We Care Group’s Blackburn Care Home Receives Veteran Friendly Status

Care provider We Care Group is celebrating its latest accomplishment, having received its Veteran Friendly Care Home status for its Old Gates Care Home, in Feniscowles, Blackburn, from the Veteran Friendly Framework [VFF].

The VFF aims to better support the practical, emotional, and social needs of the Armed Forces community in residential care homes across England by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. The framework helps tackle loneliness and has the scope to deliver improved health and well-being outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England.

To achieve the Veteran Friendly status, Old Gates was required to meet eight standards. These included noting Armed Forces status within care plans; addressing social isolation; and signposting to support services, such as the local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans.

The VFF is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, as well as NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance [VCHA]. Funding support is provided by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Helen Holden, home manager at Old Gates said: “A huge amount of work has gone into achieving Veteran Friendly Care Home Status, and I’d like to thank the entire team at Old Gates for everything they’ve done to make this happen.

“We believe every single resident should receive the high-quality, person-centred care they deserve, and it’s vital we recognise that many veterans face unique emotional, social and physical challenges. The connections we’ve built with the Armed Forces community are making a real difference to our residents, and it’s an honour to support those who served our country.”

Bernie Suresparan, founder and CEO of We Care Group, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Old Gates. At We Care Group we’re dedicated to providing the best possible standard of care for our residents, and we know that veterans may need extra support to help them cope with difficult emotions and memories.

“To have the hard work of the team recognised by the Veteran Friendly Framework is a wonderful acknowledgement. Congratulations to Helen and the whole team at Old Gates.”

Kathryn Glass, VFF project lead at Royal Star & Garter, said: “We’re delighted that Old Gates has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to the team’s continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners.

“This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with staff at Old Gates, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through. Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Old Gates.”