News
Chartwell House marks VE Day with veteran accreditations
Boutique Care Homes’ Chartwell House in Broadstairs has celebrated VE Day with a trio of veteran care accreditations. The home has achieved Veteran Friendly
Framework (VFF) accreditation, formalised its pledge through the Armed Forces Covenant, and received the Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The VFF, developed by Royal Star & Garter
in collaboration with the Royal British Legion and NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, supports care homes in delivering person-centred, military-aware care to veterans and their families. It encourages meaningful engagement, increased understanding, and tailored wellbeing approaches for those who have served. Kathryn Glass, VFF project lead at Royal Star & Garter said: “We’re delighted that Chartwell House has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person- centred care for veteran residents and their partners. This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff at Chartwell House, who are able to access enhanced training and
guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through.” At Chartwell House, Armed Forces status is thoughtfully identified and recorded to ensure each resident’s life story is acknowledged. Personal histories are explored in detail, with wellbeing and care plans tailored to reflect military service where appropriate. Visible symbols such as poppies are used to honour those who have served, helping to foster a deeper sense of identity, pride, and connection across the home.
Diane Blake, Home Manager at Chartwell House, said: “The VFF accreditation reflects our promise to truly see and support every resident who has served. It’s more than symbolism – it’s in the way we talk, plan, and care. From visits to local veteran groups to monthly gatherings and our visible in-home tributes, we’ve created a culture of honour and connection.” This commitment is further strengthened
by Chartwell House’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging fair treatment and opportunity for veterans, reservists, and military families, as well as the Bronze Award recognition from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, celebrating inclusive recruitment and veteran-friendly employment practices.
Admissions manager Jude Coveney said: “Families want to know their loved one will be understood. When someone’s life has been shaped by service, it deserves respect and thoughtful care. These accreditations show we don’t just acknowledge that – we live it, every day.”
St. Mary’s nursing home Sold to NGB Property Group
Redwoods Dowling Kerr has announced the sale of St. Mary’s Nursing Home in Rugby to established operator NGB Property Group. Registered for 56 residents, St. Mary’s Nursing Home is set within 10 acres of landscaped grounds and boasts a CQC ‘Good’ rating.
The site also offers future development potential, with two additional outbuildings that could be converted for specialist care use, subject to the necessary consents. With the previous owner selling due to retirement, Redwoods Dowling Kerr’s Asif Musa, deputy sales manager for Healthcare, identified the ideal buyer in NGB Property Group.
June 2025
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Asif Musa said: “The sale of this purpose- built nursing home demonstrates that the appetite for nursing homes remains high in the West Midlands. We managed to get an excellent result for our client. I would like to wish my client all the best with his semi- retirement.”
Vegetarian for Life celebrates ‘Roving Chefs’ initiative
Charity Vegetarian for Life is celebrating the impact of its ‘Roving Chefs’ initiative, which has reached over 61,000 individuals in the last three years. Working with a diverse range of groups – including care homes, community centres, stroke survivor groups, food banks, and older people’s friendship groups – the charity is transforming the accessibility and enjoyment of plant-based food for older adults. By championing practical cooking skills, VfL is helping to ensure that older vegans and vegetarians can continue to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. VfL’s team of four Roving Chefs
work closely with a wide variety of organisations, offering hands-on cookery training and expert guidance to improve plant-based meal provision. Care homes across the UK are
recognising the growing demand for plant-based options among their residents. HC-One, which has over 275 care homes, recently partnered with VfL to enhance its vegan and vegetarian menu offerings. During a dedicated development day,
VfL’s Roving Chef Alex Connell led training for HC-One’s chefs and kitchen assistants, introducing innovative plant-based recipes while addressing key nutritional considerations for older adults. The session helped build confidence among the culinary teams, ensuring they could offer diverse, nutritious, and appealing meals to all residents. Beyond recipe development, the training also covered texture-modified meals, ensuring that residents with specific dietary needs could still enjoy flavourful and nutritious plant-based dishes.
Victoria Meakin, group development chef at HC-One, shared: “We cater for every diet in HC-One care homes, and we have also noticed more and more of our residents choosing to eat less meat and more plant-based foods.
“That’s why giving our chefs the confidence to introduce delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes into our homes not only meets this growing demand but also encourages a more diverse diet and promotes resident wellbeing.”
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