Celebrating the care, compassion and community we share
We are delighted to share the latest edition of Nellsar News, packed with inspiring updates, celebrations and heart-warming stories from across our Homes. This issue brings together innovation, community spirit and exceptional achievements that showcase the dedication of our teams and the vibrancy of life within Nellsar.
Corporate News: A year of progress, achievement and innovation
This issue highlights an incredibly productive period across Nellsar, beginning with our continued focus on innovation and responsible use of AI. The newsletter explores how secure tools such as Microsoft Copilot are helping teams streamline documentation and communication while maintaining robust data protection standards (pages 6–7).
Another significant theme is well-being and sustainability, with updates on our 2026 strategy, new well-being resource hubs and successful initiatives such as Green Friday, water literacy achievements and expanded sustainability training for 2026 (pages 10–13). This issue also celebrates remarkable long service awards across many Homes, recognising colleagues who have dedicated between 5 and 20 years to supporting residents with care and compassion (pages 14–16).
There is also fantastic progress in Learning and Development, including OSCE success for new Registered Nurses, apprenticeship graduation celebrations and a proud milestone as Amy at Meyer House becomes Nellsar’s first Registered Nursing Associate (pages 16–19).
A major highlight of this issue is Nellsar’s commitment to delivering outstanding dementia care through engagement with the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme (NaDCAS), with Homes embracing the framework to strengthen quality and best practice (pages 20–21).
Finally, Princess Christian celebrates a year of excellence, securing Investors in People Gold Status once again and earning recognition at the Surrey Care Awards 2025, including a well-deserved Care Worker of the Year win for Yessica (pages 22–23).
Special Features: Food, wellness and meaningful care
This issue’s Special Features section is rich with updates from our Nutrition, Catering and Well-being teams. It includes the launch of the Eating and Drinking Train the Trainer pilot programme, which equips colleagues with essential skills across hydration, dysphagia, allergens, malnutrition and dignified dining (pages 26–27).
We also celebrate International Chefs Day, recognising the talent and dedication of our Chefs across all Homes. Personalised aprons, certificates and sustainability commitments helped shine a spotlight on the vital role catering teams play in residents’ comfort and satisfaction (pages 28–29). And the popular Chef’s Corner features Ben from Silverpoint Court, sharing insights into his culinary journey, person-centred menu creation and passion for transforming mealtimes into memorable experiences (pages 32–33).
A powerful addition to this issue is coverage from the Namaste Care International Conference, where Viv Stead, our Head of Recreation Well-being, represented Nellsar and brought back valuable insights on enhancing connection and palliative dementia support (pages 34–35).
From Our Homes: Community, celebration and creativity
This heart-warming section captures the spirit of life in our Homes, beginning with Community Links at Woodstock Care Centre – featuring school visits, river boat trips, faith services and intergenerational activities that enrich daily life (pages 36–37). We also introduce residents from Loose Valley and Meyer House in Meet Our Residents, where personal stories, hobbies and favourite memories offer a beautiful snapshot of our community (pages 38–40).
This issue shares vibrant celebrations across our Homes including colourful Onam festivities, lively Macmillan Coffee Mornings, cheerful Wear It Pink events, imaginative Halloween activities and heartfelt Remembrance tributes (pages 41–48). And this edition concludes with joyful photos of recent birthdays and anniversaries, showing the love, care and creativity that make every occasion special (pages 50–51).
View the latest issue
Printed copies of the Nellsar News are delivered to all 13 Care Homes for our residents and team members to enjoy.
You can read our latest issue online, along with all our back issues, here:
www.nellsar.com/nellsar-newsletters
