The team and residents at Sanctuary Care’s Bradwell Court Residential Care Home in Congleton are celebrating after proudly achieving Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
This prestigious accreditation recognises the home’s unwavering commitment to supporting the practical, emotional and social needs of those who have served in the armed forces.
As part of this dedication, the team, which currently cares for four veterans, has forged strong and lasting links with local armed forces groups, creating meaningful connections both within the home and across the wider community. Highlights have included a memorable visit from a serving paratrooper, as well as residents joining fellow veterans from Congleton and surrounding areas at community VE Day celebrations.
The home has also extended its support beyond its own walls, inviting veterans from neighbouring care homes to join events at Bradwell Court – creating lasting bonds through shared experiences.
Local organisations have played an important role too. Congleton Museum has visited the home with fascinating artefacts and personal testimonials, sparking conversations and reminiscence. The local Air Corps Cadets have also taken part in intergenerational activities.
To ensure every veteran receives tailored support, the team discreetly places poppies outside the bedroom doors of residents who have served, helping visiting healthcare professionals recognise and honour their service. Bradwell Court also has dedicated Veteran Champions, who have completed specialist training and now share their knowledge with colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care for veterans and their families.
The not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home manager Lorraine Colclough, who has a strong personal connection to the armed forces – her son is a serving paratrooper and her father served as an army nurse – said: “On behalf of our veterans at Bradwell Court, and for the veterans we hope to welcome in the future, we are enormously proud to have achieved VFF status.
“This accreditation isn’t just a badge for us – it reflects the heart of who we are. Many of our residents have given so much in service to their country, and it is our privilege to give something meaningful back.
“I am incredibly proud of my team for embracing this work with such passion. Their dedication ensures that our veterans receive not only exceptional care, but also the respect and recognition they so deeply deserve.”
For more about life at Bradwell Court, which provides residential and dementia care, as well as pre-bookable respite care stays, visit Bradwell Court Care Home in Congleton l Cheshire
The VFF is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter, Royal British Legion and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
Kathryn Glass is the VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme. She said: “We’re delighted that Sanctuary Care’s Bradwell Court Residential Care Home has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners.”
Sanctuary Care has been delivering trusted care to older people for over 25 years. For more information, visit: www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/enriching-lives
