Celebrating social care: sparking moments of joy
22 Apr 2026
2 min read
As we dedicate April to #CelebratingSocialCare, we’ve been gathering good news stories from across the sector. Read our latest update.
Honorary maintenance role provides sense of pride
Providing an honorary maintenance team member role to one of the residents at Edenmore Nursing Home has provided him with a sense of pride.
For the resident, his care has been centred on helping him continue to feel like himself, with a strong focus on maintaining his identity and staying connected to the things that matter most to him.
In his honorary role in the maintenance team, he regularly helped with small but meaningful tasks, such as sorting paperwork, supporting basic maintenance jobs and taking part in painting projects.
Peter also enjoyed accompanying team members on errands, such as pharmacy visits or supply runs. On one occasion, he joined a team member on a trip to Bristol to collect supplies in the work vehicle and was notably helpful throughout the day.
Home Manager Gayle shared:
Seeing our resident feel settled, valued and purposeful – whether he’s helping with tasks around the home or enjoying time by the sea – is incredibly rewarding.
Ghyll Royd Care Home runs ‘Taste of the World’ culinary series
Residents at Ghyll Royd Care Home were recently transported to India as part of the home’s new ‘Taste of the World’ culinary series. The event marked the second stop on a global gastronomic tour, following a successful Italian-themed afternoon in January.
The home's conservatory was transformed for the occasion, vibrantly decorated with traditional Indian decor to set the scene. To complement the atmosphere, residents enjoyed breathtaking video footage of India showcased on the home’s ‘Tiny Tablet’ - a large, TV-sized Android touchscreen device that brought the sights of the country to life alongside the flavours.
The extensive menu featured a range of traditional mains, including keema bhuna, cod tikka masala, and a fragrant lentil and aubergine dish, alongside favourites such as rogan josh and saag aloo.
The ‘Taste of the World’ initiative was launched following valuable feedback gathered from the Resident and Relative Survey conducted towards the end of 2025. These surveys are completed on a quarterly basis, reflecting Ghyll Royd and Spellman Care’s firm belief that there is always room for improvement and a commitment to introducing fresh, engaging experiences for those in their care.
Robee Gelido, Home Manager at Ghyll Royd Care Home, commented:
We are absolutely delighted with the success of our Indian Café. Seeing our residents explore new flavours and share stories over such a beautiful spread is exactly why we started this initiative. It is vital to us that we listen to our residents and their families, and these monthly events are a direct result of our commitment to acting on their feedback to enhance daily life at the home.
Luke, Head Chef at Ghyll Royd Care Home, added:
It has been a joy for the kitchen team to step outside our usual menu and delve into the rich spices and techniques of Indian cuisine. From the cardamom-infused nankhatai to the saffron-infused badam barfi, we wanted to provide an authentic taste experience. Seeing the residents enjoy the food and seeing the dining rooms and conservatory so full of life and scent makes all the preparation worthwhile.
The global tour is set to continue throughout the year, with a Mexican, Chinese, Greek, and Caribbean events planned.
Simply Care Group host festival celebrations throughout the year
Simply Care Group supports adults with a learning disability, with varied severities. Many of the people the team support are non-verbal, and so staff are always looking for new and innovative ways to communicate with the people they support about what they like to do.
This communication has led to a focus on a series of regular events and activities to celebrate festivals and notable days through the year from Diwali to Eid to Halloween, St Patrick’s Day and International Women’s Day.
The events provide learning opportunities, a chance to embrace different cultures and a celebration of diversity.
Celebrating regular festivals in the care home has also boosted staff morale and job satisfaction by fostering a sense of community, appreciation, and shared joy.
The celebrations have strengthened the home culture of being vibrant and community-focused home, and both people supported and staff members are always looking forward to the next party, celebration or festival.
Find out more about how to join in with #CelebratingSocialCare this April.
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