Wellbeing


includes not only accessible vehicles but also careful planning around the timing and support available. For care providers, these factors point


towards a more integrated approach to service design. Rather than viewing each home as a standalone unit, there is value in considering how different services connect and complement one another as part of a wider network.


The power of peer support and leadership Alongside social connection, one of the most powerful aspects of cross-home communities is the opportunity for peer support. When people who share similar


experiences come together, they are often able to support each other in ways that stretch beyond traditional care. In some services, this has been formalised through ambassador programs. Individuals in these positions may welcome new people, contribute to decision- making, and help shape the activities and culture within their home. When these roles extend across multiple


services, they take on an added dimension. People can connect with peers in similar roles, share ideas, mentor one another, and contribute to initiatives that reach beyond a single setting. This kind of peer leadership can


be incredibly empowering. It builds confidence, develops new skills, and gives people a sense of purpose. Importantly, it shifts the narrative of care. People are not defined solely by their needs, but recognised for their strengths, perspectives, and contributions.


Supporting transitions and building belonging Moving into a care home can be a significant and sometimes daunting experience. It often involves leaving behind familiar environments, routines, and relationships, which can lead to uncertainty and anxiety. Creating opportunities for connection


from the outset can make a meaningful difference. When people are welcomed not just by staff but also by peers, it helps to establish trust and familiarity more quickly. Cross-home communities strengthen this


further by offering access to a wider network of support. Incomers are not limited to forming relationships within one setting but can connect with a broader group where they may find shared interests more easily. Over time, these connections help people feel more settled and confident. They reduce


Human connection plays a central role in emotional resilience, confidence, and identity


feelings of isolation and support individuals to rebuild a sense of identity and belonging. For those who may have experienced


previous placement breakdowns, this can be particularly important. A strong sense of community can provide stability and a renewed sense of possibility.


Looking ahead: embedding community into care delivery This trend reflects a broader shift in how we think about care environments. Community is no longer defined solely by a single building, but by the relationships and connections that people are able to form. This aligns with wider trends across the


sector, including a stronger focus on person- centred care, social value, and integration with local communities. There is increasing recognition that wellbeing is multi- dimensional, and that social and emotional needs must be supported alongside clinical care. Cross-home communities offer a


practical way of responding to this, creating opportunities for connection and support more dynamic, responsive service models. For providers, the challenge is to embed


these approaches in a way that is sustainable and meaningful. For care providers, it presents an opportunity to create environments that support connection not just within one home, but across a wider network. Ultimately, it comes back to a simple but


powerful idea. Care is less about where people live, but how they live. And for many,


46 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com July 2026


that means having the opportunity to build relationships, to feel part of something, and to continue growing as individuals. By looking beyond, the boundaries


of a single home and embracing a more connected approach, the sector can move closer to creating environments where people truly belong.n


Sophia Feurtado- Jackson


Sophia Feurtado-Jackson is service user engagement manager at Exemplar Health Care, with nine years championing the voices of those receiving care. She leads initiatives fostering connection, peer leadership and wellbeing. She also held engagement roles at Birmingham and Solihull NHS Trust and is strongly committed to co-production.


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