Henford House Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

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

03/09/2025

✨ Today at Henford House, we once again witnessed the transformative power of art and music.

The morning began with Pottery with Alvin and Sally, where creativity flowed as residents shaped something unique with their own hands. Later, during Connections with Marta, conversations opened doors to memories, laughter, and heartfelt sharing.

And the afternoon came alive with the joyful music of Mike & Muriel, filling the lounge with songs that touched every heart.

🎶Art and music are universal languages — they need no translation, for they speak directly to the soul. They awaken memories, bring forgotten emotions to life, and weave invisible threads of connection between us.

For people living with dementia and other conditions, these moments are truly magical: a melody or a creative gesture becomes a key to unlock memories, feelings, and sensations that remain vibrant within.

Today, once again, we saw smiles brighten faces and hearts beating together in harmony. And that is the pure essence of life.

💛🌿 “Music can change the world because it can change people.” — Bono

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

Its that time again when we welcome our youngest visitors to bring joy and fun to Henford House.
Please feel free to come along next Monday 8th September, and meet other parents in a relaxed setting, and share some fun with our residents.

01/09/2025

Calling all Families...
Join us on Sunday for Grandparents Day and celebrate these special people in our lives. Enjoy some delicious refreshments and share stories and memories.
We also have professional photographer Matt Curtis Photography - LBIPP here should you wish to have some cherished photographs taken.

29/08/2025

We have a Fabulous Friday Feeling 🥂🎵💃

And what could be better than a glass of fizz, tasty supper, and live entertainment!

We were thrilled to welcome the wonderful Tickled Pink Productions who delighted our residents with song and dance, while they enjoyed a glass (or two) along with a fabulous buffet prepared by our wonderful catering team.

Such a wonderful occasion for residents and staff to enjoy something a little special to finish of a wonderful week.

If you would like to find out more about the lifestyle at Henford House, please free to give us a call on 01985 212430.

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. ✨

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

✨ Today at Henford House something truly magical happened ✨

The activity was dedicated to childhood memories and heartfelt conversations around the table. But this time, something even deeper unfolded…

With the guidance of Marta Pereira, author of the Book “Mamachas Magical Dolls – An Ancestral Art of Healing”, the residents came together to create a Mamacha — a healing doll born from an ancient tradition where every stitch and every knot carries intention, memory, and love.

It was more than a craft. It was a ritual of remembrance, a weaving of stories, a circle of healing. Each resident added a piece of their heart, their laughter, their memories. And from this union, a new guardian was born: Beatrice 💫 — the name chosen collectively after much joy and sharing.

Beatrice is not just a doll. She is a symbol.
A keeper of protection, Love, Happiness, Health, Closeness and Joy

A reminder of the strength that lives in community.
A vessel of love that will continue to hold the stories of everyone who touched her.

🌿 What we witnessed today was proof that ancestral arts do more than create beauty — they heal, connect, and give life to what truly matters: our shared humanity and spirit.

💖

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.

25/08/2025

What A Day 😁😊🎂🐕🎶🥳

A sensational day was had by everyone at our Summer Fete and Dog Show, and we are so deeply grateful for everyone that made this day really special.

1 resident said afterwards "It was Top Class, A-Star. I've not had some much fun in years".
Another said "Thank you so much for a really wonderful day. I used to have to organise days like this, and now I get to sit back and just enjoy them."

We have so many people to thank - everyone who has worked on preparing and planning, setting up, delivering on the day, clearing up, and making sure everything kept running smoothly at the same time.
Thank you to all the Delightful dogs who were all so beautiful.
Thank you for all the wonderful donations to our raffle and prizes.
Thank you to Sandy from Dorothy House who shared with us all how the funds raised will be used for crucial actions, and for Young Lives vs Cancer for all your support.
Thank you to Neill Tully Qpm for the amazing performance of Quite Frankly Sings, keeping everyone singing and dancing for hours 💃

And thank you for everyone who supported this fantastic event which has raised much needed funds for our chosen charities. We'll be sharing the total amounts when it has all been verified, but suffice to say - it was a great success!

If you would like to know more about the great events and lifestyle at Henford House please feel free to give us a call on 01985 212430.

23/08/2025

Today's the Day!!!! 🎶🐕🐩

Come and join us for an afternoon of Fabulous Fun and Doggy Delights 😊
We have a range of stalls selling special handmade items, and plenty of ways to test your luck and see if youre a winner.

🐶 The dog show has 10 categories, so that's 10 chances for your doggy to be a winner 🏆

We have fantastic live music that will put a smile on everyone's face.

Plus, there is lots of cake 🍰 and a delicious bbq with our chef!

What more could you wish for? 😁

And - you will know that it's all raising vital funds for 2 incredible charities Dorothy House and Young Lives vs Cancer

Come along, have a great time, and know you're doing something special for these great charities. See you at 2pm!

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

20/08/2025

✨ Today at Henford House ✨

This morning was filled with creativity and joy.

Our residents rolled up their sleeves and made delicious homemade bread using a traditional Portuguese recipe – a wonderful way to exercise hands and arms while connecting with cherished memories. 🍞

Others enjoyed a pottery session, while some residents in their rooms received a caring visit.

💙 Meanwhile, some of our lovely ladies had their nails done and enjoyed some pampering time. 💅

In the afternoon, we gathered together to taste the fresh bread – two delightful recipes: one plain and soft, perfect with butter and jam, and another enriched with raisins and seeds. 🍇✨

While sharing this treat, we began our wooden doll painting workshop. Each doll came to life with bright colors and unique personalities, filling the room with laughter, creativity, and stories. 🎨🪆

A truly heartwarming day, celebrating community, creativity, and care at Henford House. 💖

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! 👏

18/08/2025

Don't forget that today is the day for Warminster's monthly Carers' Cafe with Carer Support Wiltshire
Come along for a chat over a cuppa, and gain some support from this friendly and compassionate group.

14/08/2025

🍓🎶 Strawberry Afternoon Tea at Henford House! 🎶🍓

What an unforgettable afternoon we had at Henford House raising money for Breast Cancer Now 💖

Our residents were treated to a delicious cream tea (with extra strawberries, of course! 🍰🍓), fabulous live music from Quite Franckly, and an afternoon full of laughter, singing, and dancing that had everyone smiling from ear to ear! 💃🕺

There’s nothing quite like the magic of great music, tasty treats, and coming together for a wonderful cause. Thank you to everyone who organised this fantastic day, and thank you to everyone who joined us and supported this special event 💗

Here’s to more joyful moments and meaningful causes!

If you want to learn more about life at Henford House, and the many special events we have coming up, give us a call on 01985 212430

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

13/08/2025

🎶🎨 A Day of Movement, Creativity & Connection at Henford House

This morning, the lounge came alive with dance and joyful movement, lifting spirits and energising the day.

We also brought smiles to residents who couldn’t join us in the lounge, visiting them in their rooms with warmth and conversation.

Meanwhile, in another space, hands were busy shaping and creating during our pottery session — a time for tactile creativity and expression.

In the afternoon, the atmosphere softened as we gathered for intuitive painting accompanied by beautiful classical music.🎶

At Henford House, every day is an opportunity to move, create, connect and share moments that matter. 💛

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. 👏

09/08/2025

🐈 International Cat Day

An opportunity for our residents to combine 2 of the most common interests: Animals and Learning new information.

We were delighted to welcome volunteers from Search and Scan to tell us about the remarkable work they do to find missing cats, and reunite them with their families.

We also got to see the equipment they use in their roles, and hear some heartwarming stories of cats going on adventures and being reunited with the people who love them most.

Many of our residents have had cats and we had a wonderful afternoon sharing stories and memories of our beloved cats, and all the mischief they cause 😸

Thank you again to Dilys and Anne. You are remarkable women do fantastic work!

If anyone's pet goes missing please contact the wonderful people at Search And Scan for the best advice and support.