Whether it’s the bright lights of the city or the sea breeze of the coast, Godfrey Care services always embrace the opportunity for an outing and the chance to experience somewhere new.

Our Pine Bank service in Chesterfield has certainly been on the move recently, with the support team organising several exciting summer adventures.

CS enjoyed a wonderful day in Scarborough, making the most of the sunshine with a paddle in the sea, a stroll along the promenade, and, of course, traditional fish and chips, all while keeping a watchful eye on the sneaky seagulls hoping to snatch a tasty treat! Meanwhile, WE and JG had a fantastic time at the funfair, soaking up the lively atmosphere and enjoying a variety of rides.

OW decided to head west, travelling by train with the support team to Manchester. Their day included a fascinating visit to the Museum of Science and Industry, followed by a browse around the shops at the Arndale Centre.

The Pine Bank team is busy planning more days out in the months ahead. We can’t wait to hear where they’ll be exploring next!

The summer holiday season is in full swing at Godfrey Care, with our services arranging a range of fun trips and activities for the people we support.

CS, who lives at our Pine Bank service in Chesterfield, recently enjoyed a wonderful break at Center Parcs.

CS has always embraced an active lifestyle, and Center Parcs proved to be the perfect setting for him to enjoy life to the full and make the most of every moment. During his stay, he took part in a variety of activities and discovered new experiences along the way. He particularly loved exploring the beautiful outdoor surroundings, with highlights including rowing a boat on the lake, ten-pin bowling, and swimming in Center Parcs’ spacious pools.

Pine Bank Registered Manager, Courtney Weir, said:

“CS had a fantastic time, and it was lovely to hear about all the activities he enjoyed when he returned. A special thank you to Mel and Tosin for their support in making the trip such a positive experience. Their encouragement and dedication helped create lasting memories for CS and everyone involved.”

Co-production is fundamental to how we develop a bespoke home for every individual we support. At the heart of that process, we place the design in the hands of the people who will live there – both practically and, in this case, quite literally.

From the very beginning, their preferences, sensory needs, aspirations and lived experience help form the roadmap for the co-production journey.

This principle was brought to life at one of our new residential settings currently being developed in Derbyshire, where J donned a hard hat and high-vis jacket to visit the construction site of his future self-contained apartment. With notepad in hand, J sketched out ideas, expressed his vision and explored potential layouts, providing invaluable insight into how the space could best support his needs and the way he wants to live.

Gaining J’s input at an early stage of construction is a vital part of the co-production process. We have also benefited from the incredibly valuable contributions of J’s family and care professionals at Derbyshire County Council, whose knowledge and collaborative approach are helping us make informed decisions that will have a meaningful impact on J’s future home.

As the project progresses, we will continue to work alongside J, his family, Derbyshire County Council, and our construction and clinical specialists to transform his ideas into a space that is truly his own.

Godfrey Care services have never been shy about firing up the BBQ when the opportunity presents itself, and sure enough, Dorset House in Chesterfield was the first to break out the tongs this season, making the most of the recent glorious weather! JH and the support team headed out to the garden to flame-grill a mouth-watering feast of burgers and hot dogs while soaking up the sunshine.

Our nearby Pine Bank service also dined al fresco, enjoying a bumper Bank Holiday buffet as part of an all-day summer party. The delicious spread included everything from cupcakes to kebabs, while salad cream and sun cream were dolloped in equal measure!

CS volunteered for DJ duties and kept everyone entertained with a fantastic set of non-stop floor-fillers, proving that bangers aren’t just for barbecues.

We hope to see many more sunny days as the summer progresses, but one thing’s for sure – Godfrey Care services have a healthy appetite for good food, great company and good times!

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.