News
apetito invests in dedicated recycling facility
apetito has invested in a dedicated meal tray sorting facility to increase the operational capacity of its closed loop recycling scheme. The company has now recycled over 40
million trays nationwide since it began back in 2021. First rolled out across its consumer business, Wiltshire Farm Foods, the system now operates through partnering care home and healthcare customers too. ‘Project Boomerang’ involves apetito
collecting back washed meal trays directly from customers and sending them to a specialist recycling facility in the UK. The business guarantees that 100 per cent of the collected trays are recycled into brand new trays, ensuring a closed loop system and generating better results than household recycling.
The expansion announcement follows
the government’s confirmation that it will be introducing an offset for closed loop recycling schemes from the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. Lee Sheppard, director of corporate affairs, policy and sustainability says: “We have seen continued growth and success in Project Boomerang since its inception and are extremely proud of the progress made to date. Opening this site gives us the opportunity to really drive forward this scheme and increase the volume of trays that we’re recycling from our customers, whilst continuing to reduce our carbon footprint. “We are delighted that the government
listened to industry and announced the offset for closed loop recycling systems within the EPR legislation, demonstrating its support for such schemes that align closely with its ambition to restore and enhance the environment for future generations. This support encourages us to continue building on our pioneering initiative and taking steps that we know are the right thing to do for the planet.”
Connaught Care launches mental health support service
Care home group Connaught Care Collection is offering free mental health and wellbeing support to both residents and their families. This confidential service provides emotional support, bereavement guidance, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and financial wellbeing tools. Dubbed ‘Connaught Connect’, the
initiative gives participants access to a specially designed app loaded with health videos, webinars, guided workouts, virtual physiotherapy sessions, and more. Participants can also call a dedicated 24/7 helpline to access these resources, or to book up to six solo counselling sessions with a qualified mental health professional. The scheme was designed in partnership with Health Assured, the UK’s largest provider of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Connaught Care CEO Andrew Winstanley said: “We are very proud to be launching ‘Connaught Connect’ which we hope will revolutionise health and wellbeing support across the care home sector. In partnership with Health Assured, we’ve reimagined traditional employee benefits programmes to
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make an accessible version for both residents and their loved ones. We believe this is a sector first – a truly inclusive wellbeing service designed to meet a wide range of needs and priorities. We can’t wait to see the results!” Connaught Care’s head of people, Laurence Feather, added: “It’s really heartening to see this project finally come to life. At Connaught, we’ve always viewed wellbeing as a whole- person experience – encompassing not just physical health, but also emotional, social, and financial wellbeing. We know that when a loved one is going through something, it affects the whole family. That’s why we’ve chosen to extend our support to families as well; recognizing them as an integral part of the care journey.”
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2025
Nottinghamshire home celebrates veteran friendly accreditation Wren Hall in Selston, Nottingham,
is celebrating its Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation for its commitment to supporting veterans. The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF),
developed in collaboration with NHS England, the Royal British Legion, and Care England, sets a high standard for care providers, promoting greater awareness and support around the unique challenges faced by veterans. Wren Hall’s accreditation highlights the home’s personalised care for those who have served in the military, helping them feel respected and understood. For residents with military
backgrounds, Wren Hall offers a program of veteran-specific activities, including military history talks, veteran breakfast clubs, and regular visits from local ex- forces groups. The home also proudly displays military memorabilia and personal mementos in its communal spaces. Anita Astle, manager of Wren Hall, part of Church Farm Care, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this accreditation, which not only celebrates the work of our team but reinforces the importance of recognising the unique journeys and experiences of our veteran residents. At Wren Hall, we strive to create a place where everyone feels seen, valued and at home - and this is especially important for those who’ve given so much through military service.”
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