Wandsworth Care Home Hosts Mayor and Launch Event for Care Home Open Week
On Monday 15 June, Wandsworth Common Care Home welcomed residents, guests and community leaders for the launch of Care Home Open Week 2026, held in partnership with Championing Social Care and attended by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Emmeline Owens.
Reflecting this year’s World Cup inspired theme, visitors enjoyed a variety of football themed activities alongside refreshments and entertainment, celebrating the spirit of teamwork, inclusion and community.
The event also marked the arrival of cyclists who had completed the final stage of the 2026 Great British Care Cycle Relay. The relay attracted record participation, covering approximately 500 kilometres across the country and visiting 24 care homes along the way. The concluding leg saw riders travel 80 kilometres from Reading to the home.
Mitesh Dhanak, Chair of the Care Home Open Week Committee, welcomed guests to the event. He said, “Firstly, my sincere thanks to our funding partners, Virgin Money, Christie & Co and Howden Insurance, and to our hosts, Avery Healthcare, for bringing us all together.
“Over the years, Care Home Open Week has grown from a small, largely virtual initiative during the COVID pandemic into a truly national movement, opening the doors of care homes and connecting them with communities across the country.”
Care Home Open Week 2026 sees thousands of homes taking part with events designed to strengthen ties with their local communities. Activities taking place across the country include intergenerational football games with schoolchildren and residents, team football matches, reminiscence sessions and a wide range of community celebrations.
Jeremy Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Avery Healthcare, shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “Avery is incredibly proud to be hosting this event and to be kicking off Care Home Open Week here at Wandsworth Common. A huge thank you to Championing Social Care for giving us the chance to play a part in what promises to be a fantastic week of celebrations across the country.
“This year’s theme is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, communities and connections that make the care sector so special. Inspired by the spirit of the World Cup, it highlights the importance of teamwork, inclusion and bringing people together – values that are at the heart of great care every day.
“Care Home Open Week allows us to open our doors, welcome people in and showcase the extraordinary work that takes place in care homes every single day.”
Vishal Shah, Chair of Championing Social Care, who cycled the entire relay route, said, “Care homes are not just places of care – they are vibrant community hubs. They break down barriers, challenge perceptions and showcase the very best of humanity.
“This week is about celebrating that, opening our doors and inspiring others to be part of our sector.
“Together, let’s shine a light so bright that the whole country sees the true heart of social care – full of warmth, dignity and hope.”
