Grimsby Nursing Home Celebrates Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation with Mayor and Moving Tributes

Residents, family members and colleagues were joined for the special celebration by the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr. Goodwin, and her Consort, Mr Barry Goodwin.

Also in attendance were Tracy Frisby (Lead Local Authority Officer for Armed Forces Covenant), WO1 William “Billy” Shepherd (Naval Regional Engagement Officer for Yorkshire & Humber) and Rick Anderson (Programme Lead for Older People, NHS Humber & North Yorkshire ICB).

The afternoon began with a warm welcome from Activities Coordinator Mel Redgrift, who introduced the Mayor. In her address, the Mayor congratulated the team for their commitment to recognising residents’ service history and ensuring veterans’ experiences are meaningfully reflected in personalised care planning.

She highlighted the importance of acknowledging the contribution veterans have made and ensuring they continue to feel respected, understood and valued within their community.

Celebrations continued with live entertainment from Miss Sarah Jane, a 1940s vocalist who previously sang for the RAF. Her lively performance brought energy, humour and nostalgia to the room, with residents singing along to wartime favourites and sharing fond memories.

The event clearly struck a chord with resident Ted Hearn, who said: ‘I’m a veteran myself, and so is my son; he was a Paratrooper and served in the Falklands. This afternoon has made me emotional, not sad… just very, very proud.’

For Home Manager Anne Ruttle, the accreditation represents both a professional milestone and a personal one. As an ex-RAF wife and former Air Cadets member, she said: ‘Many of our residents have incredible stories of service that have shaped who they are. Achieving this accreditation means we are making a clear commitment to properly recognise service – not just in conversation, but in the way we plan and deliver care every single day. I’m extremely proud of our team for embracing this, and for the compassion and respect they show our veterans.’