded Shirley Bradley, the Charity’s Head of Day Care Services. For catering purposes, please RSVP by emailing: DCWallington@fote.org.uk Or by calling 020 8669 7398. www.fote.org.uk
Joint Golden Anniversary
Charity’s Health Care Assistants at Perrins House Reach Their Joint Golden Anniversary At Friends of the Elderly’s Malvern-based Davenham, Perrins House and Bradbury Court, the residential, nursing and dementia care homes which are collectively known as Friends of the Elderly Malvern, run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, two Health Care Assistants – Anita Kendrick and Sue Stocker – have been celebrating and reminiscing about their working careers at Perrins House. Anita and Sue have both worked for Friends of the Elderly at Perrins House for 25 years. “Sue and I have worked together and at the Charity for many years,” said Anita. “If you add our years of service together, we’re celebrating our Golden Anniversary this year, which is quite an achievement.” Anita has worked in the Care Sector for 37 years, after being part of the Youth Training Scheme, a former UK Government program which provided vocational training for young people. “I’d always wanted to work in care as it has always been important to me to support others to help them live a more fulfilled life. It’s such a worthwhile and rewarding role,” added Anita. “I wanted to be a Nurse when I was at school, but became a Hairdresser instead,” continued Sue. “Years later, I took a job working in healthcare, as I still had an inbuilt desire to help and look after others.” Although they did not know each other at the time, Sue and Anita both attended The Chase High School in Malvern. “I really enjoyed Science,” said Anita. “I liked practical subjects but hated sport lessons. I joined in the Staff Sports Day recently, which was great fun, but luckily with my sporting prowess, I don’t mind coming last.” As Health Care Assistants, both Sue and Anita play an important role in the daily lives of the residents, providing support, encouragement and high quality, bespoke care. “Both Anita and Sue are totally devoted to the residents,” said Jo Bennett, the General Manager at Friends of the Elderly Malvern. “Their duties encompass a wide range of tasks including assisting with personal care and daily living activities to observing and monitoring the residents’ health. They are both wonderful listeners and are always on hand to spend time with the residents, chatting, reminiscing and, when needed, providing emotional support.” “The best thing about what I do every day is caring for the residents,” continued Sue. “Making the sure the residents are happy and comfortable is everything. I love coming to work, and being with the residents is like having a wonderful, caring and extended family. No two days are the same, but each day is so fulfilling as I know, no matter how small, I have made a positive impact on the residents’ days.” “There is always something to do, and like Sue said, every day is different,” added Anita. “Over the years, I have grown and nurtured great bonds with the residents and making sure that all their individual needs are met, every day, gives me a wonderful sense of purpose. “We do have a lot of laughs and there are plenty of funny stories too. A while ago, I was playing a word game with the residents, and the question was ‘What H can you put in your handbag?’ and one resident shouted out ‘Your Husband’. It had everyone in fits of giggles; the residents can be so hilarious and cheeky. “Once a resident asked me to pass him a glass of juice, which of course I did. He then thought it would be a rib-tickling joke to pour the glass of juice over my colleague’s head whilst she was doing up her shoe, which he did. It was a naughty prank, but everyone laughed, even my juice covered colleague.” …3 “The other day, the residents asked me a really interesting question,” continued Sue. “If I was the Eight Dwarf, what would my name be. It stumped me for a bit, but as Happy is already taken, I think I’d have to be Smiley, as I hope I make the residents smile and keep them happy, healthy and motivated.” “The residents asked me which three people – apart from my family – would I invite round to mine for dinner,” added Anita. “That was easy – first, Claudia Winkleman as I think she’d be so funny and easy to talk to. Second would be Mary Berry as I’d hope she’d help me with the cooking and last, but by no means least in third place would be Jason Statham – as if all else fails, he’s so handsome to look at, and would have lots of Hollywood stories to tell. My choices got the thumbs up from the residents as well.” The residents, their care and well-being are at the heart of Anita and Sue’s day – every da. “If Anita and I are ever asked why we do what we do? It’s our three, simple little words reply – Because We Care,” concluded Sue. www.fote.org.uk
Future-proof workforce as visa changes
Browne Jacobson report sets out how care sector can future-proof workforce as visa changes restrict overseas recruitment Innovating working patterns, supporting career progression and improving visibility among young people are key ingredients in making care jobs more appealing, according to a new Browne Jacobson report published a year on from a landmark workforce strategy. These are some of the recommendations set out by the UK and Ireland law firm in its white paper, titled Workforce strategies for care providers. It builds on the first-ever Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England by Skills for Care, which was published in July 2024, by advising on how care providers can develop their own talent pipelines across three broad themes – train, attract and retain, and transform. Insights were collected from a roundtable held by Browne Jacobson’s employment and HR services team as part of its “Future of Care” series. It brought together leaders from independent residential care homes, domiciliary care providers, sector-aligned advisers and charities, and the NHS. Laura Chinyere-Ezeh, HR Consultant who leads Browne Jacobson’s HR services team for the health and social care sector, said: “Skills for Care’s Workforce Strategy aims to ensure we have enough of the right people with the right skills to provide the best possible care and support for the people who draw on it. “While this sets out policy recommendations at a macro level, it’s vital that care providers are developing their own workforce strategies to ensure they can continue to deliver high-quality care over the coming decades. “This requirement has been reinforced by the government’s immigration white paper, which restricts care worker visas for overseas workers, who represent a significant proportion of the health and care workforce. “Therefore, the care sector must work towards ensuring it has access to the people and skills needed to make it fit for the future. “Despite the absence of formal government adoption and direct financial enhancements such as increased pay or investment, care providers have the opportunity as private businesses to innovate, adopt the recommendations in this report and future-proof their provision with a workforce strategy to meet an increasing demand for their services.” A wide range of challenges were brought to light during the roundtable and reflected in the report. A key issue is in attracting and retaining young people, with King’s Fund research showing only 8% of the social care workforce comprises 18 to 24-year-olds. Barriers include a perception that parents aren’t supportive of young people’s desire to join the care sector and a communications gap about what the job entails. Related to this are challenges around flexible working and career development opportunities, which could be tackled by collaboration between the health and social care sectors to foster mutual respect and equitable treatment of employees. The Workforce strategies for care providers recommendations can be broadly summarised, under the headings of the Workforce Strategy, as: Participants in the roundtable included Karolina Gerlich, of the Care Workers Charity; Rebecca Smith, of NHS Employers; Rick Canavan, of BA Healthcare; Shirley Hall, of Royal Star & Garter; Susanne Chatterley, of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust; and Vishal Shah, of Banyan Care. To read the full Workforce strategies for care providers report, click here.
Care for Veterans café welcomes residents and their families
An in-house café which was previously popular with residents at Care for Veterans has reopened. The Worthing Home relaunched the café, named Cuppa Corner, on Tuesday 1 July, after home care provider Caremark offered to help run it. The café encourages veterans and their visitors to socialise in a communal area and enjoy hot and cold drinks and snacks. It had previously closed in 2018, but is now being run by volunteers from Caremark’s Worthing & Adur branch on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Staff from the domiciliary care provider already come into the Home regularly to help with activities in the Wellbeing Hub. Care for Veterans 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. It is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group, following a recent merger. Among those using Cuppa Corner was resident John. He said: “I’m happy it is open again. It means we can mix with other people and have our family come in.” Monica is also a resident at Care for Veterans, and enjoyed tea and carrot cake with her visiting sister. She said: “I think the café will make us all more sociable.” Caremark named Care for Veterans as its charity of the year in April. Nicky Newham is the Registered Care Manager at the Worthing & Adur branch, and said: “It’s a privilege to come to the Home and help run its café and host activities. Care for Veterans embodies the values we cherish at Caremark Worthing & Adur, including dignity, respect and the right to independence. We’re really excited to help out at the Home and actively participate in their initiatives, strengthening community ties while raising awareness for the vital services they provide.” Vicky Strange is Home Manager at Care for Veterans. She said: “It’s so lovely to see the café open as a focal point at the Home again. The residents love it and have said how happy they are to see it returning. We’re truly grateful to Caremark and their kind staff who are helping run it.” For more information on Care for Veterans, go to www.careforveterans.org.uk
ROCK N’ ROLL IS HERE TO STAY
ROCK N’ ROLL IS HERE TO STAY AT COLCHESTER-BASED NEW COPFORD PLACE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME Friends of the Elderly’s Essex Care Home invites the Local Community to ‘Rock On’ and celebrate its 120th Anniversary At New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, the residents and care team are getting their Blue Suede Shoes ready to travel back to the 1950s by hosting a free community fun-filled ‘Cool Cat’ event to celebrate the Charity’s 120th Anniversary. On Saturday 9th August from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free ‘Daddy-O’ 50s community event will see New Copford Place transformed into a 1950s paradise that even The Fonz would be proud of. “To celebrate Friends of the Elderly’s milestone 120th Anniversary, we wanted to host a spectacular, inclusive and accessible summer community event,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at the care home. “Knowing how much the residents love a good party and enjoy all types of music – and especially like engaging with the local community – we thought that a 1950s Rock n’ Roll event will be a wonderful idea that everyone would enjoy.” “To set the 1950s theme and to get the rock n’ roll ball going, the care team will be dressing in the classic styles of the era, and the residents will also get into the 50s spirit and be decked out in amazing outfits from the decade,” added Chelsey Leather, New Copford Place’s Activity Coordinator. “Our pretty and idyllic gardens will be metamorphosed into a 50s ‘fantabulous’ fun park, complete with chart top topping music from the decade, the Whip It Like Webber ice cream van, a delicious BBQ, refreshments, tasty desserts, strawberries and cream, plus plenty garden games and activities for everyone to get involved with,” added Jaz McDade, New Copford Place’s Deputy Manager. “We have local entertainer and singer, Rebecca O’Driscoll, performing two sets, when she’ll be serenading the audience with a selection of well-known and well-loved songs from the 50s,” continued Chelsey. “There will also be a Tombola with lots of prizes to be won, a paddling pool with traditional hook rods for ‘Hook A Duck’, games of Giant Jenga and Quoits and a 1950s-themed summer outside event would not be complete without the ‘Splat the Manager’ attraction. We are keep our fingers crossed for lovely weather, so all those who get a good ‘Splat’ will be able to dry off quickly.” “We are all looking forward to celebrating Friends of the Elderly’s 120th Anniversary and welcoming old friends and new friends to New Copford Place. It’s a really wonderful opportunity for everyone at the care home, the residents, their families, friends and members and our local community to spend a great day together,” concluded Daniel. New Copford Place’s 1950s Free Community Event Saturday 9th August 2025 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. New Copford Place, London Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex CO6 1YR https://www.fote.org.uk/care-homes/new-copford-place-essex-care-home/
Care Home Falls Cut by 87%
Care Home Falls Cut by 87% Using AI Technology in Award-Winning North London Project – Changing The Way Care Homes Deliver Night Time Care. HSJ Digital Award win for NCL ICB, TPHC and Ally Cares for transforming night-time care through sleep-focused tech enabled care. London, 10 July 2025 — A pioneering collaboration between North Central London ICB (NCL ICB), North London Councils, Transformation Partners in Health and Care (TPHC), and care tech provider Ally Cares has been named winner of the “Connecting Health and Social Care Through Digital” category at the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards 2025. The HSJ Digital Awards received a record number of entries, reflecting the scale and pace of digital innovation taking place across UK health and care settings. The winning project reduced night-time falls by up to 87% across 10 care homes using AI-powered acoustic monitoring , a game-changing solution that enables care teams to intervene only when needed, protecting sleep and restoring calm to the night shift. At the heart of this innovation is a simple but often overlooked truth: sleep is critical to health, recovery, and safety in later life. Without it, residents are more prone to falls, confusion, agitation, infections, and hospital admissions. Led by NCL ICB, North London Councils , TPHC and Care and technology partner Ally Cares, the project used smart AI resident monitoring to transform night care across 10 care homes, reducing unnecessary checks, improving sleep, and increasing safety. The approach has been transformational and has achieved powerful results: Muyi Adekoya, Head of Market Development and Chief Nursing Officer’s Directorate – Complex Care, NCL ICB, said: “This win reflects the strength of partnership working in North Central London, and the willingness of care providers to embrace and leverage digital solutions that make a real difference to care home residents who have complex health and social care needs. From improved health outcomes to more empowered care staff, we’re proud to see this work recognised. A big thank you to everyone involved. We hope that the compelling evidence from this project will help the NHS and providers to utilise acoustic monitoring technology to improve outcomes, reduce hospital admissions and support improved care overall.” Richard Taylor-Elphick, Partnership Director at North London Councils, said: “This project and subsequent award highlight the value of collaboration across health and social care organisations. We are delighted that the hard work of colleagues from the ICB, North Central London Training Hub, TPHC, Local Authorities, and the care provider sector has been recognised in this way. They have demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits of investing in, deploying, and supporting digital technologies in the social care sector — from preventing health deterioration for local residents and improving care planning for providers to helping the workforce develop digital skills.” The programme was delivered in partnership with TPHC, whose digital and analytics team led the design, evaluation and scale-up of the approach. Jo Bowers, Associate Director, Digital, Data, Analytics & Productivity at TPHC, said: “With a huge focus on the potential and benefits of digital in the health and care sector, we are incredibly proud of our team who have supported our colleagues in NCL ICB and North London Councils to take leaps forward in their digital adoption. ‘‘We’re proud to showcase the success of TPHC’s agile, scalable and results-driven approach to this programme. Our role in digitising social care also continues through our work with North West London ICB and the London Borough of Hounslow.” The technology underpinning the programme was provided by Ally Cares, the UK’s leading evidence based provider of AI-powered acoustic monitoring for care homes. The Ally system uses AI intelligence with sound and motion based alerts to detect potential risks such as movement, coughing, or distress and sends a notification to staff to determine if action is needed. Thomas Tredinnick, CEO and Co-Founder of Ally Cares, said: “This is about giving teams insight without intrusion. Technology should never replace care, but it can give it the time and focus it deserves. The link between disturbed nights and increased falls is clear and our technology gives care teams the insight they need to act earlier, avoid unnecessary checks, and let residents sleep in peace. We’re thrilled to see this work recognised at a national level and to support homes by enabling a faster response when needed, and peace of mind when not.” This win recognises a scalable model of digitally enabled care, one that blends human intuition with smart tech to deliver better nights, and better days, for some of the UK’s most vulnerable residents. The programme has changed more than just statistics, it’s changed culture. Night shifts have become calmer. Residents are more settled. And families have greater confidence in care. Julie Burton, Head of Operations at Azalea Court (part of Twinglobe Care Limited) who featured in this project, added: “We’ve seen a huge improvement in outcomes. Residents are sleeping better, staff feel more confident, and families are reassured knowing care is calm but responsive. It’s changed the way we care at night.” By placing sleep at the centre of care, and using digital tools to preserve and protect it, this project offers a replicable model for integrated, insight-led care across the UK. About North Central London Integrated Care Board NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) works in partnership with local NHS organisations, councils, and voluntary sector organisations, to improve the health and care of residents in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington. About Transformation Partners in Health and Care Transformation Partners in Health and Care (TPHC) delivers high-quality bespoke consultancy, programmes and projects from neighbourhoods to a national level, with an outstanding track record in achieving positive and tangible results for populations. We have three distinct offers, ‘partnerships’, ‘consulting’ and ‘digital productivity‘, with all teams working together to co-support programmes, share expertise and devolve learning. Contact: rf-tr.tphc-communication@nhs.net
Social care group raises over £2,600 in cycling challenge
Staff, residents and supporters of HICA Group, a Yorkshire headquartered not-for-profit social care provider, have raised more than £2,600 from its annual Tour De HICA, cycling challenge event. They reached an impressive 1,962 miles in just 24 hours to support wellbeing initiatives across the organisation. During the challenge, five bikes and a treadmill at HICA’s central office were kept in near-constant motion, with teams cycling through the day and night. Among the standout efforts was Pat Godney, the 72-year-old mother of Information and Systems Manager Paula Jory, who clocked up 60 miles. Also stepping up was Tanya, a care worker from HICA at Home Grimsby, who arrived with her son at 1.30am after travelling from Cleethorpes and cycled for four hours straight. HICA Group CEO Terry Peel was one of two staff members who stayed for the full 24 hours. He said: “The energy and commitment on display was incredible. People came in on their day off, turned up with family and returned in the evening after work just to contribute a few more miles. It was a real team effort and one that makes a difference to the lives of the people we care for.” Residents played an important part too. The Hollies, a Hull based care home, helped launch the challenge, with one resident clocking up the first six miles, while residents from Isaac Robinson Court, another one HICA’s care homes in Hull, helped bring the event to a close. The bulk of the mileage was completed at the Hesslewood main office, where teams racked up an astonishing 1,1210 miles. Other contributions came from the HICA at Home offices at Doncaster, Grimsby, Chorley and Hull HICA at Home Hull who clocked up an amazing 668 miles, and also at care homes Elm Tree Court, The Grange, Overton House and The Hollies who managed 84 miles. Reflecting on her mum’s involvement, Paula Jory added: “It was brilliant to see so many people getting involved whether for five minutes or five hours. My mum was determined to play her part and just kept going! The whole event had a real buzz about it.” The event also received generous backing from corporate supporters including Avendra, CareHome Life, Gordon Solar and Power Solutions, Weborchard, and Sylvester Keal. All funds raised will help enhance the lives of residents and service users across HICA homes and services, supporting activities, trips and specialist equipment.
