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.

At Godfrey Care, we are passionate about creating environments where people feel encouraged and confident to make their own life choices and develop their skills.

At Ash Tree House in Burton-on-Trent, the people we support have been embracing opportunities both in the home and in the community. JB has been building his independence by taking charge of everyday routines at home, including preparing his own breakfasts and spending time in the kitchen flipping pancakes. He has also enjoyed various community activities and found time to pop to the local barbers for a trim.

KS has been developing his independent living skills, including laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping, and continues to enjoy quality time with his family, sharing his experiences and progress. Meanwhile, LC has been making the most of the warmer weather with visits to local parks and cycling sessions at the athletics track. She has also been honing her baking techniques with the creation of some delicious cakes.

Similarly, our nearby service at Ashby House has been supporting people to develop and maintain independent living skills, helping them feel in control of their daily lives as they take an active role in shopping and meal preparation, including planning meals, choosing ingredients, and preparing food. They’ve also been taking part in shopping trips, building confidence with budgeting, decision-making, and community engagement.

Through tailored support and a focus on inclusion and empowerment, our services have promoted independence, wellbeing, and progression. Well done everyone at Ash Tree House and Ashby House – it’s wonderful to see people thriving with the freedom and confidence to shape their own lives.

We’re delighted to introduce three new colleagues to the Godfrey Care team, each bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge to their roles.

Preeti Mistry – People & Culture Partner
Preeti joins us with over 13 years’ HR experience across a range of industries, including the past three years in healthcare. Her background spans both generalist and advisory HR roles, with additional experience in Learning & Development. Preeti’s people-focused approach and ability to support complex HR functions within fast-paced environments will be invaluable to our People & Culture team.

Kelly Tuffnell – Service Manager, Willow Lodge
Kelly brings 21 years of experience within the care sector and a strong passion for delivering high-quality support. Kelly is taking on a central role at our new service, Willow Lodge in Sutton-in-Ashfield, which opens this summer. She is committed to creating positive outcomes for the people we support and leading teams that provide compassionate, person-centred care. We are excited to have her expertise and leadership at Willow Lodge.

Dominic Weston – Specialist Behaviour Practitioner
Dominic joins our PBS team with experience supporting children and young people with autism and learning disabilities across educational and social care settings. Holding both a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Dominic is passionate about working collaboratively to improve quality of life and achieve positive outcomes for individuals through meaningful behavioural support strategies.

Preeti, Kelly and Dominic are three outstanding additions to our team. We look forward to the positive impact they will make across our services as we continue building futures together.

We are absolutely delighted to share that our Specialist Support Team has won the Clinical Care Collective Award at the 2026 Stars of Social Care – Teams Awards held in Manchester!

The award is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and expertise our team brings every single day to the people we support. Our Specialist Support Team plays a critical role in the planning, development and delivery of our person-centre care and support across our residential care and supported living services.

Representing our winners at the ceremony were Charlotte Notman, Specialist Psychological Practitioner, and Aaron Bushell, PBS Clinical Practitioner, who proudly accepted the award on behalf of the team.

We would also like to congratulate all of our amazing finalists:

Canal Lodge – Shining Stars Team of the Year Award finalists
Ash Tree House – Complex Care Team Award finalists
The Recruitment Team – Talent Seekers Award finalists
Pottery House – Wellbeing Warriors Award finalists

To be recognised nationally alongside so many inspiring organisations and professionals across social care is a huge honour and a fantastic achievement.

When we talk about building futures together, teamwork is fundamental to that mission – and the Stars of Social Care – Teams Awards highlight the extraordinary impact that collaboration and shared dedication have across the social care sector.

Last month’s Easter festivities were packed with fun, colour, and creativity across Godfrey Care services!

At Station House in Rolleston, everyone got stuck into arts and crafts, making everything from decorated eggs to handmade cards. Meanwhile, Ashby House in Burton-on-Trent adorned the home with bright decorations and Easter-themed displays while crafting Easter cards for loved ones, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the season.

The Ashby House support team also organised a special celebration, inviting guests from other services for music and dancing, followed by an Easter egg hunt and a delicious home-cooked meal enjoyed by all.

Another egg hunt was the highlight of celebrations at nearby Field House, where the occasion was graced by a very special guest — none other than the Easter Bunny, who hopped over to oversee the search for chocolate! The people we support dressed up in Easter outfits and tucked into delicious seasonal baskets full of sweet treats arranged by the support team.

At Potter House in Stoke-on-Trent, Theresa from the support team also demonstrated a talent for creating gift-wrapped goodies, putting together a beautiful Easter hamper that was offered as the first prize in a raffle held across several services.

Well done to the support teams at all our services for organising some cracking Easter celebrations!