Bushy Park, Pumpkins and an Outstanding Rating: October Highlights from Across Our Network

Mary, a Client of Right at Home Weybridge & Richmond, has fond memories of Bushy Park, but it had been a long time since she'd been able to go. Her Carer, Sylwia, noticed how fondly Mary talked about the park during one of her early visits, so the team arranged a trip to take her back.

They went on a sunny day in early October. Sylwia helped Mary into the car with her rollator, and once they arrived, Mary was able to see the deer and enjoy the park in its autumn colours. The two of them shared a slice of banana cake and had a laugh at how many birds were gathered outside the window, which reminded them of a Hitchcock film.

After that, they took a slow walk to the gardens. Sylwia was there to support Mary so she could walk safely and comfortably at her own pace.

On the way home, Mary talked about the times she'd visited the park in the past, and said the trip had given her another happy memory to add to them.

Clients of Right at Home Mid Hampshire got into the spirit of the season at the office's Halloween Lunch Club, held at YMCA Eastleigh. The afternoon started with pumpkin painting, giving everyone the chance to get creative, before a Halloween-themed quiz put their knowledge to the test. The team runs Lunch Clubs regularly to give Clients the chance to socialise and try something different together.

Samuel Watts, Marketing Coordinator at Right at Home Mid Hampshire, said: "Everyone got stuck into the pumpkin painting and the Halloween quiz, but the best part was seeing our Clients having a laugh and spending time together. These events are about so much more than just the activities; they're about bringing people together and helping tackle loneliness in our local community."

Regular social time like this can make a real difference to wellbeing, especially for anyone who doesn't get out as often as they'd like. The team is already looking forward to bringing everyone together again for the Christmas Lunch Club, with details coming soon.

Right at Home East Lancashire & Ribble Valley has been rated Outstanding overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with Outstanding ratings for being caring and well-led. The team says this makes them the only homecare provider in East Lancashire currently rated Outstanding overall.

Inspectors found that people were treated with patience, kindness and compassion. They noted that Carers get to know each Client's routines and what matters to them, and that Clients usually see the same Carers. They also praised the office's supportive leadership and the way it looks after staff wellbeing.

The report also picked out the activities the team runs, such as free Golden Cinema screenings and lunch clubs, which help people in the area stay connected.

Elsa Hastings, Operations Manager at Right at Home East Lancashire & Ribble Valley, said: "We are thrilled to have achieved an Outstanding rating, but for us, this isn't about a certificate on the wall. It's about the Client who feels more confident at home and the family who has peace of mind, knowing their loved one can keep doing what they love."