News


We Care Group opens male only care environment in Blackburn The first specialist male only


Leading North of England care provider We Care Group has opened a specialist male only care environment in Old Gates Care Home in Blackburn. The environment will provide


bespoke specialised care for those with complex mental health needs and unable to live in a mixed gender space. Cherry House provides a safe


and secure home for 22 vulnerable residents, offering an alternative to prolonged hospital stays or home discharge, where complex care needs cannot always be appropriately managed. Underpinned by a dedicated onsite


mental health professional together with a team of nurses and support workers, the new specialist care environment has been developed to ensure all complex care needs can be met.


care facility to be launched by We Care Group, residents will also benefit from an engagement coordinator to encourage interests and hobbies, together with a clinical psychologist to develop tailored wellbeing plans. Bernie Suresparan, founder


and CEO of We Care Group, said: “Cherry House is a


safe space for male residents to express themselves freely, which is important for those experiencing complex mental health challenges. “Whether intentionally or unintentionally,


in a mixed gender service some individuals may pose a risk to other vulnerable residents, and this can lead to distress and isolation. Cherry House solves this problem, and we’re thrilled to offer this support to those who need it.”


Porthaven launches new day care service


Avondale Care Home, part of Porthaven Care Homes, has launched a new weekly day care service to provide family carers with valuable respite. To introduce the service, Porthaven


has partnered with Bloom Care Solutions – a specialist provider of day care for older adults. The service will run weekly, offering a tailored programme of morning and afternoon activities alongside a complimentary lunch. Group size is limited to 12 guests to maintain a calm, inclusive environment that balances stimulation and engagement with individual support. The launch was marked by a visit from the


Town Mayor of Aylesbury, Councillor Niddhi Mehta, who praised the initiative for opening up Avondale’s welcoming home to the wider community. Following Avondale, the day care service will be rolled out to additional Porthaven homes, including Elizabeth Gardens in Milton Keynes and Barley Manor in Cambridge. Antonios Loumousiotis, home manager at


Avondale, said: “What makes this partnership so special is that our residents can join in alongside people from the community, creating meaningful connections while everyone benefits from Bloom’s expertise and care. We’re looking forward to rolling this out


at Avondale and welcoming new faces into our home.” Lisa Soper, chief operating officer at


Porthaven Care Homes, said: “Porthaven has always been committed to creating homes that combine outstanding care with the warmth and hospitality that make people feel truly welcome. Our partnership with Bloom Care Solutions builds on that philosophy by opening our homes, free of charge, so that the wider community can access specialist day care in a safe and stylish setting that supports wellbeing and enhances quality of life. Avondale is the first of several Porthaven homes to introduce this model, and it reflects our vision for the future of care homes that act as centres of support for their communities, not only meeting the needs of residents but also enriching the lives of older people and carers beyond our doors.” Zachary Dawson, operations director


at Bloom Care Solutions, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Porthaven Care Homes to bring our high-quality day care services to local communities, starting with Avondale in Aylesbury. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in expanding accessible, person-centred support options for older adults in the community.”


12 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2025


Huntington home opens 24/7 nursing community


The Chase care home in Huntingdon has officially unveiled its brand-new nursing community. The first of its kind in Huntingdon, the


service provides round-the-clock nursing care alongside residential and dementia support. It is dedicated to two of The Chase’s own residents – Angela Owen- Smith OBE and Sonja Allerton – both of whom devoted their lives to medicine before their retirement. General manager Jessa Avila said: “When we created this nursing community, we wanted it to be built on genuine insight from those who have lived and breathed medical care. By working closely with nurses, doctors, and carers – including Angela and Sonja – we’ve been able to shape a service that truly puts best practice and compassion at its heart. I’m incredibly proud of our team and delighted we can now provide an even deeper level of support for residents and their families.” Connaught Care’s chief operating


officer Amanda Smith commented: “Having started my own journey in care as a carer, I know how much dedication, compassion and teamwork it takes to make a difference in someone’s life. That’s why opening this new nursing community at The Chase feels so special. I couldn’t be prouder of the team who brought this vision to life, and I know the community here in Huntingdon will feel its impact for years to come.” The Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Audrey


McAdam, added: “This expansion is great news for Huntingdon. It means that families right here in Huntingdon can be assured that their loved ones will receive the very best care, in a beautiful environment, from highly trained professionals they know and trust.”


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