Rotherham Care Home Celebrates Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation
Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham is proudly flying the flag after achieving accreditation under the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) – a national programme recognising care homes that go the extra mile to support veterans.
This landmark accreditation highlights Cherry Trees’ commitment to delivering tailored, person-centred care for residents who have served in the UK Armed Forces.
The celebration event brought together residents, families, colleagues and local veterans for an afternoon filled with music, memories and community spirit. The home was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Rukhsana Ismail, who officially unveiled the VFF plaque at the home’s entrance. Madam Mayor, a former home care worker herself, commented on the “nice feeling when she walked in”, adding that “everyone looks happy and well looked after” and praising the warmth and dedication of the long standing staff team.
Singer Keeley May entertained guests with classic wartime hits, ending with Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again. When the music unexpectedly cut out, residents continued singing together, creating a heartfelt, unplanned moment of unity. Residents raised the roof throughout the afternoon, with several taking the microphone to sing their favourite songs to cheers and applause. Colleagues embraced the theme by dressing in 1920s–1940s outfits, including one dressed as Florence Nightingale, adding to the atmosphere of celebration. The room was filled to capacity, with families and colleagues, many attending on their day off, joining residents to mark the special milestone. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and a surprise visit from the Mayor.
The home was honoured to welcome a group of local veterans, all from the Parachute Regiment: Keith, Arthur, Terry, Paul and Mick.
• Keith Hopkins, whose wife Judith lives at Cherry Trees, served 24 years and attended alongside his former comrade Arthur Ellwood.
• Terry, formerly a Royal Engineer and later a reservist, served in Northern Ireland and came along to support a Veteran Friendly home in his community.
• Paul, who joined the army straight from school, served seven years including tours in Northern Ireland and Germany.
• Mick, who grew up with Keith, served from 1975–1983 and travelled widely during his service, from Berlin and Cyprus to Canada, Hong Kong and Norway.
One veteran summed up the mood perfectly, saying: “We’re not the ones who should have medals, the carers here should have them. You have to be a special kind of person to work in a care home and they all work so hard.”
Home Manager Sharron Whaley said: “I’m so pleased we have achieved this accreditation. A lot of hard work went into the process and it means so much to be recognised as a Veteran Friendly care home. We’re grateful to all the veterans who made the effort to come and celebrate with us.”
By achieving VFF status, Cherry Trees Care Home has strengthened its approach to veteran care, ensuring former service personnel feel valued, understood and supported within their home environment.
The Veteran Friendly Framework is a national initiative designed to help care providers better understand and respond to the unique social, emotional and physical needs of the estimated 26,500 veterans currently living in care homes across England. Accreditation demonstrates that a home has taken practical steps to identify veterans, understand their experiences, connect them with relevant services, and ensure their service is recognised and respected.
Cherry Trees Care Home on Simmonite Road in Rotherham is part of the Orchard Care Homes group, which operates 23 care homes in the Midlands and North of England.
