CareHandle is an exciting new service supporting those exploring Care Homes for the first time
If you are over the threshold and paying privately you often explore care options alone which can be daunting and frustrating, especially when you need to focus on you or your loved one’s well-being.
Looking for care can be confusing, stressful and time-consuming, the team at Carehandle are on a mission to change this by offering advice, support and insight in a personal way.
We take care seekers through a 3-step process first to listen, understand and work through possible options. Next, we help Handle the search, find options and provide a free shortlist, we check availability, costs and quality. We are with you every step of the way to support better outcomes, we can book appointments and work with the provider for the best outcomes, a large number of those in care regret the initial decision so we can help to support and get it right first time.
The multi-award winning family owned group has scooped two more honours to add to its collection at the 2022 awards
Forest Care, a multi award-winning, family-owned, and managed group of four purpose-built private residential nursing homes in beautiful Surrey and Hampshire countryside locations, has scooped two more awards at the Surrey Care Awards 2022.
The annual event celebrating expertise and compassion in individuals and teams working in adult social care, was held on Friday 18th November at the Copthorne Effingham Gatwick Hotel and attended by over 230 guests.
Forest Care’s Holly Lodge, a specialist dementia residential & nursing Home in Frimley, Surrey wins ‘Nursing Home of the Year’. The panel recognised the specialised environment that Holly Lodge had created through its suite of high street destinations to encourage sensory stimulation for reminiscence, its innovative trips into the community for residents, and the excellent feedback from relatives. Alarico Bustamante, Home Manager at Holly Lodge said: “We are thrilled and so proud to receive this award, it means so much to the team here who feel that their continuous hard work, love, care and commitment towards the residents has paid off.”
Handyman David Fielding who recently celebrated his fifth year at Forest Care’s Cedar Lodge Residential & Nursing Home in Frimley, Surrey picked up the ‘Unsung Hero’ award. The panel noted the great lengths David goes to beyond his job remit, supporting residents and regularly taking them to hospital appointments and shopping, making a lightweight board for a resident to continue her artwork and fixing a precious broken grandfather clock which brought much joy to the owners. David said: “Receiving this award was a wonderful surprise, I feel so proud, but I accept this award on behalf of everyone at Cedar Lodge who all really care about what they do.”
“I am delighted and very proud for two of our finalists winning awards on Friday. It is a fantastic achievement for them, and our small group, to be recognised in this way, particularly when the standard of all the finalists is so high. It is testament to the wonderful work they continue to do every day in striving to ensure the best possible care is delivered to our residents,” added Mark Vickery, Director at Forest Care.
Enjoy festive fun activities for the whole family at Bracknell’s leading shopping centre
Shoppers at The Lexicon will be greeted by glittering lights, a 10-metre Christmas Tree and festive market stalls, as part of an array of festive activities for all the family from Saturday, 26th November to December 24th.
One of the borough’s spectacular forest giants, Will Wildwood will return to Princess Square, dressed for the festive season complete with festive forest foliage and frost-tipped sparkling lights to help raise money for Bracknell Foodbank. Every time someone uses the Winter Will Wildwood slide, The Lexicon will donate 20 pence to the foodbank up to a maximum of £5,000.
There’s a Snowflake Trail for families to follow around the town centre, using spectacular artwork created by local children with a chance to win a fabulous family prize from Cineworld and Gymfinity.
But, the star of the show is a magical virtual sleigh ride. Families will be transported across the world as they give Santa’s brand-new sleigh a trial flight before Christmas Eve.
Begin your journey by being transported into a virtual bay using a VR headset with a fully immersive experience including 360-degree views and matching movements. Hold on to your hats everyone, this could be a bumpy ride!
Birchgrove believe the home you live in should be as individual as you, find out what they can offer
When we think of retirement, most of us envision a lifestyle that allows us to socialise and take up new or forgotten hobbies. Yet, the reality is that many people in later life in the UK end up living an isolated life or are overwhelmed with everyday chores such as the upkeep of a large family home, which can lead to a drastic decline of a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Glenda Jones from Woking was afraid that her mother, 90-year old Matilda, was facing exactly this scenario. She said: “My mother had no time doing the things that she really likes. Her quality of life could have been a lot better. We also became aware of the need for her to have people around her a bit more.”
Determined to help her mother find a suitable property that could improve her overall lifestyle and wellbeing, the search led them to Birchgrove, the specialist developer of modern retirement communities for the over 65s. “I like the fact that they are communities of people not a collection of apartments,” Glenda adds.
You will never find two Birchgrove developments the same, because Birchgrove believe the place you call home should be as individual as the people and neighbourhood it sits within. Birchgrove makes sure that every community is not only future-designed to suit people’s needs as they age but has character to complement the local area. Thoughtful spaces that bring people together help forge communities where people feel grounded and at home.
Apartment living has its perks; no lawns to mow or gardens to weed yet you can still enjoy the beautiful surrounding area from your own outside space as every apartment has its own balcony or patio. Great thought has gone into creating beautiful, shared spaces where people can enjoy company in the club room or snug bar or grab a bite to eat in the restaurant if they don’t feel like cooking.
There’s also a wellness studio and beautiful landscaped gardens which include a greenhouse. Regular events and activities are readily available and form part of the friendly community everyone who lives in a Birchgrove community so enjoys.
If you would like to find out more about living at a Birchgrove community contact the team who will happily talk through the options and tailor something that works to support your individual needs. Call 020 3929 5599 or visit www.birchgrove.life
Christmas trees, a market and children’s theatre can all be enjoyed at Ramster Hall and Gardens this season.
Set in 25 acres of stunning woodland, hills and lakes, Ramster Garden in Chiddingfold is known for its spring colour but with winter on our doorstop the focus shifts.
Ramster is selling premium Christmas trees and beautiful festive wreaths from November 26th outside its Tea House. Festive treats including, mince pies and mulled wine will be available from the Tea House.
Choose from three different types of Christmas trees including Premium Nordmann Fir, Premium Fraser Fir and Norway spruce. Advice will be on hand to help you select your perfect tree.
Explore a fantastic variety of stalls run by local artisans selling food, drink and gifts at Ramster Christmas market on December 3rd and 4th, 10am-4pm. Includes gin, fudge, art, jewellery, beauty and homewares. For an extra treat, Ramster is being joined by the Lammas Handbell Ringers on Saturday 3rd who will be playing Christmas carols in the morning. Free entry and parking.
Ramster Hall presents the Gingerbread Man: A real treat for children aged two to seven years as they join our hero on his adventurous journey in search of somewhere better. Some amusing characters are encountered on the way but not all are as friendly as they may appear. Finally, our champion learns that there is no place quite like home.
Performed inside Ramster Hall on Saturday 10th December (60 minutes)
The Community Foundation for Surrey is helping to provide positive solutions for the community especially as we battle rising energy costs
At the Community Foundation for Surrey, we bring together local donors and charities to provide positive solutions in our communities for local people and disadvantaged individuals.
The need
Poverty is the catastrophe about to happen in Surrey for many people struggling to meet the cost of high energy bills this winter.
Surrey is often thought of as one of the best places to live in the UK. However, there is a hidden side to Surrey, with pockets of deprivation and places of hidden need. Too many people, especially children, are living in poverty in the county.
23,000 children in Surrey are impacted by poverty.
Child poverty has been rising in every district and borough in Surrey for the past five years.
8% of Surrey’s older people are affected by poverty.
“Cutting back on food, skipping meals, not replacing children’s shoes and winter coats, and using debt to make ends meet” … are just some of the ways how parents are coping (Surrey County Council Report to Cabinet on Child Poverty, Jan 2022)
Can you help?
We urgently need donations to our Winter Poverty Fundraising Campaign. With your kind support, together we can combat poverty this winter in our community.
If you’re eligible to receive either the Winter Fuel Payment or the Energy Rebate and you’re in the fortunate position of being able to manage without it, please consider donating the money so that we can use it to award grants to organisations who are providing urgent help to those in economic crisis.
We’re fortunate to have received a matched funding pledge – so that every £10 that you donate will be doubled to £20.
Every penny of donations received will be used to support organisations helping those most in need throughout our county – food banks, community pantries, community meal services, warm hubs, baby banks, and support with fuel poverty and debt advice.
Santa’s Post Office and Snow Windows herald the start of the festive season
The Fleet Business Improvement District has launched their family activities this Christmas. They are completely free and offer an amazing experience and are a great reason to visit the town.
The Fleet BID has commissioned Snow Windows to decorate 24 windows in the town. Each window has been personally designed by artist Tom and features elements particular to that business. Each window is a unique piece of art and both children and adults will enjoy being able to visit the windows and spot the details that make each artwork so special.
Santa’s Post Office also makes a welcome return to Fleet launching in Hart Shopping Centre at the Fleet Christmas Festival on November 23rd. Families can visit the enchanting Post Office to meet the Christmas elves and write their letter to Santa. Children can post their letters in the special Post Box and watch its magical journey to Lapland. Even better this is completely free.
One delighted parent, who visited in previous years said: “We went in today with my two kids and they loved it! Both my husband and I were so impressed and felt incredibly lucky to have something so special in Fleet. A real testament to a wonderful community. A massive thank you to Fleet BID for putting something so special together that local families can enjoy!”
Volunteers from Fleet Guide are manning the Post Office, helping them to raise awareness of the great work they do in our local community.
Tracey Shrimpton, Fleet BID Manager said: “We are very excited to bring these free actives to Fleet this Christmas. Santa’s Post Office is a magical experience and Snow Windows have worked with companies such as Harvey Nichols and celebrities including Jamie Oliver, Kirstie Allsopp and Chris Moyles so we’re extremely lucky to have been able to bring them to Fleet.
“We recognise that families may find the pressure to spend money stressful this Christmas and we’re delighted that we can offer something very special for families to enjoy that they can do completely free of charge.
“We are lucky to have such a fabulous range of committed small business owners who open their doors every day to offer customers unique services and products, with local staff to provide help and advice. The High Street is facing many challenges right now and our mission is to support businesses in Fleet with a number of activities to improve the trading environment and this is a great opportunity for people to show their support for local businesses which are the lifeblood of our community.”
In addition to Fleet BID’s activities a committed team of volunteers are organising the annual Fleet Christmas Festival taking place on Wednesday 23rd November from 2pm to 9pm with over 130 market stalls, family entertainment, choirs and Christmas songs, Vegan Village, community stalls, Hart of Craft market in the Shopping centre, Santa’s Grotto in The Harlington, Autism Friendly Fleet Chill Zone in the shopping centre and the Christmas Lights switch on at 6.30pm. The Festival Committee have also organised a Christmas Trail which runs until December 9th with prizes to be won.
Tatjana runs a loose-leaf tea startup called teapro.co.uk based in Windsor and is passionate about all things sustainable
Whilst Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be one of the most wasteful. The UK produces an additional three million tonnes of waste at Christmas and fills 100 million bin bags every year.
We’ve put together some easy and fun ways to reduce Christmas waste, so you can make a big impact this December and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. Let’s do this!
Spread joy with Christmas E-Cards
During that time of year when we want to express how much we care for our loved ones, Christmas Cards are more than just a tradition. However, even traditions can sometimes benefit from a modern twist, which is so easily done with lovely digital cards from companies like Paperless Post. Alternatively, you could also send plantable Christmas cards – there are some really lovely designs on Etsy.
Rent a Christmas tree
Seven million trees end up in landfill every year! One great way to reduce that astronomical number is by renting a Christmas tree and returning it back in January to be replanted. Another option is to repurpose your house plant into a modern Christmas tree – those fairy lights will help you make it look nice and festive!
Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, you have to agree that advent calendars makes the countdown to Christmas so much more fun. Unfortunately, a lot of advent calendars contain unnecessary plastic packaging. We recommend picking calendars that use sustainable materials and have longevity beyond Christmas, like this cute tea advent calendar, which can be re-used as a cork board for your home office. Of course, you can also create your own advent calendar. Bonus points if you make it out of recycled materials!
Re-use last year’s decorations
It’s time to dust off those Christmas decorations from your attic – there is definitely a certain charm in re-using vintage family garlands. Alternatively, turn making sustainable DIY garlands into a fun family activity! There are also some gorgeous Kraft paper baubles and dried fruit garlands you can get on Etsy.
Shop presents locally and sustainably
When it comes to presents, experiences are a great idea! If you prefer physical presents, try sourcing them from local small businesses that use sustainable materials. Over £42 million worth of unwanted Christmas gifts end up in landfill each year, so if you’re not sure about the size or the colour preference – go for something consumable like tea! You can get a beautiful sustainably packaged subscription gift box from teapro.
Reduce food waste
When it comes to Christmas food shopping, try to only buy as much as you need. And if you really want to reduce your carbon footprint, try swapping your Christmas roast for a vegan nut roast option. If you do have leftovers, find recipes to see how you can make the most of them.
Try fabric gift wrapping
Fabric gift wrapping is the new trend of this year, it’s easy, beautiful and re-usable. Definitely worth an investment.
Recycle
Think ahead and minimise the effort and preparation for the next year. For example, make sure to keep all the usable gift-wrapping you get. If you get a new tech gadget, try to recycle the old one – your tablets and phone are full of valuable materials like zinc and gold that can be reused.
Instead of throwing away an unwanted present, you may consider selling it or re-gifting it. Lastly, consider donating unwanted left-over food to a charity like https://fareshare.org.uk/.
Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Surrey
Across Surrey, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors to rekindle the magic of Christmas.
Michael Leigh, National Trust General Manger for the Surrey Landscapes said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust care for.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Surrey. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey
The spectacular one
Polesden Lacey
12 days of Christmas – December 3rd to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey. Explore this sumptuously decorated house and wintry grounds, sparkling with Christmas splendour and a few spectacles on the way. Breathtaking displays in the decorated house count down the Twelve Days of Christmas, from swans-a-swimming to a golden partridge in a secret, snowy courtyard. Follow children’s trails to find magic across the house and grounds or take a stroll across the gardens. With live music on selected Fridays and Saturdays and festive food and drink in the café, all the sights, sounds and flavours of Christmas are here.
Image: National Trust / Ed Tuddenham
The fun one
Winkworth Arboretum
Walking with the Snowman™ – November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
The Snowman™ is coming to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas. Relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Find 12 decorated sculptures of The Snowman™ along a wintry woodland trail for all the family. Carousel rides, games and hot chocolate add to the festive fun. Your little ones will be ready for dreams full of Christmas wonder by the end of a fun-filled day. Walking with The Snowman at Winkworth Arboretum is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK). Online booking advised.
Image: National Trust / John Miller
The cosy one
Christmas at Hatchlands Park
December 1st to 30th (exc 24th & 25th)
Hatchlands Park has always been a favourite for families at Christmas. Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional country Christmas. See the house dressed for the season and enjoy festive piano music. Outside, enjoy the magic of Christmas in the cobbled courtyard and hand-crafted willow reindeer standing majestically on the lawn. Take a crisp stroll through the parkland – children will love spotting the musically themed animals hiding along the way. Then treat yourself to a warming Christmas treat in the café.
Image: National Trust / Hannah Elliott
The nostalgic one
Claremont Landscape Garden
November 26th to January 2nd
Claremont is the perfect picturesque landscape to get you into the festive spirit. Meet up with family and friends in this historical royal garden. Children can scamper along a traditional Christmas trail, full of nostalgia. Look out for Christmas trees, crackers, cards and elves along the way. Work up an appetite for the tearoom, stocked full of treats and festooned with garlands. With a fun filled family trail, winter warmers from the café and stunning views on walks, Claremont is an enchanting place to visit this Christmas.
Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Sussex
Across Sussex, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors, themed on popular children’s books, to rekindle the magic of Christmas.
Zara Luxford, National Trust General Manager for Nymans and Standen said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations, trails and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Sussex
The sumptuous one
A Joyful Family Christmas at Standen
November 19th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Discover a beautifully decorated family home ready for a joyful Christmas, filled with sparkling lights and sumptuous trees, music and make believe. Outside, the Courtyard Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights, decorated by Same Sky community artists with local schoolchildren and inspired by William Morris. Don’t miss the twilight openings, carols round the tree and fun trail for all the family. Book ahead for Woodland Santa’s workshop at the top of the garden.
The magical one
Nymans
Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Tale at Nymans
November 26th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)
Beatrix Potter’s festive tale The Tailor of Gloucester comes to the garden at Nymans, with installations around the garden. Step inside the gallery and discover an exhibition for all the family with some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and Christmas cards. The house is richly decorated with sumptuous Christmas trees, sparkling lights and story scenes. There’s even a cosy storybook corner, puzzles and dressing up for the little ones. Enjoy festive treats in the café after a winter’s day out.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The tree-mendous one
Petworth’s Tree-mendous Christmas
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Magnificently decorated trees fill the mansion at Petworth this Christmas. Highlights include the Marble Hall, transformed into an enchanted winter forest scene with sparkling lights and woodland creatures – look out for deer crafted from winter greenery, and tiny mice. In the chapel you can add a Christmas wish to a tree. Weekend choirs, late evening openings, and a Christmas market offer more moments to enjoy the sparkle at Petworth.
Image: National Trust / John Miller
The breath of fresh air
Sheffield Park and Garden
November 26th to January 1st (exc 24th and 25th)
Sheffield Park and Garden is a breath of fresh air at Christmas time. Take a break from the hectic high street and spend an atmospheric afternoon recharging yourself in this stunning landscape garden. Find inspiration and learn new skills as you follow the Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts passed from generation to generation. From needlework to crochet, discover handmade crafts that don’t cost the earth to make at home. Plus look out for the festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy – the perfect place for a family photoshoot filled with yuletide cheer.
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The cosy one
Christmas at Bateman’s
November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)
Make memories as you explore the 17th century house with welcoming log fire, illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations. Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage, delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher’s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups. Music on selected dates, please check website for details.
The handmade one
Christmas at Uppark
November 19th to January 1st (exc 24th & 25th)
Celebrate Christmas at Uppark and see the mansion adorned with natural and handmade decorations. The entrance hall is richly dressed and festively scented with winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon. Above and below stairs, each room has its own crafted theme, from music to games, made by local community groups to create a unique and joyful Christmas experience.
Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
The castle factor
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
December 3rd to January 2nd
Discover Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle ruins. Jump on and dress up in regal winter costumes for the ultimate festive selfie. Look around the Castle Courtyard for Father Christmas, Mother Christmas or the elves just waiting to say hello and enjoy the magic of Christmas with tales of dragons, knights, and castles in storytelling for families from a cosy tower room. Christmas characters on selected dates. Please check the website for more details.
The literary one
Christmas at Lamb House
November 28th to December 18th (closed on selected dates, check website)
Be transported to New England in 1900 where Henry James, the American author, plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season. Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional home-made Christmas in this stunning Georgian house.
