Celebrating life at Barchester

Over four days, from May 19 to 22nd a team of Barchester staff cycled over 200 miles from Thurso, through Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee to Edinburgh and finally Glasgow, stopping at 16 care homes across Barchester’s Scotland & North East division to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way.

On Thursday 21^st May at 9am the tour stopped at South Grange where they were welcomed by staff and residents who offered a range of healthy snacks and refreshing drinks to keep everyone energised and motivated throughout the cycle event. South Grange also helped raise funds by holding a Charity Quiz Night to help support the team. 

Over four days, from May 19 to 22, a team of Barchester staff cycled over 200 miles from Thurso, through Inverness, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Portlethen, Dundee, Montrose, Edinburgh and finally Glasgow, stopping at 16 care homes across Barchester’s Scotland & North East division to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way.

On Wednesday 20^th May at 9am the tour stopped at Kirkburn Court in Peterhead where they were welcomed by staff and residents. The cyclists were treated to a lovely healthy buffet style breakfast – complete with butteries which are a local delicacy! The home had been decorated in a vibrant cycling theme to help welcome the cyclists and they were also treated to some personalised goody bags to take away with them. Our residents and staff gathered outside to give them a huge send off – complete with confetti cannons and a few tunes on the bagpipes! 

Rivermead  hosted volunteers, Christine and Chris, from Diabetes UK for a talk about diabetes management through time. Residents, staff and visitors gathered together to learn and understand the changes to diabetes treatment through the years.

From large needles and urine tests of the past to the technology used today. With lots of memorabilia to look at and numerous pamphlets available giving an abundance of support, the session was very informative and the volunteers were able to answer all of the questions raised. Rivermead would like to thank the volunteers for giving their time to come and speak to us. 

Whether you’re a die-hard Scots whisky fan, an Irish whisky lover, or you like to mix it up and try something new, World Whisky Day, celebrated this year on May 16th, is the perfect day to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of whisky. It was certainly a day of fun-filled tastings for the staff and residents.

To mark the day, residents had so much fun taking part in a live virtual event: Scotch Whisky Experience. Where we learnt the history of distilling whisky in Scotland, the production process, and the regional characteristics of single malts. We also enjoyed a dram of whisky alongside this great event.

For the fifth year running, staff from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals took on a gruelling cycling challenge, this time from Thurso to Edinburgh.  Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health conditions by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities. Set up in 2000, this year marks the Foundation’s 26^th year supporting individuals, community groups and small charities all across the country.

Over four days, from May 19^th to 22^nd, a team of Barchester staff cycled over 200 miles from Thurso, through Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee to Edinburgh and finally Glasgow, stopping at 16 care homes across Barchester’s Scotland & North East division to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. 

Residents who had been quietly reading or chatting suddenly lit up. Hands reached out, smiles spread, and the room filled with that unmistakable warmth that only animals seem to bring.
Our resident was introduced to these amazing puppies that belong to her daughter’s dog called Pickles.
They were so sweet and loving.
Even the staff couldn’t resist stealing a moment. A quick peek turned into a cuddle, and soon everyone was gathered around, sharing stories of pets they once loved and memories long tucked away.

It was simple, sweet, and utterly heart‑lifting, the kind of afternoon that reminds us why animal therapy is such a gift.