Forest Hill Care Home - Barchester Healthcare

05/09/2025

✨️ Forest Hill is delighted to share our recent long service awards. Hannah is Forest Hill's Deputy Manager with 10 years service, Dan, our Head Chef also has 10 years service and Janet, one of Forest Hill's Registered nurses has 15 years service. Thank you all for your contribution to Forest Hill and long may it continue! ✨️

04/09/2025

✨ Today was our last Newark Crusader trip.
We had a lovely afternoon, yes we got wet getting off the bus on to the boat but then then sun 🌞 came out to brighten our afternoon.
We sailed down to Farndon then back up through the lock to Newark Castle.
Our residents and families had an enjoyable afternoon.

We would like to thank our crew on the Newark Crusader for helping us today and making our last trip of the year fun and enjoyable.
We will see you next year.✨

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

✨️ Congratulations on Jade winning Employee of the Month for August. Jade is one of Forest Hill's Senior Care Assistants and has been nominated by family members for being a 'very professional, reliable and excellent carer'. Well done Jade, keep up the good work 👏

03/09/2025

✨ Today we have had something a little different.

We have had a visit from Eric the Little Owl 🦉.

Eric was a huge hit with all our residents and staff.

We look forward to booking another visit soon. ✨

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

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! 👏

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.

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

✨️This morning we had a lovely visit from Musical Moments 🎼 with the lovely April Farthing .

We had a sing along and had some instruments out 🪇 🎺 and had a dance and did some gentle exercises.
Our residents loved the choice of music 🎶

We look forward to April's next visit.✨

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! 👏

14/08/2025

✨️ Forest Hill wouldn't be Forest Hill without its own little surprise 🎉 send off for Prince as he embarks on married 👩‍❤️‍👨 life. With love and best wishes to Prince and his new bride; from everyone at Forest Hill, we hope you have an amazing day 💗💗

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

✨️This afternoon we spent some time in the garden in the shade playing games.

Our residents have enjoyed the sunshine and challenge of the game.✨️

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. 👏

11/08/2025

✨️ Congratulations to Caroll on winning Employee of the Month for July. Caroll is one of Forest Hill's Care Assistants and has been nominated by her colleagues for ' outstanding effort - always willing and ready to help out. Attends to residents needs promptly and puts a smile on residents faces'. Well done Caroll, keep up the good work 👏

06/08/2025

✨ This afternoon we have tried something new!

We have had the lovely Sophie from Shimmy School in Sheffield.

She took us on a dancing and musical tour from Egypt, Turkey and India and the far East.

Sophie brought some silk scarves and Shimmy belts as well as fan veils.

Our residents, families and staff joined in.
Sophie explained what the moves were and what part of the body it helped move, she also explained what muscles it moved in our bodies.
Sophie also showed us some actual belly dancing and gave us a great performance.✨

04/08/2025

✨Today we have had a lovely session with April Farthing from Musical Moments 🎼 .

April brought us a fun and engaging session, these sessions bring music and movement together which helps our residents move in a gentle way.

April always opens with a warm up song and closes with a goodbye song 🎶

Our volunteer Sophie was kind enough to come in and support this activity this morning and Karen, one of our Housekeepers, popped in for a sing and dance with a couple of our residents who really enjoyed this engagement with April and our staff.

We talked about the Women's football ⚽️ results which lead to our own version of Sweet Caroline which April kindly played on her trumpet.

We also sang George Fornby's "When I'm cleaning windows" as well as played ukuleles.

Music is the key 🔑 to open our residents memories and some songs just unlock memories.

We can't wait for April Farthing to visit us again soon, her sessions seem to unlock emotions and forgotten songs and talents! ✨️

02/08/2025

✨ This afternoon we played Ring Toss game and a little bit of light exercise with throwing and catching the ball 🏀

Both our residents and family member enjoyed the game and the light exercise, another resident was our umpire for the Ring Toss and was a little camara shy.

Everyone enjoyed watching our game it was a little nail biting but it ended in a draw! We will have a rematch soon.
We ended our session with a well deserved cup of tea ☕. ✨

01/08/2025

✨️Yesterday we had some fun doing therapeutic coloring.

We enjoyed a glass of juice whilst colouring and our ladies enjoyed chatting with our volunteer Sophie.✨️