Staff and residents of Bedewell Grange in Hebburn recently launched their ‘love in a box’ appeal to combat loneliness within the community over the festive period. They wanted to help people over the age of 75, who live on their own within the local community and to combat loneliness this Christmas. Local businesses, supermarkets and members of the public in the local area all came together to donate toiletries, chocolates, sweets, Christmas cakes and gifts for ladies and gentlemen.

Local stores, Asda, Tesco, Aldi, along with staff and families of the home have all kindly donated to the appeal and with a ‘shout out' on local community social media groups, fifteen nominations to receive the gifts were received.

General Manager Margaret Fairrie, commented “Staff and residents at Bedewell Grange are so happy to share the love this Christmas. We have even invited the people who received our love in a box to our Christmas and New Year’s Eve party.”

Residents and staff were in for a treat with a visit to the local theatre to see a pantomime evening performance of Jack in the Beanstalk at the Jarrow Focus on 28th November.

Residents from the home were accompanied by staff, who volunteered their free time, as they enjoyed the timeless tale full of magical twists, fun, laughter and adventures

Bedewell Grange on passed a recent Care Quality Commission inspection with an overall “Good” rating after being praised for a responsive, safe, effective, caring and well-led service. The CQC inspected the home on 10th October 2019, the report was released on 26th November 2019 and rated the home, run by Barchester Healthcare, as “Good” overall.

The report stated that, ‘Staff are very friendly and that makes for a caring service, they are very patient." The report went on to say, ‘A staff member commented, "It is a privilege to work with the people living here."  Also highlighted in the report was, one relative commented, "This place is even better than crusty bread, it's marvellous." Activities and entertainment were available to keep people engaged and stimulated.

In celebration of the rating and to thank each member of the team for their contributions to the home, each team member was presented with £100 gift voucher in appreciation of their hard work.  Margaret Fairrie, General Manager at Bedewell Grange said: “We are delighted that Bedewell Grange was rated ‘Good’ overall following the CQC’s most recent inspection. The team at Bedewell Grange always strive to provide the best possible quality care for everyone who lives at the home.”

Middle School of Dance visited us recently for an evening of delightful dancing. Girls ranging from the ages of 4 to 13 years old performed to old time favourite songs such as it’s a long way to Tipperary and tulips from Amsterdam. We enjoyed an evening of singing our favourite songs. Staff and residents had such a lovely time.

One resident commented “I thoroughly enjoyed it. The girls danced so well! It was better than any musical performance I have been to! Thank you so much for your visit and Please come and visit us again soon!''

Residents of Bedewell commemorated Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 10th November, and joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at 11am.

As well as marking Remembrance Day by wearing poppies and watching the televised service, some residents will be taken to the local cenotaph to commemorate the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. In memory the home has created a display with the homes entrance foyer.

Margaret Fairrie General Manager said “It is very important that we keep the memories of those who fought alive and that we also think about those involved in conflicts around the world today”

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Bedewell Grange care home in Hebburn had a great time spreading the love on World Kindness Day, which was celebrated on 13th November 2019.

Bedewell Grange residents' committee decided they wanted to show their kindness and appreciation to fellow residents and staff working at Bedewell grange by preparing a surprise for them. Residents prepared flowers and thank you cards for all of the staff for their hard work and dedication. Being nice and helping others makes for a much more pleasant environment, no matter where you are and, remember, it doesn’t cost a thing!