Mountside is Making Waves in the Sussex Express
Making Waves; Shelagh’s Sponsored Swim Success Features Online!
We’re thrilled to share that Mountside Care Home recently graced the pages of Sussex World for an incredible sponsored swim led by our very own Shelagh, the homes activity coordinator, in support of the Mountside Residents’ Fund
During her swim, Shelagh conquered 64 lengths — the equivalent of a full mile — raising an inspiring £551 (and counting!) for our Residents’ Fund This fund is essential in bringing special experiences to our residents, such as in-house entertainment, day trips, bespoke activities, and more — all tailored to individual interests.
Shelagh shared her motivation for taking on the challenge:
“I wanted to do something personal to give back to the people who make my job so special. Swimming a mile was tough but knowing it would directly benefit our residents kept me going. I'm so grateful to everyone who sponsored me!”
The Sussex World feature is a proud acknowledgement of Shelagh’s effort and Mountside’s values of creativity and compassion. Donations are still open via reception — every pound helps bring more moments of delight and connection to our community.
Well done, Shelagh — and thank you to everyone who has contributed!
ACI Care in the Spotlight for Sustainability
ACI Care in the Spotlight for Sustainability Featured in The Care Home Environment Magazine
We’re incredibly proud to announce that ACI Care has been featured in the latest issue of The Care Home Environment Magazine;, a leading publication in the care sector, for our commitment to building a greener, more sustainable care group.
Across our homes — including Fairways in New Romney, Mountside in Hastings, and The Old Rectory in Dymchurch — we’ve been working hard to reduce our environmental footprint while continuing to deliver outstanding care.
From energy-efficient upgrades to waste reduction initiatives, we’re demonstrating that environmental responsibility and quality care go hand in hand.
Since 2022, we’ve successfully reduced our carbon emissions by 10%, equivalent to 31.5 metric tonnes of CO₂. This has been achieved through:
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Implementing energy-saving systems
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Switching to sustainable procurement practices
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Educating our teams on the importance of everyday environmental choices
These actions aren't just policies on paper — they’re real changes, making a real difference.
Thank you to The Care Home Environment Magazine team for spotlighting our work. We’re excited about what comes next — because when it comes to caring for people and the planet, we’re all in.
VE Day Knees-Up Featured in Sussex World
Mountside Care Home’s VE Day Knees-Up Featured in Sussex World!
Mountside Care Home are delighted to share that their spirited VE Day celebration at Mountside Care Home in Hastings was featured in Sussex World / Sussex Express, and it truly captured the essence of the day — full of music, memories, pride, and unity.
Residents, staff, and volunteers came together for a joyous afternoon marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. What a day it was:
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Reflection with wartime speeches — we listened to the inspiring words of Winston Churchill, paying tribute to the courage and resilience of the WWII generation.
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Wartime-themed quiz — friendly competition sparked treasured memories and lively conversations among residents.
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Singalong “Songs That Won the War”, led by Kimberley and Shelagh, our wonderful activity coordinators. With flags waving, voices raised, and even a bit of dancing, the lounge was alive with 1940s spirit.
Community and connection are at the heart of life at Mountside — and this celebration showcased our shared values of unity, joy, and care. We are very happy with seeing this story in Sussex World.
Kent News Online Features Emoji Day Magic
Fairways Care Home Featured in Kent News for Emoji Day Magic!
We’re absolutely delighted to share that Fairways Care Home recently made the news in Kent News Online for our fun and imaginative Emoji Day celebrations! Our residents "dove into the magical world of emojis" during a vibrant activity designed to stimulate creativity, laughter, and connection.
Residents at Fairways embraced the colourful, expressive universe of emojis in a lively cognitive-stimulation session. With joy and curiosity. Being featured in Kent News highlights the care home's dedication to crafting meaningful, joyful activities for all of our residents. It celebrates the vibrant, inclusive life we nurture here at Fairways—where every day brings new opportunities for fun and togetherness.
A big thank-you to Kent News Online for shining a spotlight on our Emoji Day adventures! We’re excited to continue exploring creative, uplifting experiences with our residents—where even the smallest icons can bring immense happiness.
VE Day Celebrations Featured in Kent News
Fairways Makes Headlines with their VE Day Celebrations Featured in Kent News!
We’re thrilled to share that our heartfelt VE Day celebration at Fairways Care Home was recently featured in Kent News Online! It's always wonderful when our residents’ special moments receive the recognition they deserve.
On Victory in Europe Day, Fairways came alive with joyful remembrance and community spirit. Residents, staff, and visitors gathered at the Littlestone home to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
We believe that meaningful events like VE Day serve a powerful purpose in a care setting:
- They encourage reminiscence, helping residents recall personal memories that standard routines can’t invoke
- Intergenerational songs and stories create a shared sense of history and camaraderie.
- Celebrations like this enhance emotional and mental wellbeing, fostering belonging, joy, and community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our VE Day event so memorable — residents, families, staff, and performers. And thank you to Kent News Online for capturing our special celebration!
Cheers to Tea and Togetherness at The Old Rectory
Cheers to tea and togetherness at The Old Rectory Care Home as they celebrate International Tea Day.
Who needs an excuse for a cup of tea? The Old Rectory Care Home, certainly don’t the care home celebrated International Tea Day in the most delightful way!
Residents and staff came together for a joyful afternoon of tea, cake, and conversation, celebrating the simple pleasures that mean the most. From classic brews to sweet treats, every moment was steeped in laughter, warmth, and friendship.
Tea isn't just a drink — it’s a ritual of comfort, a symbol of community, and the perfect excuse to connect. Whether it’s a quiet one-to-one chat or a lively group gathering, sharing a cuppa has a wonderful way of bringing people closer.
At The Old Rectory, we know that social connection is key to wellbeing. Sitting down with others, talking over shared memories (or just discussing the best way to make a brew!) creates a sense of belonging and lifts the spirits — no special occasion required.
But on International Tea Day, we leaned into the celebration with full teapots, delicious cakes, and plenty of smiles. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and enjoy the here and now — together.
Because whether it's tea and cake or simply time and company, these are the moments that matter.
Ascension Day at Fairways Care Home
Bringing comfort and connection during Ascension Day at Fairways Care Home
At Fairways Care Home, we were honoured to hold a special Ascension Day service with the wonderful Helen and Caroline from Saint Nicholas Church. 🌟 It was a beautiful morning filled with faith, music, and moments of shared reflection — a time to pause, come together, and celebrate a deeply meaningful day in the Christian calendar.
Ascension Day falls 40 days after Easter and commemorates the moment when Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of his disciples, marking the end of his earthly ministry. It’s a day of hope, renewal, and spiritual connection — reminding many of life beyond the here and now, and the comfort of lasting faith.
For many residents, faith continues to play a central role in their identity, offering structure, comfort, and a sense of purpose. Faith-based activities like this not only honour those beliefs but also help nurture emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
These moments of worship, prayer, and music, often familiar hymns from childhood, can be incredibly powerful, especially for those living with dementia. The rhythm of a hymn, the lighting of a candle, or the quiet reflection of a prayer can awaken memories, soothe anxieties, and offer peace.
We’re so thankful to Helen, Caroline, and everyone who joined us for making it such a thoughtful and uplifting occasion. It’s through connections like these that we continue to create a truly holistic environment — one that celebrates every aspect of wellbeing: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Help Mountside Residents Make a Splash
At Mountside Care Home, we believe that every resident deserves the chance to enjoy the things that bring joy, connection, and wellbeing — and for many of us, swimming is just that.
That’s why we’re thrilled to be launching a brand new initiative: a weekly swimming group at Bexhill Pool! Swimming offers so much more than just physical exercise — it brings laughter, friendship, and a sense of freedom. The water lifts more than just bodies; it lifts spirits too.
However, while our residents are eager to dive in, we’re facing one big barrier: transport.
Our current home transport simply doesn’t meet the needs of everyone, especially those who use wheelchairs. That’s why we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for wheelchair-accessible taxis, ensuring all of our residents can safely and comfortably get to the pool and back.
Every donation goes directly towards transport costs, helping make sure no one is left behind when it comes to enjoying the magic of a splash in the pool.
Your support, whether big or small, will go a long way in creating joyful moments, improving wellbeing, and helping us build a sense of community outside our walls.
Because everyone deserves a dip.
👉 Please donate today to help us Make a Splash in Hastings!
Thank you for helping us turn this dream into a weekly highlight.
Celebrating Shelagh’s Sponsored Swim
Mountside Care Home Celebrates Shelagh’s Sponsored Swim Success!
Mountside Care Home is beaming with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievement of our very own Shelagh, who recently completed her sponsored swim—raising an outstanding £551 for the Mountside Residents’ Fund!
With sheer determination and a big heart, Shelagh took on this challenge to make a real difference for our residents. Her efforts mean that the fund can now provide even more activities, entertainment, and treats that enhance the quality of life for everyone at Mountside.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Shelagh’s dedication and spirit,” said the Mountside team. “She truly embodies the caring and community-focused ethos we strive for every day.”
Shelagh would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously sponsored her. Your support not only motivated her to keep going but also made this remarkable contribution possible.
Let’s all be inspired by Shelagh’s commitment—and continue to support each other in making Mountside a wonderful place to live and work.
Well done, Shelagh! Keep inspiring us all!
A Very Delicious Cherry Day at The Old Rectory
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a slice of homemade cherry pie to brighten the day — and that’s exactly how we celebrated National Cherry Day here at The Old Rectory Care Home!
We spent the day enjoying the sweet, tart flavours of this much-loved fruit, which is well and truly in season. From the first bite of our freshly baked cherry pie, smiles spread across the room. It was more than just dessert — it was a moment of pure comfort and shared enjoyment.
But we didn’t stop there. Our talented kitchen team also treated everyone to homemade cherry scones, lovingly baked and generously topped with cream. The cherries were bursting with flavour, and the cream? Well, that just made them even more irresistible. These little treats made for the perfect cosy afternoon pick-me-up, enjoyed with a warm cup of tea and good company.
National Cherry Day reminded us how food can be both nostalgic and heartwarming — a chance to connect, indulge, and savour the small things that make life sweeter.
Here’s to many more delicious moments like these!