List of finalists for Chef of the Year revealed
THE heats for the National Association of Care Catering Care Chef of the Year 2024 competition have been concluded and the finalists for the national final announced.
Throughout June, regional heats were held across the NACC regions – Midlands, South East, Scotland, North, South West and Wales – with care chefs demonstrating that they can compete with the best when it comes to culinary skills.
The prize is to represent their region in the national final on October 1.
The chefs had to demonstrate to the judges their full understanding of the meals they are providing for their residents while introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours.
Steve Munkley was once again the chairman of judges.
He said: “Once again, I have been impressed with the skills that I have seen and the total dedication these chefs demonstrate. The care sector is incredibly important and it is encouraging to see so many skilled chefs wanting to do their best for others.”
The finalists are: Dawn Louise Brown, Rossendale House Care Home; Mark Burrow, Brandon House; Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection; Matthew Dodds, Foodbuy Group; Adrien Henard, Chandler Court, Care UK; Anna Koziarska, Auchtercrag Care Home, Meallmore Ltd; Darren Nelson, Trymview Hall,
Renaissance Care; Robert Rofe, Roswell Court, Radish; Samuel Sewell, Wellington Vale Care Home, Cinnamon Care Collection; Carmine Tarquilio, Mardy Park Resource Centre, Monmouthshire County Council; Paul Wright, Prospect House, Mysing.
The 90-minute regional heats focused on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care.
Entrants are challenged to create a two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced.
The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.
Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, added: “Many congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2024. I agree with Steve, the calibre of entries for this competition remains incredibly high, and I would have been more than happy to eat any of the dishes that have been created across the regional heats.
“The Care Chef of the Year competition is a high point in the NACC year and is always an exciting event. It highlights and celebrates the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs.”
Residents of Diamond House in Downham Market were treated to an extraordinary experience as Zoo Lab paid a visit, bringing with them an array of fascinating creatures. The event, part of the care home’s ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of its residents, featured a variety of exotic animals including a scorpion, corn snake, cockroach, giant African land snail, tree frog and gecko. The visit provided residents with a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with these animals in a safe and controlled environment. The team from Zoo Lab guided the residents through the characteristics of each creature, sparking curiosity and excitement among all who attended.
Awards nominations now open
CARE businesses wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money.
Nominations for this year’s event are open at www.caringukawards.co.uk
The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.
And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.
Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the seventh Caring UK Awards – nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy
ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.
“Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”
A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel.
Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 5.
The closing date for entries is September 2.
Care UK; Maks Nikolaev Parvulav,
Home residents go greener for the environment
RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl has strengthened its approach to sustainability by installing 13 recycling stations, with a total of 30 bins improve how waste is handled.
Both residents and staff have joined forces to ensure they recycle everything they can. Bins have also been installed in communal areas, so even visitors can engage in these sustainable practices. The bins are made from 100 per cent postconsumer recycled materials.
“When we first launched the new recycling scheme, we were very surprised,” said Matthew OwenNeill, facilities assistant at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court.
“We have seen around a 75 per cent reduction in the amount of waste we produce, so this has really opened our eyes on how much we can
reduce our waste.”
“It has become a team effort where every staff member, regardless of their role, manages and empties the bins into the new allocated containers that we have placed around the back of the Home.”
Residents and staff at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court are also taking part in a number of environmental activities as part of RMBI Care Co.’s overall sustainability strategy.
This includes goals to reduce the charity’s carbon footprint by half by 2029 and become carbon neutral by 2030. An Environmental and Safety Support Group, comprised of staff throughout the charity, is being called upon to become ‘environmental links’ to help engage and lead sustainable activities in their care homes.
Care home celebrates success in latest report
HC-One Wales’ St Martin’s Court care home in Morriston, Swansea, is celebrating having received a glowing report from Care Inspectorate Wales.
The team was delighted to receive an impressive report that rated the home as ‘Compliant’, demonstrating that it is providing high standards of care for residents.
The inspectors were full of praise for staff at St Martin’s Court, highlighting the kind ways in which they provide care for people living at the home:
“People who live at St Martin’s Court and their relatives told us they are happy with the care and support provided. They gave positive feedback about the standard of care and support. We observed friendly, caring and supportive interactions between staff and people throughout the inspection.”
The report reflected the positive effect on wellbeing at the residential and nursing care home:
“People and relatives informed us they are happy with the support provided and caring approach of staff. Relatives informed us communication with and from the service is good. We noted positive interactions between staff and people throughout the inspection.”
St Martin’s Court manager Helen Davies said: “We are delighted with this report which is a testament to the hard work and kind care that each and every member of the team puts in, day in day out.
“This rating is great news. I would like to thank the whole team for their commitment and hard work and congratulate them on such an impressive report.
“We are dedicated to achieving our aim of being the care provider of choice for those looking for the very best care and support, and employer of choice for the best, most professional, and kindest care staff.”
Operator unveils proposed groundbreaking care development
CHD Living has unveiled its latest initiative – a care village in Mindenhurst, the new neighbourhood in Deepcut, Surrey.
Poised for commencement in 2025, the site, spanning more than three acres and located towards the northern extent of the former Ministry of Defence Princess Royal Barracks, will become CHD Living’s 15th care facility.
It will be surrounded by a range of new facilities as part of the masterplan for the Mindenhurst Development, and will include 1,200 new homes, a new primary school, nursery, a church, sports pitches, a village pub and more.
Liakat Hasham, co-founder and CEO of CHD Living, said: “As we unveil the plans for the Mindenhurst Care Village, I am reminded of the profound impact state of the art design and thoughtful leadership can have on the quality of care we provide.
“With Mindenhurst, we’re reimagining the future of living and care for older people and those in need of specialised support.
“This initiative is a testament to our desire to setting a new standard for
care that is rooted in understanding, respect and a relentless pursuit of betterment.
“Mindenhurst represents not just our vision, but our promise to the community, to our residents, and to future generations.”
The new Mindenhurst Care Village will offer specialised, round-theclock care for older people, including those living with dementia, as well as individuals who have suffered
physical trauma and those who require post-operative convalescent care.
The environment has been specifically designed for comfort, maintaining dignity and encouraging independence, and the service will focus on the longer-term care plans and the goals of the individuals they support, with a real emphasis on wellbeing.
The village, which will provide
70 care bedrooms and 20 postoperative care suites, will boast a host of amenities including a gym, hydrotherapy-pool, cinema, salon and bistro.
The development also underscores CHD Living’s focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, aiming to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.
Designed by the architecture firm Pollard Thomas Edwards, the project intends to follow the principles of the Energy Hierarchy through sustainable construction practices, high insulation levels, and the incorporation of heat pump driven heating, hot water systems, and a roof-mounted PV array.
The acquisition of the care village, funded by Barclays Corporate Banking and advised by Bevan Brittan LLP, has been characterised by its collaborative nature, incorporating extensive consultations with local residents and the Surrey Heath Borough Council. This inclusive strategy guarantees that the project not only addresses the rising demand for elderly care facilities but also contributes significantly to the local economy.
Operator opens new £10m care home
A NEW state-of-the-art care home has opened following a £10million investment by Dunluce Healthcare.
With 80 bedrooms, The Peninsula in Newtownards features en-suites for every room, a private dining area and bar, reminiscence and sensory rooms, and a salon.
Chief executive Ryan Smith said: “We are excited to unveil The Peninsula, an innovative and modern care home nestled in the serene surroundings of Scrabo Tower.
“We pride ourselves on providing exceptional care tailored to individual needs and The Peninsula will enable us to do this while ensuring our residents feel valued, respected, and well looked after.
“This commitment to caring is reflected in its outstanding design, which has focused on creating a home that our residents are comfortable in while making their stay with us as fulfilling and enriching as possible.
The Peninsula, which will offer hotel-quality care for nursing, dementia, respite, residential, and palliative needs, has been designed to maximise the landscape on which it is built, with echoes of the natural environment incorporated throughout.
Ryan added: “Transitioning to a new environment is a very individual
experience, and every care has been taken to consider how we can facilitate personal touches and create a real sense of community amongst residents and staff.
“This includes a private dining room with the ability to link up with loved ones around the world, enabling our residents to celebrate special occasions in style.”
In addition to its facilities for residents, The Peninsula includes a specialised staff training area which will be used to accommodate the Dunluce Academy, Dunluce Healthcare’s training and development programme.
Ryan added: “Our person-centred approach to care requires a dedicated team, and it is our commitment to delivering a nurturing environment that encourages growth and professional advancement that sets us apart.
“We go the extra mile for our staff, and supporting our employees has been considered at every stage of The Peninsula, with specific facilities designed for their comfort.
“We are pleased to have filled the 110 job roles created by The Peninsula with a team of knowledgeable and compassionate staff and it was fantastic to welcome our first residents through the doors.”
Family mark home’s 40th anniversary
ST BENEDICT’S, a family-run nursing home in Glastonbury, blasted off its 40th anniversary celebrations with entertainment provided by local band The Celtic Spaceship.
The event brought together staff, past and present, friends and relatives, and care home residents for a feast and a foot tapping night to remember.
St Benedict’s, part of the White Care Group, was established in 1984 by Somerset businessman Les White and his son David after they purchased the property from the Church of England.
“We are honoured and overjoyed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Benedict’s,” said operations manager Philip White, grandson of Les and his wife Margaret.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our staff, the unwavering support of our community, and the warm, loving environment we’ve cultivated over the years.
“Seeing the smiles on our residents’ faces and sharing this special day with so many who have been part of our journey is truly heartwarming.
“We look forward to continuing our mission of providing exceptional care for many more years to come.”
The highlight of the event was a surprise presentation to Dave and Sue White who were honoured with some nostalgic reminders of the home’s humble beginnings.
The pair were presented with the original keys to the Old Rectory building, the first purchase ledger and some blown up shots of the home in its early days.
“Attendees reminisced about the home’s history and the positive impact it has had on many lives,” said Philip, who oversees operations at St Benedict’s and two additional homes in Somerset.
“The evening evoked so many happy memories, and the chance to showcase the evolution of the home to the thriving business it is today.”
Forty years after founding St Benedict’s, White Care Group now employs 150 people across its care homes, many of whom have worked together for years.
Les died in 2019 with his life coming full circle after spending some time as a resident at St. Benedict’s, the care home that he had helped to create.
Residents enjoy trip down memory lane
A TIME travelling journey down memory lane had elderly care home residents recalling their childhoods three-quarters of a century ago.
A trip to open air museum Beamish was more than a look into history for residents from Pelton Grange Care Home, in Pelton, County Durham. The museum was a window into their younger years, sparking happy memories of growing up in mid-20th century Britain.
A walk past red bricked semidetached council houses and terraces had Margaret Baker, 92, recalling her childhood home and cold winter nights.
She said: “There was no central heating. We had knitted blankets. And you were considered well off if you had an eiderdown.
“We had to scrape the ice off the inside of the windows during the winter. I would snuggle up next to my sister in our large solid wood bed just to keep warm.
“The springs on the bed frame used to squeak and we’d get told off for
bouncing on the bed.”
A vintage Singer treadle sewing machine had Jean Willis, 99, reminiscing about using hers to create bridal dolls for friends and family who
were getting married.
The former clerk for Wills Tobacco was a keen amateur sewer and her dolls became very popular.
She said: “I would replicate the
bride’s wedding gown as closely as possible to create a perfect match and gift them on their wedding day.
“They were so popular I had to have my old treadle operated Singer swapped for an electric one.”
The two ladies were joined for the visit by activities coordinator Suzanne Pratt, carer Stephanie Stevens and Madison Burns, a student from Gateshead College completing work experience.
At the museum’s 1900s photography studio, the group dressed in Victorian era gowns and summer hats to have their photo taken. They also enjoyed fish and chips, a hot cuppa, and a ride on a vintage bus.
Suzanne said: “Jean and Margaret had an amazing trip down memory lane during our day out at Beamish.
“The 1950s town sparked many happy memories for them both, recalling happy family times in an often overcrowded house.
“They even found the time to relive their childhood, playing on the roundabout.”
Gateshead College student Madison Burns, carer Stephanie Stevens, residents Margaret Barker and Jean Willis and activities coordinator Suzanne Pratt.
Sue, Philip and David White.
The Peninsula residential manager Ashley Robinson with Dunluce Healthcare’s chief executive Ryan Smith, asset manager Dianne Hunter and residents Ruth and Leslie Miller.
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Manager skydives for veteran’s treatment
A NOTTINGHAM care home manager has faced her fears to complete a skydive raising cash towards the cost of overseas cancer treatment for an RAF veteran.
Cheered on by residents from the home who went along to watch, manager at The Grand Care Centre in West Bridgford Tracy Johnston successfully undertook the tandem jump from 14,000ft at Langar Airfield in Nottingham, raising more than £900 towards the cost of life-extending cancer treatment in Germany for Ian Trushell.
A family friend of the JohnstonMooneys, 49-year-old Ian served in the Royal Air Force for 24 years and was most recently medically discharged to focus on his battle with stage 4 bowel cancer, also onboarding and fighting metastasis in the lung and liver areas.
“I had been saying for a while that I would do a skydive to celebrate my 50th birthday and tick it off my bucket list,” said Tracy.
“And when we heard about Ian’s battle with bowel cancer and the opportunity for treatment abroad my mind was made up.
“So close to all of our hearts, I was determined to raise as much as I can to help extend Ian’s life and enable him to spend more time with his young family.
“It was wonderful to have so many residents and the staff from The Grand come along to support me, including 96-year-old Beryl who is no stranger to a skydive completing one herself when she was younger.”
With treatment for Ian’s specific condition limited in the UK, the family became aware of medical advancements in Germany that could address his liver mets and immediately set about fundraising to help towards the costly treatment.
Thanks to other fundraising, Ian has already been to Germany for initial consultations and the results of the trials have been positive showing reductions in the liver metastasis.
Delilah and Lightning bring unbridled joy to residents
new faces trotted into Avalon care home in Bridgwater to meet residents for an afternoon of animal therapy.
Shetland ponies Delilah and Lightning were brought to the home by Ros Dark – whose father, retired farmer, Michael, 78, is cared for at Avalon – and his granddaughter Pippa.
“We wanted our residents, especially those from a farming background, to have an experience which was personal and relatable to them,” said activities co-ordinator Lisa Priddice.
“Residents were engaged and delighted by these beautiful ponies, asking questions, getting involved,
Operator donates life-saving kit to Ghana hospitals
HAMBERLEY care homes has donated life-saving medical equipment to some of Ghana’s biggest hospitals –thanks to a senior team member with a personal connection to the country.
Charlotte Quartey, the company’s director of quality, was born and spent her early years living on the grounds of the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
More than 40 years later she has returned to Ghana’s capital with vital equipment that the hospital desperately needs including defibrillators and syringe drivers, donated by the operator.
Charlotte, who was trained as a nurse, said it was wonderful to be able to give back to the place where she had so many happy memories of her family.
She added: “As a child I grew up in Accra and spent my first five years living at the 37 Military Hospital. My father was an officer in the Ghana Army and one of the first COs in charge of the Xray and dental equipment at the hospital.
“This hospital has always had a special place in my life and is probably why I studied nursing and work in healthcare now, so to be able to go back there is lovely.”
Charlotte took the first of the equipment over to the hospital last year and more on a recent trip, where she also witnessed for herself the life-saving impact the donation was having.
She added: “It was a pleasure to meet with the head of administration Lt Col Abiti who arranged for me to visit the wards where the equipment donated was being used and meet with trauma ITU consultant Major Lawrence Nsor who was delighted
with the AEDs and had already trained up all his nurses to use the equipment.”
Charlotte also visited the Government Hospital Korle-Bu in Accra where she donated AED defibrillators, suction machines, syringe drivers and nebulisers, on behalf of Hamberley Care Homes and the firm’s suppliers Wightman and Parrish, to save the lives of children with heart conditions.
She added: “I have no doubt that young lives will be saved because of this equipment.
“The tools we take for granted in our hospitals just aren’t available to everyday people in Ghana, and so to go back to the country of my birth and feel like we are making a difference is just wonderful. I look forward to coming back to Accra in the near future to continue our support of these vital healthcare services.”
Wightman and Parrish also donated a nebuliser to Charlotte’s former boarding school, Aburi Girls Secondary School, through her medical and clinical alumni group.
and enjoying the experience of stroking a horse.
“One of our ladies, who is limited verbally, began singing and making horse sounds as if she were trying to communicate with them which was so heartwarming.
“There was so much energy in the home that day—smiles, laughter.
“The ponies were so well-behaved; we even took them into the lounges and rooms to give everyone the chance to see and touch them.”
The visit by five-year-old Delilah and 18-year-old miniature Shetland Lightning was part of the home’s farm month which included a farm visit and food tasting day.
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Ros Dark, granddaughter Pippa and Lisa Priddice with ponies Delilah and Lightning.
Copperfield Court, part of Oyster Care Homes, commemorated its opening with a celebratory time capsule burial ceremony. The time capsule, filled with special items and memories, includes contributions from Copperfield Court residents and team members, the Brownies from St. John’s Church in Margate, and pupils from Charles Dickens School. This diverse collection of artefacts will be a treasure trove for future generations when it is opened in 50 years. The ceremony featured key community representatives, including Lauren Kettle, assistant headteacher from Charles Dickens School, and Brownies’ representatives Millie, Leah and Sophia.
Home accredited for its support of Armed Forces veterans
A SPECIALIST dementia nursing home has received accreditation for providing exceptional care and support to Armed Forces veterans and their families.
Wren Hall, based in Selston, has been recognised by the Veteran Friendly Framework for identifying veterans and their wellbeing needs – ensuring they will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support from the home.
The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community in residential homes by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. The initiative aims to improve social connections and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.
To achieve their Veteran Friendly status, Wren Hall was required to meet eight standards.
These included recognising Armed Forces status within care plans, signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, addressing social isolation, and providing referrals to support services, such as the local Royal British Legion branch.
Anita Astle MBE, managing director of Wren Hall, said: “We are pleased to receive VFF accreditation, which sits nicely alongside our Gold
Standard Framework in Care Homes and our Meaningful Care Matters accreditation.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that all our family members feel recognised and valued, regardless of their background.
“So we are proud to offer our veterans, and any future veterans who join our home, the peace of mind that they will receive the highest quality of care with us.”
The VFF is a collaborative project led by the Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter, and the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Men’s club launched at dementia care home
A DORSET dementia care home has launched a men’s club so male residents can enjoy DIY activities over a pint and blokey chat.
Club meetings are taking place at Colten Care’s Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth with support from team members including care, companionship and maintenance staff.
The group’s first project has involved building birdhouses for the Fernhill garden, some of which will be sold in aid of charity at the home’s forthcoming summer fete. Companionship team leader Cara Duroe said: “In a chat with residents, it became apparent that some of our men missed having ‘do it yourself’ tasks. This kind of thing gives many
Group becomes trusted partner of Association
ALCEDO Care Group has been recognised as a Trusted Partner of the Spinal Injuries Association.
The homecare company and its team is now recognised by Spinal Injuries Association as providing outstanding care in the home for those of all ages with spinal injuries.
SIA is the expert guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury providing a wealth of knowledge and support.
Spinal Injuries Association partners with carefully selected organisations to help its members thrive and live their lives to the fullest.
Only those that meet its standards receive Trusted Partner status.
Selected for its expertise in complex care, Alcedo Care Group is now recognised as an expert partner of Spinal Injuries Association, trusted to provide medical care, advice and support in the home for the wider spinal cord injuries community.
Already working with approximately 10 spinal injury clients, Alcedo’s nurse-led team offers flexible care depending on the differing requirements of each individual situation and can provide care in the home for even the most complicated of cases.
From light touch daily one-hour visits to respite or round-theclock care, the Alcedo team will
deliver the level of support that is required covering personal care, companionship and help with day-today tasks or transport and assistance with physiotherapy, rehabilitation appointments and other conditionrelated clinical needs such as bowel and bladder care.
Managing director at Alcedo Care Group, Andy Boardman, said: “Our team is hugely experienced in looking after those with spinal cord injuries in their own homes, delivering bespoke care packages according to differing individual needs and requirements.
“We are delighted to be recognised in this way by Spinal Injuries Association and look forward to extending our help and support further across the spinal injuries community.”
Alcedo Care Group and its branches across the North West of England and North Wales are now able to display the Spinal Injuries Association’s Trusted Partner logo and accept recommendations from their community and wider contacts.
Further underlining its support for Spinal Injuries Association, a team of 30 individuals from across Alcedo Care Group recently took part in a gorge walking and white water rafting fundraiser in Llangollen, North Wales, raising more than £6,000.
men a sense of purpose.
“We support a lot of hobbies and activities that are female-led, so we decided to create a space in which men can celebrate their past DIY projects and hobbies and reminisce over a pint and games.
“This was a lovely first project to work on. The club had a lot of fun and it wasn’t long before we began discussing what the next DIY activity should be.”
Once the houses were sanded down and built, other residents – including ladies – were invited to help paint and decorate them.
The birdhouses for sale will feature at Fernhill’s summer fete on August 3. Proceeds will go to the residents’ charity of the year, Dorset Girl Guides.
A Keighley care home has brought residents closer together with a military inspired summer fair. Staff at Anchor’s Townend Close dressed up in military attire and invited local veterans to join in the fun. Also in attendance was The Chairman of the Skipton Royal British Legion and his wife, George and Janice Martin. Staff also opened their home for the day to residents from fellow Anchor care homes Gills Top and Borrage House in Ripon. Activities held throughout the day included welly wanging, egg and spoon races and raffles. There was also live entertainment from the Tango Man.
Group commercial manager Ruth Bellis, managing director Andy Boardman and financial director Jo Boardman.
With the completed birdhouses are Fernhill residents Ron Howes and Robert Simpson and team members Cara Duroe, Felicity Hopkins and Barry Mathews.
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