Godfrey Care has officially opened Willow Lodge, a new specialist residential service in Sutton-in-Ashfield
designed to support adults with complex, high-acuity needs.

The service was formally launched during an Open Day attended by families, Local Authority representatives, Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioners, healthcare professionals and sector partners. The official ribbon-cutting was carried out by the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Merlita Bryan MBE.

Willow Lodge has been developed to provide four bespoke self-contained living environments, complemented by communal spaces that support social connection, independence and wellbeing. Each apartment has been designed and specified for complex needs, offering a homely environment which benefits from on-site support from a highly experience service team and additional support from a multidisciplinary team of clinical
professionals.

A defining feature of the project has been its collaborative development process. Families, local authorities, ICB commissioners, clinical teams and Godfrey Care’s multidisciplinary and senior leadership teams have been actively involved throughout the design and planning stages, ensuring the service reflects the needs of the individuals it will support.

Tracy Johnson, Managing Director of Godfrey Care, said:

“Willow Lodge demonstrates what can be achieved when providers, families, commissioners and clinical
professionals work together from the outset. Every aspect of the service has been shaped through collaboration and co-production. Our focus has been on creating a highly tailored environment that delivers positive outcomes, promotes independence and empowers individuals to determine their pathway and goals in life.”

The development follows Godfrey Care’s established model of engaging stakeholders early in the design process to create environments that are both clinically informed and person-centred.
Families have been involved through regular site visits and consultation throughout the build programme, helping to ensure that lived experience directly influenced the final design. This approach has enabled individual preferences and requirements to be considered well before people move into the service.