Sometimes taking a different path can open up new possibilities.

At Godfrey Care, we encourage the people we support to try new experiences, discover new interests and, where they feel ready, step outside their usual routines.

PS, who lives at Pine Bank in Chesterfield, has been doing just that. He’s been enjoying more time out and about, including going for a drive and even visiting the Peak District for a walk, a really significant step for him. On a gloriously sunny day, PS took in some stunning panoramic views, the highlight of a journey that broadened his horizons in every sense.

PS is usually happiest with his familiar routine of a daily walk to the local shop and his Wednesday café visit, so it’s been fantastic to see him embrace something different and explore somewhere new.  It’s also a lovely reflection of the trust he has built with the team at Pine Bank.

With the right support and encouragement, a change of scenery and a venture into less familiar territory can help build confidence and create opportunities to discover what’s possible.

The support team at The Meadows in Beeston are well known for organising a wide range of fun activities, but there’s no doubt what the mane attraction was this month!

The service welcomed a very special guest with the arrival of Cupcake, a beautiful therapy pony who loves visiting people in their homes.

Everyone was excited to meet Cupcake, and she certainly made a great impression! It was a joy to watch her happily munching on the fresh grass, get to know her gentle personality and, of course, give her a tasty carrot or two.

There was also time for plenty of stroking and some lovely moments together – a chance to slow down, relax and simply enjoy Cupcake’s company. It was wonderful to see how much joy and relaxation she brought to everyone. This friendly pony certainly seemed at home grazing in The Meadows!

Thank you, Cupcake, for coming to see us. We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back very soon!

Getting involved in community events is a huge part of life at Godfrey Care.

MB, who lives at Dorset House in Chesterfield, certainly embraces every opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of local activities. She recently had a fantastic time at this year’s Barlow Carnival, a much-loved village tradition that brings the community together each year with its parade, entertainment, family activities, stalls, food and fairground rides.

This year’s carnival was bathed in sunshine as MB made the most of everything on offer. Taking a spin on the rides was a given, but she also had the unexpected pleasure of meeting some beautiful birds of prey, including a friendly barn owl which perched on her wrist. At one point, she even encountered a towering – but equally friendly – Transformer!

It was lovely to see MB getting involved and having such a memorable day out, enjoying everything from raptors to robots. She clearly had a hoot!

We’re delighted to announce that Godfrey Care has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Specialist Care category at this year’s prestigious LaingBuisson Awards.

It’s particularly special to be recognised in this category after being shortlisted for the same award in 2025, alongside Excellence in Supported Living, which we were incredibly proud to win.

The LaingBuisson Awards are now in their 21st year and celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK health and social care sector.

This recognition reflects the skill and dedication of our teams and their commitment to building futures together through highly personalised, specialist support for adults with complex needs. Our approach combines bespoke environments, multidisciplinary expertise and co-produced care to create opportunity, improve quality of life and increase independence.

Tracy Johnson, Managing Director of Godfrey Care, said:

“To be named a finalist in Excellence in Specialist Care for the second consecutive year is a fantastic achievement. We believe our teams represent the very best of social care and the genuinely life-changing impact it can have. We’re incredibly proud of the difference they make to the lives of the people we support.

“The LaingBuisson Awards recognise organisations that are raising standards across health and social care, so to be shortlisted again is a real honour. It’s wonderful to see the hard work of our teams recognised alongside some of the outstanding organisations across the sector.”

The winners will be announced at the LaingBuisson Awards ceremony on 19 November 2026 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

A huge thank you to everyone across Godfrey Care who continues to make this recognition possible.

Having access to enjoyable outdoor spaces is something many of the people we support value highly. The garden has become a particularly special place for MB, who lives at our Dorset House service in Chesterfield.

MB takes great pride in caring for her plants, spending time watering them and watching her garden grow. Through her care and creativity, she has transformed the space into a beautiful, peaceful environment where she can relax and enjoy being outdoors.

It’s also become a welcoming space for local wildlife. MB particularly enjoys watching the birds and squirrels that visit the garden and takes great pleasure in seeing nature thrive around her.

It’s wonderful to see MB making the most of the Dorset House gardens and having a space where she can spend time doing something she genuinely enjoys, at her own pace.