Celebrating life at Barchester

What a week we had raising awareness of Dementia and the amazing support that is available in our community .
Thank you to everyone who came along to our event and provided advice , information , support and hands on demonstrations ( literally )  Everyone was queuing up for a totally relaxing hand massage from the amazing volunteers from A Touch Of Gentleness .
It is always so overwhelming to see the impact from getting such a passionate group of people together and the difference these individuals make everyday in supporting people in our community . Thank you - You are all amazing !

What a wonderful afternoon we had at the Hastings museum today. We explored the beautiful building and had fun dressing up in some of their artifacts, such fun. 

A huge thank you to Battle U3A Ukulele Group who visited and performed for us this afternoon. They included residents in their musical numbers and songs and everyone had a brilliant afternoon singing along and tapping their feet . The group always come colour co-ordinated and spread such a joyous , cheerful atmosphere when they visit . We so look forward to their visits and can't wait to see them again soon.

We have waited a long time to share with you our exciting news, we are rated GOOD in all areas! 
On the 8th march 2026 we had our unannounced CQC inspection. The day went incredibly well, the inspectors met with residents, relatives, healthcare professionals and staff and we are very excited to share our rating of GOOD in safe, well led, responsive, caring and effective. 
As a Manager, I'm so grateful to the wonderful kind and caring team we have at Hazel Lodge. I couldn't be more proud of this amazing recognition for all their dedication and hard work. 

The home in partnership with Dementia Forward, hosted a special edition dementia coffee morning during Dementia Action Week, aiming to raise awareness of dementia.

The theme of the event was ‘Don’t keep Dementia Under Your Hat’ in which Dementia Forward hosted events in and around Yorkshire to raise awareness and support for those living with dementia.

Residents and visitors to the event, wore their best and brightest hats with pride as they came together to enjoy a morning of good company, laughter and conversation, whilst enjoying a selection of sweet treats and refreshments. 

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 26th year, supporting individuals, community groups and small charities all across the country.

Over four days, from May 19th 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.

South Grange had the pleasure of hosting our Barchester Cyclists who are taking part in the Tour De Barchester. The cyclists were welcomed in true Scottish style by a bagpiper and drummer. Before being served a delicious breakfast spread prepared by our chef and kitchen team. The cyclists rested, fuelled up and chatted to residents and staff before being piped on their way again.

Our residents had a wonderful train journey around Peterborough, and they thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. We departed from Wansford Station and made several stops through Nene Valley and Ferry Meadows.

The natural scenery outside the windows was absolutely stunning. We could spot geese swimming in the water, sheep relaxing on the grass and deer chasing each other in the fields. The journey sparked many happy memories for our residents. They reminisced about past train journeys, as well as the days when they used to go fishing and walking in these very places.          

Residents and staff at Waterside Court enjoyed a fascinating and interactive World Bee Day celebration with special guests Yvonne and Rodger, local beekeepers from the community. The visit gave residents a wonderful opportunity to learn about honey bees and the important role they play in nature. 

During the talk and demonstration, residents were able to see real honey bees up close and even identify the queen bee. Yvonne and Rodger shared interesting facts about beekeeping, how bees produce honey, and the importance of protecting bee populations. 
Residents also had the chance to taste delicious fresh local honey, which was a lovely highlight of the visit.              

The visit created a real buzz around the home, bringing smiles, knowledge and a unique hands-on experience for everyone involved. 

Our community all joined together to celebrate the wonderful nurses who work in our home and around the community. We also recognised and appreciated our fabulous residents, who were also nurses. 

Nurses, thank you for everything you do for us, your patience, kindness, hard work and long hours certainly don’t go unnoticed, and we appreciate you!

We were also joined by Dr Akinola for a special talk on the NHS and the impact of our nurses!