St Thomas Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

07/09/2025

🎶🙏 A Peaceful Afternoon at St Thomas 🙏🎶

This afternoon, our lovely residents came together for a heart-warming worship service filled with uplifting hymns, thoughtful Bible readings, and quality time shared with one another. 💒📖💕

It was a joy to see everyone singing, reflecting, and enjoying each other’s company in such a calm and comforting setting. Moments like these truly brighten our days. 🌞💬✨

We’re so grateful for the spirit of community and faith that continues to bring warmth and joy to our home. ❤️



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

05/09/2025

Attention all quizzers and music fans! 🎵 📝

Join us on Wednesday, 10th September, at 2.30pm for a fun-filled virtual music quiz.✍️

We’ll link up with Barchester care homes and hospitals across the country for Barchester’s ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ Quiz. 🤩
Our residents will go head-to-head with our sister homes, putting their music knowledge to the test to see who will claim the title of ultimate quiz champion. 👑

The event will be available to watch via YouTube live, please contact the home for more information.



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

04/09/2025

⭐ LaingBuisson 2025 Award Finalist ⭐

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Care Home Group of the Year’ category at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards.

Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the UK health and social care industry.

With more than 400 entries submitted across each category, being named a finalist is a real honour.

This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication, hard work and compassion of all our teams and colleagues across Barchester – a big thank you for everything they do each day! 👏

The winners will be announced on the 20th November 2025 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

LaingBuisson LaingBuisson News

04/09/2025

This coming Monday 8th September, Barchester will be launching the ‘Tell Barchester’ customer survey for the 5th consecutive year! 🤩

At St Thomas Care Home we take our responsibility of offering the best quality of care seriously, and always strive to do our best to support families, and to care for our residents, in a way that helps ‘Celebrate Life’. 🥳

We also know that it is really important that we listen to our customers, to help us keep improving.✍️

The survey remains online with a small number of questions for our residents and their families to share their views with us. We are very much looking forward to the feedback about how you feel about St Thomas, and the support we provide.🥀

Thank you in advance for your participation, we look forward to hearing from you! 💐



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

03/09/2025

✨🎭 Bringing the Fringe to Strachan House ✨🎵

Residents, families and visitors at Strachan House Care Home in enjoyed an afternoon of fantastic performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Care Fest.

Now in its third year, the Fringe Care Fest brings the magic of the Fringe directly to care home residents who can no longer visit the festival venues.

Talented singer and pianist Jacqui Randa warmed up the crowd with her excellent keyboard skills and cheeky anecdotes. After a short break for more prosecco in the sun, everyone relaxed to the wonderful voice of Duane Forrest.

It was an amazing experience, complete with a special party menu from the home’s kitchen team, plenty of drinks – and of course, lots of dancing.

A big thank you to all involved in making this event such a success. 👏

02/09/2025

⭐ A Perfect 10! ⭐

We’re thrilled to share that Iverley View Care Home in has received a 10 out of 10 score on the independent care home reviews site, carehome.co.uk, after a series of glowing reviews.

This fantastic achievement places Iverley View 7th out of 7,238 care homes across England and 1st in their county.

A big thank you to the team who work incredibly hard to provide the highest standard of care and support to residents and their families. Truly well deserved. 👏

.co.uk

02/09/2025

🌺 Did you know we offer short-term respite care? 🌺

Taking care of a loved one is a full-time job, and sometimes family carers deserve a well-earned rest too.

That’s where we can help. 🥰
With our respite breaks, your loved one will receive the same exceptional standards of compassionate care we’re known for, tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Whether it’s just for a few days or a few weeks, we’re here to provide peace of mind and support for you and your family. 🌷



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

01/09/2025

📚🌸 From Page-Turners to Petal-Holders! 🌸📚

Here at the care home, we’ve been getting crafty with a twist! With a bit of time, a splash of patience, and some old books, our talented residents have transformed forgotten pages into beautiful book flower holders. 💐✨

Who knew literature could be so blooming lovely? 😉 These creations have brightened up our home and brought smiles all round, proof that creativity knows no age! 🧡

Take a peek at their stunning work and let us know your favourite! 📷👇

📖🌼

To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

29/08/2025

🐾 Residents Welcome Furry Friends 🐾

Our care homes and hospitals recently marked National Dog Day in style by hosting a range of activities for all to enjoy, including dog shows, pet therapy sessions and community events.

From four-legged companions to wagging tails and friendly competitions, it was a wonderful day that brought joy and smiles to everyone.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments. ✨

29/08/2025

🌧️☕🍰 Despite the wet and windy weather, we had a wonderful afternoon out with some of our lovely residents! 😊💚

We took a trip to Capital Gardens in Sherfield-on-Loddon, where we enjoyed exploring the beautiful garden centre and admiring all the different plants 🌿🌸🌼 It may have been pouring outside, but that didn’t stop us from making the most of the day!

Afterwards, we popped into the tea room for some much-needed hot drinks and a slice (or two!) of delicious cake 🍵🍰 A perfect way to warm up and share a few laughs together.

It’s days like these that remind us how important little outings can be, come rain or shine! ☔❤️



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

28/08/2025

🍕 Pizza Day at St Thomas! 🍕

Today our lovely residents at St Thomas had a brilliant time making their very own pizzas! With a wide variety of toppings to choose from including salami, chorizo, ham, peppers, pineapple, mushrooms and tomatoes, everyone created their perfect pizza masterpiece! 🍕

There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and delicious smells wafting through the air. It’s safe to say we’ve got some talented chefs in the house! 😄👩‍🍳👨‍🍳



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

27/08/2025

⭐ Champions of Care: The Care Quality Leaders Network ⭐

We’re delighted to share that Sue Sheath, our Director of Regulation and Quality Improvement, has been featured in this month’s Caring Times magazine for her work founding the Care Quality Leaders Network.

In June, the network held its first face-to-face conference entitled ‘Innovating Care Quality: Leadership in Action’ in London, bringing together colleagues from across the adult social care sector.

What began as a small group of providers meeting informally before the pandemic has grown under Sue’s leadership into a thriving network of over 90 organisations – from large operators to mid-sized and smaller providers nationwide – all united by a shared commitment to champion high-quality care.

Sue commented: “I am so proud of how this group has grown over the last five years into an incredible supportive network with real influence. I was keen to create an opportunity for the group to meet face to face to hear from some of the biggest names in the sector about the challenges and opportunities we face and share ideas and best practice. I would like to thank all our generous partners such as Radar Healthcare, Care Launch and Nourish Care, who made this event possible.”

We’re so proud of Sue for her hard work in creating this fantastic network and for running such a successful event that brought together so many excellent minds! 👏

27/08/2025

🖍Calling all Bingo enthusiasts!🖍

Join us on Wednesday, 27th August, at 2.30pm for some interactive virtual Bingo fun as part of ‘Barchester Goes Gaming’ – Barchester’s very own game show series. 🌟

We will take on our sister homes to find out which care home or hospital has the best Bingo players. 🌍

The event will be available to watch via YouTube live, please contact the home for more information. 😁



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

26/08/2025

📸 World Photography Day 🌟

Recently, residents and patients up and down the country celebrated World Photography Day with flair and creativity.

Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed a range of themed activities and art sessions, from crafting photo books and collages to participating in professional photoshoots and capturing images of their favourite objects and subjects.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for all to reflect on past experiences by looking at treasured photographs and sharing happy memories.

Take a look at some of our favourite moments.

26/08/2025

🎨🌸 Getting Creative at St Thomas! 🌸🎨

This afternoon, our talented residents at St Thomas rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into a fun and colourful arts & crafts session! Using cotton swabs, they created beautiful flower pictures bursting with personality and charm. 💐✨

We provided a few pictures for inspiration, but true to form, everyone put their own unique creative stamp on their masterpieces and the results were absolutely stunning! 😍👏

Arts and crafts activities aren’t just fun, they offer so many wonderful benefits, including:
🧠 Boosting cognitive function
🖐️ Improving dexterity and coordination
😊 Enhancing mood and reducing stress
🗣️ Encouraging social interaction
🎨 Fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment

Well done to all our amazing artists! You’ve brightened up our day! 🌼🖼️💛



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

23/08/2025

⚽🖌️ A brilliant afternoon at St Thomas! 🎶

Our lovely gents had a great time at Gents Club yesterday, getting stuck into some intricate model making and having a good old natter about football! 🧩⚒️⚽ Lots of memories shared and laughs had all round.

Meanwhile, others enjoyed some mindful colouring, a perfect way to relax, unwind, and enjoy a chat while listening to some of our favourite tunes from over the years. 🎵💬

It’s always heart-warming to see our residents engaging in activities they love 💙



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

22/08/2025

✨🏍️ Speedway Wish Granted 🏍️✨

This week, the team at Hickathrift House Care Home in was delighted to grant another special wish through their ‘Post a Wish’ initiative – a visit to the King's Lynn Speedway - the Home of the Stars.

It was a fantastic experience, with riders kindly taking time to chat and reminisce with a resident about past races and bikes. The Speedway team ensured the evening was special, welcoming everyone on arrival and making the visit unforgettable.

Residents truly enjoyed sitting in the front row, cheering on the riders and sharing stories of speedway events gone by.

A big thank you to all involved in making this trip possible. 👏

King's Lynn Stars

21/08/2025

🤩 Adventure Day Out for Mortain Place Residents 🤩

Residents at Mortain Place Care Home in enjoyed an unforgettable day at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

From speeding around the go-kart track and meeting extraordinary animals to splashing down the water slides, it was a day full of fun.

To make the trip even more special, residents and colleagues were joined by Malcolm from ITV News Meridian, who captured the excitement on camera and spoke to the residents about their experiences.

The team at Mortain Place believe days like this are an important way to enrich the lives of residents, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Take a look at the fantastic broadcast coverage below! 👇

Watch the latest from ITV News - Barchester Mortain Place in Eastbourne takes its residents on day trips to an adventure park with activities such as go-karting and water slides

21/08/2025

🌿☕ A Blooming Lovely Day Out! 🌸🍰

This week, we took some of our lovely residents for a little trip to Conkers Garden Centre, and what a treat it was! 💐💚

We had a gentle wander through the plants and gifts (with plenty of oohs and aahs along the way!), before settling down in the tea room for a well-earned cuppa and a scrumptious slice of cake. 🫖😋

It’s these simple pleasures that bring the biggest smiles, and we certainly had plenty of those! 😊❤️



To find out more about life at St Thomas, please give us a call or visit our website:
☎️ 01256 355 959
🌎 Barchester.com/home/st-thomas-care-home

19/08/2025

🦆📚 A Quacking Good Story from Atfield House 📚🦆

We’re excited to share that Atfield House Care Home in , London has launched their very own children’s storybook, inspired by a much-loved tradition and their nature-loving residents.

Each year, a duck named Hope visits the home’s garden to lay her eggs – a heart-warming event that has been taking place for many years. The experience sparks engagement, evokes memories and offers meaningful comfort to residents, supporting emotional and cognitive wellbeing with every quiet waddle.

After speaking with residents, families and colleagues, the team decided to capture the tale in a beautifully illustrated book.
The home looks forward to sharing the storybook with visitors and children from local schools – a great opportunity to spread the joy of this charming tradition.

You can explore their delightful storybook here 👇https://online.flippingbook.com/view/503801204/

18/08/2025

🏃‍♂️🏅 Great North Run - Marathon Effort for Charity 🏃‍♀️🏅

On Sunday, 7th September, five brave Barchester colleagues will take on the gruelling Great North Run to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation supports older people and adults living with a disability by helping them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.

Our amazing runners are:
• Becky Dearing, Health and Safety Coordinator
• Kirsty Taylor, Activities Lead at Chalfont Lodge Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare
• Zsuszanna Bodog, Care Assistant from Red Oaks Care Home - Barchester Healthcare
• Tom Hodges, Dementia Nurse Specialist for the North West and Midlands
• Yvonne Hand, General Manager at Glenroyd Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

They will lace-up their trainers and use grit and determination to complete the 13-mile half marathon course that starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes thousands of runners over the iconic Tyne Bridge in order to raise funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

Wishing the very best of luck to the runners! 👏

13/08/2025

🎤🎵 Come Sing! To Feel Good 🎤🎵

Residents and patients across the country had a fantastic time joining Dan Cooper, Vocal Coach from Biiah, for a lively summer virtual sing-along.

With the uplifting ‘Que Sera Sera’ by Doris Day and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ by The Beach Boys, there was plenty of singing and dancing all around.

The session was a great success, bringing benefits for the mind, body and soul, and leaving everyone with a dose of summer cheer.

A big thank you to Dan Cooper for the wonderful experience. 👏

Take a look at some of our favourite moments in the photos below.

🔗 www.barchester.com

11/08/2025

✨A Roaring 1920s Summer Fête at Ashlar House ✨

Ashlar House Care Home in turned back the clock for a spectacular Summer Fete inspired by the glamour of the 1920s.

Residents, families, colleagues and guests dressed to impress, bringing the glamour and spirit of the Jazz Age to life.

From Charleston dancing and live entertainment to delicious food, sweet treats and a much-loved raffle. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

It was a fantastic experience for all involved. 👏