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We’re incredibly proud to share that we’ve retained the Public Sector Catering Award for Care Catering – for the third year in a row! Our chefs and kitchen teams across 163 homes work hard to deliver delicious, high-quality meals that enable every resident to dine with dignity, no matter their dietary needs. From day one, we sit down with residents and their loved ones to understand their preferences, allergies, and culinary wishes, which shape our regularly changing menus. Through our Care UK Chef Academy, specialist IDDSI training, and investment in outstanding produce and facilities, we support our chefs to innovate and grow. Recent initiatives like our partnership with Tea from the Manor to create Next Level Tea and reimagining traditional diabetic diets demonstrate our commitment to food inclusivity. We’re thrilled to see the dedication of our catering teams recognised once again. They go above and beyond every day, making a real difference to residents’ health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of life. Speaking on winning the award, Jon Bicknell, Director of Food and Hotel Services said: “I am delighted that Care UK has won this award for the third consecutive year. I am extremely proud of the catering teams here at Care UK, they truly go above and beyond to provide residents with the highest quality meals.”
At Care UK, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain valuable workplace experience and, where possible, move into paid employment. We recently hosted a taster morning for students considering our Supported Internship programme – a year-long opportunity offering hands-on experience in key care home roles such as Maintenance, Kitchen Assistant, Activities Coordinator, Laundry Assistant and Resident Companion. With support from our colleagues and Ways into Work, students explored different career pathways, took part in interactive activities, and toured the home to visualise potential roles. A highlight was hearing from Shania, a current intern, who shared how the programme has helped her gain confidence, develop new skills, and feel part of a supportive team. By the end of the session, students reflected on the morning, shared their thoughts and left to decide whether they’d like to take the next step and join the Supported Internship programme, which begins in September. Over the course of the year, they’ll gain practical experience and develop workplace skills. We’re excited to welcome the next cohort in September and look forward to seeing them grow in confidence and capability.
We are proud to share that our Paisley Court Care Home in Dovecot has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), reflecting the dedication and commitment of our team. Inspectors praised the home’s open and inclusive culture, highlighting the strong team morale and focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred care. They noted how we celebrate cultural diversity, embracing residents’ unique backgrounds to create a welcoming community. One relative told inspectors: “The team is brilliant—that’s why I like it.” The report also recognised our commitment to continuous learning and innovation, with team members benefitting from personal development opportunities, including dementia training. Christina Owens, Home Manager at Paisley Court, said: “This rating is a testament to our team’s dedication to enriching residents’ lives. Our commitment to high-quality care is unwavering, and we’re proud to receive this recognition from the CQC. We’ll continue striving to provide exceptional care every day.”
Trust, being yourself, and “staying out of the way” were just some of the pearls of wisdom shared by couples at Mildenhall Lodge during a very special Valentine’s Day celebration. The team at Care UK’s Mildenhall Lodge transformed the home into a hub of romance, complete with heart-shaped balloons, rose petals, champagne, and a specially prepared lunch followed by live music. Residents dressed to impress and shared stories of love, laughter, and the secrets to their long-lasting marriages. Mary, 89, and John Wood, 92, who have been married for 67 years, reminisced about their love story, which began in 1950 at a dance. Reflecting on their years together, Mary shared that “being yourself” is key to a happy marriage. Fellow residents Molly, 90, and Ted Huggins, 88, who are celebrating over 40 years of marriage, added humor to the event with Ted’s advice: “staying out of the way or going fishing.” Meanwhile, Joyce, 84, and Joseph Dukes, 90, celebrating 64 years of marriage, emphasised the importance of “trust.” Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge, said: “It was a joy to celebrate the love stories of Mary and John, Molly and Ted, and Joyce and Joseph. Our team worked hard to make the event unforgettable, and it was wonderful to see so many residents reminiscing and sharing fond memories. These couples are living proof that true love stands the test of time, and their advice has given us plenty to think about.”
Join Us for Our Free Dementia Advice Event at our Oakfield Croft Care Home. At Oakfield Croft, we’re proud to be part of The Big Dementia Conversation, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and understanding of dementia. On Thursday, 6th February, from 1:30-3:30pm, we’re inviting the Sale community to our special event, Living Well with Dementia. Led by our team member Amber Williams, the session will explore meaningful activities and our award-winning approach to nutrition, helping people living with dementia lead fulfilling lives. Complimentary refreshments will also be provided. Despite growing awareness, many people still attribute dementia symptoms to old age and may not realise the ways individuals can thrive after a diagnosis. Through initiatives like this event and our newly launched online advice hub, we aim to dispel myths and provide practical guidance. The hub features family stories and expert advice on managing dementia and reducing its symptoms. Home Manager Daniel Cole shares: “While there’s no cure for dementia, understanding how to manage symptoms can make a significant difference. We’re excited to open our doors for this informative session and look forward to welcoming the community.” Spaces are limited, so please book early to secure your place.
Celebrating 105 Years with Alice at Deewater Grange At 105 years young, Alice Ellam, one of our cherished residents at Deewater Grange, shared her secret to a long and happy life: “Plum pudding!” To mark this incredible milestone, Alice celebrated with her family, friends, and our team members, surrounded by balloons, banners, and, of course, a delicious cake. Born on 13th December 1919 in Handbridge, Alice has lived most of her life in Chester. She started her career at the Co-op and later rode her bike around town checking electricity meters during the war. Alice’s life has been filled with love, including more than 50 years of marriage to her husband Eric, with whom she shared a daughter and granddaughter. She credits “give and take” as the secret to a successful marriage. Known for her bubbly personality, Alice loves music, has a passion for television—especially Dickens adaptations—and has been part of our Deewater Grange family since November 2023. She is also proud to have received royal birthday cards from both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. Sally Cooper, our Home Manager, said: “Alice is such a sociable and well-loved member of our community. It was a joy to celebrate her incredible milestone and hear her advice for happiness. I think we should all enjoy a little more plum pudding!” Here’s to Alice and her wonderful life filled with love, laughter, and sweet treats!
Christmas cheer filled the air at Oak House as residents enjoyed a festive afternoon with children from Wexham Court Primary School. The pupils brought the season to life with a heartwarming Christmas carol sing-along, where residents joined in enthusiastically, belting out much-loved seasonal tunes. The children played musical instruments to accompany the singing, adding a special touch to the event. In the true spirit of giving, the children delivered handmade Christmas cards and gifts they had created themselves, as well as an assortment of sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. The thoughtful gestures were met with big smiles and heartfelt thanks from the residents. Looking ahead, the residents are excited to continue building their budding friendship with the schoolchildren. Plans are already in motion for more fun activities and initiatives in the New Year. Reflecting on the afternoon, Home Manager Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Buda said: “We’ve been feeling the festive spirit at Oak House, and spending time with the pupils from Wexham Court Primary School made it even more special. Singing everyone’s favorite carols together was such a joy. “Intergenerational activities like these are incredibly rewarding for both young and older people. They provide an opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences, and create meaningful connections. “It was wonderful to hear everyone sharing their favorite Christmas traditions and reminiscing about holidays from the past".
We’re proud to share that Care UK has won Bronze for 'Use of Technology' at the prestigious In-House Recruitment Awards! This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in leveraging technology to enhance recruitment and onboarding experiences. We are especially proud of the technological advancements we’ve made and the positive impact they have had on productivity in a forever-evolving world. At Care UK, we remain dedicated to seeking out new initiatives that position us as a leader in technological innovation within the sector. Here’s to embracing new ideas and continuing to raise the bar in recruitment!
We’re excited to invite the local community to join us at our Abney Court Care Home in Cheadle for our very own Christmas fair! On Sunday 8th December, from 2-4pm, we’ll be spreading festive cheer with an event full of seasonal treats and activities. Residents, team members, and guests will come together to kick off the holiday season with a market ‘yule’ not want to miss. There’ll be stalls offering cakes and sweets, a special visit from Santa, and plenty of festive treats, including mince pies and mulled wine. To top it all off, our very own choir will perform magical Christmas carols to get everyone into the festive spirit. Zoe Smart, our Home Manager, shared: “We’re already counting down to Christmas here at Abney Court, and we’re thrilled to be hosting this festive event. It’s a great way to bring the community together, giving residents the chance to share their favorite Christmas memories, meet new people, and enjoy the magic of the season. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a wonderful day – I can already hear the jingle bells ringing!” Come along and join us for an afternoon filled with festive fun and holiday cheer – we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
We’re excited to share that we have officially taken on the leadership and management of six care homes in Yorkshire, previously operated by Springfield Healthcare. This transition, which began on Monday, 7th October, includes the following homes: Chapter House, Beverley Chocolate Works, York Harcourt Gardens, Harrogate Mayfield View, Ilkley Seacroft Grange, Leeds Seacroft Green, Leeds Andrew Knight, our Chief Executive Officer, shared his thoughts on this exciting new chapter: “I’m delighted to welcome Springfield colleagues, residents, and their loved ones into the Care UK family. “Care quality has always been at the heart of what Springfield stands for, and it’s a value we hold close as well. We’ll continue to ensure residents receive the best possible support to live fulfilling and happy lives. “This venture is an exciting step for us as we expand into a new region. These homes perfectly align with the Care UK brand, and we’re looking forward to getting to know the residents, their local communities, and our new colleagues while supporting and developing their talents.” With more than 40 years of experience providing award-winning, high-quality care, this addition brings our total to 164 homes across England, Scotland, and Wales—maintaining our position as the UK’s most highly rated large care provider. As part of this transition, we’re welcoming almost 600 new colleagues and 528 additional beds.
