Ripon Care Home Celebrates Anniversary of Veteran Friendly Status With Special Unveiling

A Ripon care home has celebrated the first anniversary of achieving Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status with a special party for residents, staff, and guests.

Sycamore Hall Care Home, on Kearsley Road, Ripon, marked the milestone with the official unveiling of a “Veteran Friendly Care Home” plaque outside the main entrance.

The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Ripon, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, in front of residents, staff and members of the local veteran community.

Guests included Paul Graham, secretary of the Royal British Legion in Ripon, Royal Engineers veteran Mike O’Reilley, and Jules Walker, VFF support project officer for Royal Star & Garter.

The celebration was also attended by Sycamore Hall’s own elderly veterans and veteran champions, including residents Peter Holdsworth, aged 76, and Ian Newby, aged 88.

Paul Graham said: “It’s great to have more veteran friendly homes which have a full understanding of the needs that veterans can have, especially those who have seen combat.

“Trust is incredibly important to veterans and the trust that those caring for them have understanding of their experiences goes a long way.”

Mike O’Reilley added: “Ripon has always been a military town at heart. Many people came for service and stayed here because of the community spirit. It’s great to see Sycamore Hall embracing and building on that spirit with their veteran work.”

Ewelina Sosnowska, home manager of Sycamore Hall Care Home, said: “It is great to have the support of the veteran community. The VFF has taken a lot of work from our fantastic team, especially Kay, Jill and those who supported the project. It means a lot to the residents, especially those who are veterans.

“We were delighted to see such a great turnout for the celebration and we look forward to welcoming more veterans to Sycamore Hall, assured that we can give them the understanding and support they deserve.”