- 1000 care homes sign up for Care Home Open Week
- Every care home across the UK invited to find ways to engage local community – such as building a connection with local police forces and inviting students to learn about working in the sector
- Care Home Open Week aims to drive recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage people into the sector
Championing Social Care, a volunteer-led group of leaders from across the social care sector, will be hosting Care Home Open Week from 27th June to 3rd July 2022 – aimed at encouraging communities to engage with care home residents and the exceptional care professionals that care for them.
Care Home Open Week will provide homes with the opportunity to show what facilities, activities and services they can offer, and will also showcase the career opportunities available in the sector and encourage communities to support and volunteer for their local service. The event is targeted at prospective residents and their families, potential employees and policymakers.
This year’s event aims to champion and celebrate social care, and drive recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amid increasing reliance on the sector and widespread staff shortages.
1,000 care homes have already signed up to participate in the event, including Hallmark Care Homes, HC-One, Majesticare, CareTechEden Futures and the Order of St John – and every care home across the country is invited to participate.
Rebecca Woolley, Championing Social Care Director says: “We are incredibly excited to announce the return of two committed sponsors, CIVITAS Investment Management and Virgin Money, without whom the programme would not be possible. Care Home Open Week is the perfect opportunity to show future residents your facilities, share your employment and volunteer opportunities with your community and make connections that will last all year round.
“Although we provide materials and top tips for planning your event, each care home is an expert on the event that is right for them. This might be building a connection with your local police force or inviting health and social care students from the local college to find out about weekend work”
Derek Breingan, Head of Health & Social Care, Virgin Money says: “The team at Virgin Money is delighted to continue to support Care Home Open Week for 2022. Last year’s event was very welcome but this year we think that the activities planned, and the number of care home residents, staff, supporters and families involved, will make it even more successful. We look forward to participating across the country.”
Paul Bridge, CEO of Social Housing at Civitas Investment Management Limited, the investment adviser of Civitas Social Housing PLCplc said: “The Civitas team is delighted to be involved in Care Home Open Week, following our sponsorship last year we were impressed with the support and benefit the week brought to vulnerable people across the UK. We are pleased to continue our partnership this year, and we look forward to meeting in person this time around.”
Last year, Championing Social Care connected the Department of Health and Social Care, Silver Sunday and National Citizen Service to care homes across the country, providing them with unique opportunities to be part of national campaigns.
The 2021 event received engagement from high profile visitors, including Helen Whatley MP (Minister for Social Care), Sir Ed Davey MP (Leader of the Liberal Democrats) and Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan MP (Shadow Minister for Mental Health).
85.7% of the care homes who participated in Care Home Open Week 2021 agreed that the event helped promote their facilities, activities and services. 71.4% of the participating care homes also agreed that the event encouraged greater community engagement and volunteering.
Interested participants can register for Care Home Open Week 2022 or learn more by visiting www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-day/
