The Carer, 3, Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth (2025)

01/08/2025

Congleton Care Home Residents Enjoy the Beauty of World of Wedgwood

Residents from Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton, Cheshire, part of Sandstone Care, were treated to a day of culture, creativity, and culinary delights during a recent visit to the internationally renowned World of Wedgwood in Barlaston, Staffordshire.

The group spent the day immersing themselves in the rich history of British ceramics, as showcased in the V&A Wedgwood Collection – a world-class archive housed at the museum and factory site.

The V&A Wedgwood Collection, which spans over 260 years of artisanal ceramic and innovation, offered residents a fascinating journey through time. From the story of Josiah Wedgwood, the pioneer of pottery, to the evolution of designs that have graced tables across the globe, residents were able to see firsthand the legacy and influence of the iconic Wedgwood name.

The tour included a behind-the-scenes look into the craftsmanship still present in today’s production techniques, with residents observing the skill that goes into each piece.

The highlight of the was a traditional afternoon tea, enjoyed in the elegantly styled Wedgwood Tea Room. Served on exquisite Wedgwood China, the experience blended timeless British tradition with luxury, offering residents a moment of relaxation and indulgence in beautiful surroundings.

Jack Morrey, Activities and Well-being Co-ordinator, said:
"Everyone was absolutely captivated by the beauty and history of Wedgwood. It was an amazing day out and a chance to connect with art, design, and British heritage. The atmosphere was wonderful, as was afternoon tea. These are the moments that create lasting memories."

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Residents from Priesty Fields Care Home in Congleton, Cheshire, part of Sandstone Care, were treated to a day of culture, creativity, and culinary delights duri

01/08/2025

NHS Needs To Act To Prevent Ethnic Minority Communications Staff Talent Drain, New Report Shows

NHS leaders need to act now to avoid a talent drain that could lead to a mass loss of ethnic minority communications staff within three years due to poor experiences, discrimination and a lack of trust in management, a new report has warned.

The report from the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, published by the NHS Confederation, NHS Providers and the Centre for Health Communication Research (CHCR), sets out a series of recommendations to address the substantial gaps between BME communicators' career aspirations and their NHS experience and outcomes.

The Taskforce has developed a Charter with achievable and measurable actions to support the development of a diverse communications and engagement profession for the NHS, supported by strong allyship and advocacy.

Its headline ambition is that at least 15 per cent of the most senior NHS communications professionals should be from an ethnic minority background by 2030, up from 5 per cent in the most recent assessment.

In signing the charter, NHS leaders ranging from chairs, chief executives and chief people officers to communications directors and their senior managers will be encouraged to take personal responsibility for challenging racism and championing diversity.

The report sets out a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the lack of diversity in NHS communications roles and creating an environment where communications professionals and those from diverse backgrounds can thrive, contribute their unique perspectives and skills, and significantly enhance the NHS's capacity to serve its diverse workforce and communities effectively.

These include:

- Committing to shortlisting and interviewing every BME candidate who meets the minimum criteria alongside end-to-end blind recruitment processes to reduce bias, remove information about which establishments candidates studied at, and all other protected characteristics.
- The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England to support a structured national mentoring programme and ensure all NHS communicators are included in the mentorship and support programmes.
- Collaborate with educational institutions to create placements and mentorship programmes that target diverse students, nurturing future talent while simultaneously expanding the pipeline of skilled professionals ready to join the workforce.
- Develop a comprehensive competency framework for NHS communications roles that clearly articulates what ethnic minority and other communications professionals need to do to climb to the most senior roles in the profession.
- Support staff to undertake the post-graduate course in health care communications and engagement, with a particular focus on identifying communications professionals from BME and other diverse backgrounds.

A survey of over 300 communications professionals, conducted as evidence for the recommendations of the Taskforce, found that 26 per cent of BME staff said they expect to leave the NHS within three years. This finding was reinforced in focus groups held by the Taskforce.

Many reported experiencing racism, discrimination, microaggressions, biases and a lack of cultural understanding within their workplaces, which is having a negative impact on ethnic minority communications staff’s sense of belonging, job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

BME communications professionals, reflecting on their experiences in the NHS, told the Taskforce that because of this they felt they would be happier and more satisfied in other sectors – citing better financial rewards, fairer treatment, improved workplace culture and better career progression opportunities as the driving force.

Edna Boampong, chair of the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, said:
“We cannot afford to lose the limited talent we have from ethnic minority backgrounds. Doing so risks undoing progress on diversity and inclusion.”

“Representation matters – especially in communications. A team that reflects the local population is better positioned to build trust, understand cultural nuances and engage communities meaningfully, supporting the NHS's aim to reduce inequality.”

“Equally, having diverse voices at senior levels ensures a range of lived experiences and cultural perspectives shape decisions. This isn’t just about fairness – it’s about making better, more inclusive decisions.”

“While our report is focused on comms professionals in the NHS, we know that there is a lack of diversity at a senior level, across all sectors and that staff from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to face bullying and harassment.”

“To deliver on the ambitions of the NHS Ten-Year Health Plan, we must create an environment that supports ethnic minority staff to thrive and progress. Without that, we risk losing the very people who can help us connect with the diverse communities we serve.”

The repo…

NHS leaders need to act now to avoid a talent drain that could lead to a mass loss of ethnic minority communications staff within three years due to poor experi

01/08/2025

Age UK Warns 2.4 Million Digitally Excluded Older People Are At Risk Of Being Left Behind

New analysis for Age UK has found that 2.4 million (19%, nearly one in five) older people have limited use of the internet – using it less than once a month or not at all.

On the day Age UK delivered its 173,949 strong petition to No 10 Downing Street, the Charity calls on the Government to ensure there is an enforceable, ‘clear guarantee’ to offline alternatives to all public services, including NHS and council services, which can include in person options and assisted digital access.

Findings for Age UK found that limited internet use is more common among older people in some groups, rising to 32% for older Black and 26% for older Asian people, 30% for older people who live alone and 22% for older women and those struggling financially.

In the past 12 months it was revealed that 920,000 (7%) older people reduced the amount they used the internet reinforcing the fact found in previous Age UK research that older people who go online do not always stay there as they age, for a wide range of reasons. In addition, the latest data available also shows that 12% of older people – equivalent to 1.6 million, – don’t use a mobile phone at all, and 33% (4.3 million) of older people don’t use a smartphone.

Thirty-one per cent of older people (equivalent to 4 million) said that poor IT skills prevented them from going online and 22% - equivalent to 2.9 million – of older people said that lack of trust in the internet was a reason for them not going online.

The Charity is concerned that a ‘digital first’ approach, with insufficient offline alternatives available and a lack of opportunities to support those who want to go online to do so, will see older people struggling to manage their own finances and healthcare as they age.

Last year, Age UK launched a nationwide petition following feedback from older people across the Age UK network about the daily struggles they face to do basic things like paying for parking, applying for Blue Badges and accessing GP appointments – all because they do not use digital technology.

Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said:
"It's clear that technology is set to transform many aspects of our lives for the better over the next decade, including the delivery of healthcare and how we interact with the NHS.

“The potential of the NHS App for example, is truly exciting, but we must also ensure that no one is left behind, including the many millions of older people who are not online and who often want and need to use more traditional means of communication, such as telephone and face to face.

“Through our petition, older people who aren't able or choose not to be online told us they were deeply worried about being locked out of the essential services they depend on. Some said that they felt belittled and unfairly bullied into going online and that this, plus a frequent failure on the part of organisations of all kinds to offer them easily accessible alternatives, was positively ageist. Whether you agree with that or not, there’s no doubt in our minds at Age UK that a poorly planned and delivered transition to digital by default would pose very real risks to the health, wellbeing, finances and inclusion of millions of older people: for their sake above all we have to get it right.

“The Government's commitment to a digitally inclusive approach is really important for this reason, to build public trust. It is also essential if the NHS's promise of being equally accessible to all to is to continue to hold true in our increasingly digital world.

“Over time, it’s true that more people are going online and feeling comfortable using tech in later life, but some people will always be offline or only very basic users, for all kinds of different reasons. However inconvenient this reality may be, we have to factor it into how we design services; in some cases, for example, it may be possible to develop tech-based approaches that do not depend on an individual older person having to manipulate them themselves. Nonetheless, for the foreseeable future there will be a need for good offline alternatives and the Government must ensure they are put in place in every essential service on which older people rely.

“There’s also a need for a complete step-change in our efforts to encourage and support more people of all ages to go online, if they wish to do so. If funding is available, the voluntary sector can certainly help with online training and support and at Age UK we look forward to doing so."

Although many older people fully embrace the digital world, digital exclusion is more common at older ages. Age UK believes that people should be supported and encouraged to get online, but those who cannot, or do not want to do so should be able to access services offline and receive support in a way that suits them. For more information, read Age UK’s consultation response to the Government’s Dig…

New analysis for Age UK has found that 2.4 million (19%, nearly one in five) older people have limited use of the internet – using it less than once a month o

01/08/2025

New Manager For Tiptree Care Homes

Dawn Skippins has been appointed as manager of Morley Road and Henderson and Harvard in Tiptree, part of Salutem Care and Education.

Dawn started her career in care sixteen years ago when she was just 19 and fell in love with the sector, believing she was in a role where she could make a real difference to people’s lives. In her career at Salutem she has progressed to a managerial role from her initial position as senior support worker.

Her goal is to encourage the individuals she supports to dream big and live their lives to the full no matter what. She is focused on person centred support to enable each individual to work towards their independence and have the best quality of care they need.

Morley Road is a 24-hour residential home for adults which supports people who live with learning disabilities, mental health support needs and physical health needs.

Dawn said: “Salutem has been incredible over the five years I’ve been working for them and I would never want to work anywhere else. The team is so knowledgeable, and sense of community is something I am really grateful for. It’s like one big family and I am excited to get started in my new role and continue to empower the individuals we support.”

Regional director of Salutem Care and Education, Lucy Bithell said:
“Big congratulations to Dawn and I wish her every success in her new role. I know she will do an amazing job for the individuals we support and her teams. She is a testament to the incredible career opportunities in the social care sector here at Salutem.”

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Dawn Skippins has been appointed as manager of Morley Road and Henderson and Harvard in Tiptree, part of Salutem Care and Education. Dawn started her career

01/08/2025

LGA Annual Reports Highlights Ongoing Positive Impact Of Sector Support

The LGA’s latest Sector Support annual report has showcased the positive difference support has made across local government through its range of improvement activity.

The LGA has also released its peer challenge annual report which identifies key themes from across the 121 Corporate Peer Challenges, Governance Peer Challenges, Finance Peer Challenges and progress reviews delivered through the 2024/25 programme.

100 per cent of councils said they felt their CPC had a positive impact and feel more confident about their council delivering its priorities. The reports also highlight that 95 per cent of councillor and officer peers say that their involvement in delivering a peer challenge has had a positive impact on their own skills, knowledge and development.

The wider Sector Support Annual Report underlines the LGA’s strong track record of delivering high impact, low-cost programmes, that are highly valued by the sector.

This includes through the LGA’s sector support programme, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and wider improvement programmes, including children’s services, Partners in Care and Health, cyber, digital and technology, One Public Estate (OPE), planning (PAS and Pathways to Planning), our Joint Inspection Team, procurement, and sustainability—also funded by UK Government department; and through the culture and sport support offer, which is funded by Sport England and Arts Council England.

In 2024/25, 100 per cent of English councils engaged with at least one type of LGA support.

The sector support programme alone saves the sector tens of millions of pounds annually, including through delivering significant economies of scale and through using a peer-based approach.

The LGA has continued to strengthen focus on assurance across programme areas, to help support councils to deliver good governance and Best Value. New offers in 2024/25 included a new improvement and assurance self assessment framework, guidance for leaders and a new governance and assurance hub available on the LGA’s website.

Officers and members have continued to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities, across areas including governance, finance and specialised programmes for statutory officers. 1,139 councillors from 258 councils attended our leadership programmes delivered as part of the sector support programme, with further opportunities delivered across areas including children’s, adults social care and planning.

The 2024/25 offer provided wide ranging support to respond to demand pressures, including dedicated workforce and transformation support, and support spanning a broad spectrum of service delivery.

More than two thirds of all councils accessed our national recruitment campaign for local government, ‘Make a Difference, Work for Your Local Council’, delivered in partnership with Solace and the sector. Evaluations from this show this campaign has made real difference in supporting recruitment efforts at a local level.

Critically, the offer included intensive and dedicated support to councils to those councils who needed support most, including bespoke support to help address and mitigate governance and finance challenges.

Cllr Abi Brown, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said:
“The LGA’s Sector support programme is vital in supporting councils to respond to the toughest challenges facing local government, delivering highly-impactful programmes at low cost for both central and local government.”

“Our offer directly addresses council needs from dealing with workforce challenges, implementing digital and AI tools and changes of leadership or political transitions.”

“This report demonstrates what a council-led approach can achieve by making best use of knowledge and skills from within local government. LGA peers provide local authorities with unmatched experience and a trusted source of support, sharing learning, and strengthening the knowledge base across the sector.”

“We continue to learn and improve, enhancing our offer based on council insight, to enable them to respond to new challenges and harness opportunities, now and in the years ahead.”

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The LGA’s latest Sector Support annual report has showcased the positive difference support has made across local government through its range of improvement

01/08/2025

Residents at Carntyne Care Home Enjoy Visit from MP

HC-One Scotland’s Greenfield Park Care Home in Carntyne, Glasgow, was visited on Friday, July 25, by Maureen Burke, Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow North East.

Residents and colleagues at the HC-One Scotland owned care home enjoyed meeting their MP Maureen Burke, and chatting to her about what life is like at Greenfield Park Care Home – which is an integral part of the local Carntyne community.

MP Maureen Burke enjoyed a tour round the 90 bedded nursing and nursing dementia care home, including the internet café, cinema, pub, nail bar, kitchenette, lounge, quiet room, ensuite bedrooms and landscaped garden.

Adelle Bryant, HC-One Scotland’s Greenfield Park Care Home Manager, said:
"We were honoured to welcome MP Maureen Burke to Greenfield Park. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging visit, with meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to our residents, colleagues, and community, and how we can work together to address them."

Maureen Burke, Member of Parliament for Glasgow North East, stated:
“It was a real pleasure to visit Greenfield Park Care Home. I was truly inspired by the incredible community spirit, the dedication of the staff, and the innovative approach that made the whole place feel so warm and welcoming.”

“It genuinely felt like a home - where residents are treated with dignity and respect and clearly enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment. The care team work tirelessly to create a vibrant, compassionate environment, and their efforts really shine through.

"Carers are the backbone of our society, and the amazing work being done here deserves to be recognised, celebrated, and supported."

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HC-One Scotland’s Greenfield Park Care Home in Carntyne, Glasgow, was visited on Friday, July 25, by Maureen Burke, Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow No

01/08/2025

Centrum Care Homes Group Rescues Teignmouth Care Home from Closure

Centrum Care Homes Group has stepped in to save a much-loved Devon care home from closure, protecting the homes of vulnerable residents, safeguarding dozens of jobs, and restoring a vital community service.

The care home, located in Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, formerly known as Moors Park, had been rated Inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was at serious risk of closing after a notice of decision was issued. With the support of local authorities and the previous provider, Centrum Care Homes Group was invited to acquire the home and lead its recovery.

Without this intervention, 22 residents would have lost their home, more than 15 team members would have lost their jobs, and 37 much-needed care beds would have been removed from the county.

The home has now been renamed Estuary View, with the new name chosen by residents, families and staff following a community vote. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the building, which has a long history in the local area, serving many roles over the years - including time as a manor house and even as a Greek restaurant - before becoming a care home.

Tushar Shah and Mehul Shah, Co-Founders of Centrum Care Homes Group, said:
“When we learned this home was at risk, we knew we had to step in. The thought of residents being uprooted and losing their home, and staff losing their livelihoods, was unthinkable. Instead, we have given the home a new identity as Estuary View, and we are fully committed to bringing it back to life. We will invest in its people, its infrastructure and its spirit so that it can once again be a place the community is proud of.”

Over the next two years, Centrum Care Homes Group will invest more than £150,000 into the home, funding refurbishments, training and the introduction of new systems. The top floor, which had to be closed under the previous provider due to regulatory issues, will reopen in September, restoring the home to full capacity.

Suzanne Gatrell, Operations Manager for Centrum Care Homes Group and Acting Registered Manager at Estuary View, said:
“This home had lost its way, but it had not lost its heart. It has always been part of the community, and we are determined to make it something the community can be proud of again. The team has embraced the changes, families have supported us, and we are already seeing improvements – better care, a stronger team, and a real sense of pride returning to the home.”

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Centrum Care Homes Group has stepped in to save a much-loved Devon care home from closure, protecting the homes of vulnerable residents, safeguarding dozens of

31/07/2025

Sport England – Carers Active Three-Year Boost

Carers UK is re-launching its successful Carers Active project following a new funding contract from Sport England of £362,184 for three years.

There are 4.7 million unpaid carers in England looking after someone who is ill, elderly or disabled, and many struggle to prioritise their own health and wellbeing. Whilst physical activity can have important health benefits three quarters (76%) of carers aged 55+ do not feel that they are able to do as much physical activity as they’d like to do.

The Carers Active project aims to tackle health inequalities for carers by increasing their activity levels. This is particularly timely given the publication of the Government’s NHS 10-year plan which will focus on early intervention, predicting and preventing ill health rather than simply diagnosing and treating it.

Previous funding for the project enabled Carers UK among other things to create the Carers Active Hub, a dedicated resource with exercise videos, activity ideas and carer stories used by over 8,000 carers per year. A further 461 carers attended online activity sessions.

Carers taking part said it gave them the confidence to be active in a way that suited their needs. It also increased their feelings of self-worth and happiness by fostering social connections and reducing loneliness.

With the re-launch of the project, the charity plans to build on its connections made with professionals in the sport, leisure, health and care sectors. It will facilitate local partnerships to grow understanding about the importance of physical activity for carers and increase the number of opportunities for carers to join in-person place based activities.

Carers UK will also run its own mini campaigns and challenge events, promoting activities that are accessible, low-cost and can be embedded into the everyday lives of carers to inspire increased participation.

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
“If you’re caring for someone, you’re more likely to be in poor health. 43% of current or former carers have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on caring responsibilities.”

“Getting active can be a powerful antidote to this. In our State of Caring survey more than half (52%) of carers taking part in a physical activity told us that this reduces stress and anxiety, but often, time constraints, tiredness and affordability can get in the way.”

“We’re delighted to have secured funding from Sport England for another three years because we want to see an increase in accessible activities designed with carers in mind. We’re excited to see the re-launch of this important project giving carers much-needed opportunities to improve their health and meet others in their communities.”

Aedan Wolton, Strategic Lead, Equality at Sport England said:
“With the help of National Lottery funding, we are driven to help carers - who so often put the needs and wellbeing of others first- get active and benefit from the physical and mental health benefits of movement for themselves, in low and no-cost ways.”

“Our partnership has already helped thousands of carers find ways to get physically active and we’re delighted to continue our work with Carers UK on this front.”

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Carers UK is re-launching its successful Carers Active project following a new funding contract from Sport England of £362,184 for three years. There are 4.

31/07/2025

New Landmark As 200th Care Home Gains VFF Status

A care home in Cheshire has become the 200th in England to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.

Barony Lodge Residential Care Home in Nantwich, which is part of the Sanctuary Care group, gained VFF-approval July.

The free-to-access VFF programme helps providers to offer appropriate support for veterans living in care homes across England. It aims to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans and their partners.

Barony Lodge currently cares for three veterans, and marked its VFF status with a party for all of their residents.

Home Manager Jo Cookson said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have achieved Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, and to be the 200th home to do so. Our VFF status is testament to our commitment to recognising and supporting those who have served. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents in every way we can and this accreditation highlights how we are in an even better position to provide the truly person-centred care and understanding our veterans truly deserve.”

The VFF is a collaboration between Royal Star & Garter, Royal British Legion and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA – an NHS flagship Armed Forces programme), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

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A care home in Cheshire has become the 200th in England to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status. Barony Lodge Residential Care Home in Nantwich, w

31/07/2025

TV Personality Reverend Kate Bottley Officially Opens Tudor House Care Home in Thornbury

Oyster Care Homes proudly marked the official opening of Tudor House in Thornbury; it’s eighth environmentally friendly care home.

The day’s celebrations began with an appearance from Gogglebox star Reverend Kate Bottley, who joined Amanda Hawley, the General Manager at Tudor House, to perform a ribbon cutting ceremony.

MP Claire Young and Deputy Mayor Chris Woodhouse were also in attendance, both of whom praised the home's commitment to high-quality, personalised care and highlighted the positive impact Tudor House is poised to have on the local community.

Guests enjoyed live music performed by Phil of Thinking Music, as well as refreshments, a traditional ice cream van, and a charity raffle held in support of Age UK South Gloucestershire.

Amanda said, "We are so proud to open our doors to the Thornbury community. Tudor House is not just a care home – it’s a place where people can feel genuinely supported, connected, and valued.

“We will enrich the lives of our residents while also contributing positively to the wider community. We look forward to building strong relationships locally and making a lasting difference."

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Oyster Care Homes proudly marked the official opening of Tudor House in Thornbury; it’s eighth environmentally friendly care home. The day’s celebrations

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