Residents and staff at Pinewood care home in Chigwell enjoyed a visit by Labour MP Wes Streeting earlier this month in celebration of Care Home Open Week.

Mr Streeting, who is the MP for Ilford North, joined residents and members of the local community for a tour of the home and discussions with residents and staff. 

Pinewood Residential, operated by Sanctuary Care, was one of 1,500 care homes across the UK participating in the event this month – aimed at encouraging communities to engage with care home residents and the professionals who care for them. 

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It is organised by Championing Social Care, a volunteer-led organisation.

Mr Streeting said: “I was delighted to visit. Care workers are dedicated professionals who deserve our gratitude for the incredible work they do, and this was a great opportunity to personally thank care staff and hear about the changes to the sector they want to see.”

Louise Palmer, Sanctuary Care’s deputy director of operations said: “We were delighted to host the event and welcome Wes to Pinewood. Our residents and staff enjoyed the chance to meet him and show him around our facilities, including our wonderful allotment garden – just one of the activities we support to enrich the lives of our residents.”

This year’s event received record engagement from MPs, with one in six members attending a local care home during the week.

The Rt Hon. Damian Green MP, co-chair of the all party parliamentary group on adult social care and MP for Ashford, said: “This is the ideal time to celebrate all those who work in care homes.

"Social care is a vital part of making a civilised society, and we should all support those who provide good care, often to some of the most vulnerable people.”

Rebecca Woolley, Championing Social Care director said: “We know that intergenerational connections enrich the lives of both our residents and local communities, and it’s our hope that the relationships forged this week will last long beyond Care Home Open Week.”