Shelagh’s Sponsored Swim Success
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!
Nurses Celebrated With Pictures of Thanks
Fairways Care Home Celebrates International Nurses Day with a Splash of Colour!
At Fairways Care Home, everyone proudly celebrated International Nurses Day by showing appreciation in a vibrant and creative way. Our team and residents came together to create colourful thank you messages dedicated to the incredible nurses who make such a difference every day.
The home was filled with smiles and joy as everyone joined in crafting beautiful displays showcasing their heartfelt gratitude. The colourful creations were proudly displayed around the home—a cheerful reminder of just how much nurses mean to us.
Nurses are not only vital in hospitals; they play a crucial role in social care too. At Fairways nurses bring their skills, compassion, and commitment to every aspect of our residents’ lives, providing essential support that promotes health, dignity, and wellbeing.
“Thank you for your hard work and passion,” said everyone at Fairways Care Home. “nurses everywhere go above and beyond to provide exceptional care, compassion, and support."
A huge thank you to our amazing nursing team—Happy International Nurses Day!
Celebrating International Tea Day
Who Needs an Excuse for a Cup of Tea? Celebrating International Tea Day at Old Rectory Care Home
At Old Rectory Care Home, we believe every day is a good day for a cuppa—but International Tea Day gave us the perfect excuse to go all out!
Residents and staff alike gathered for a delightful afternoon of steaming cups of tea, scrumptious cakes, and plenty of laughter with friends. Our home was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea, the sweet scent of baked treats, and the warm buzz of conversation and cheer.
Many of our residents fondly reminisced about the days of drinking loose tea and reading the tea leaves left in the bottom of their cups. “It was always fun seeing shapes and guessing what the future might hold,” one resident recalled with a smile. “It brought people together and sparked conversations that could last for hours.”
“Tea brings us together,” shared one resident, smiling as they raised their cup in a toast. “It’s more than just a drink—it’s a moment to share stories, memories, and laughter.”
Cheers to tea, good company, and making memories together. Happy International Tea Day from everyone at Old Rectory Care Home!
Celebration Featured on Kent News Online
Fairways Care Home's VE Day Celebration Featured on Kent News Online
Fairways Care Home in New Romney proudly commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a heartfelt celebration that garnered attention from Kent News Online. The event was a vibrant tribute to the end of World War II in Europe, bringing together residents, staff, and the local community in a day filled with music, memories, and unity.aci.care
The day's festivities included singing classic wartime songs, sharing personal stories, and enjoying traditional treats, all aimed at honoring the resilience and sacrifices of the wartime generation. The atmosphere was one of reflection and joy as everyone engaged in activities reminiscent of the 1940s.
Being featured on Kent News Online underscores Fairways Care Home's commitment to creating meaningful experiences for its residents and highlights the importance of remembering significant historical events through community engagement.
For a detailed account of the celebration, you can read the full article on Kent News Online: Fairways Care Home Marks VE Day With Music, Memories And Community Spirit.
Proudly featured on the Sussex World
Mountside Care Home’s VE Day Celebration Featured in Sussex World
Mountside Care Home in Hastings has been proudly featured on the Sussex World news website for its heartwarming VE Day celebrations, which captured the spirit of remembrance, community, and joy.
In a special article titled “Hastings care home celebrates VE Day with a good old-fashioned knees-up”, Sussex World shone a spotlight on the home’s efforts to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The feature highlights how residents and staff came together for a vibrant and meaningful day of celebration.
From the start, the day was full of nostalgia and national pride. Residents listened to the stirring wartime speeches of Winston Churchill before taking part in a themed World War II quiz that sparked memories and camaraderie. The afternoon truly came to life with a moving performance of “Songs That Won the War” by activity coordinators Kimberley and Shelagh, which had everyone singing, waving flags, and even dancing.
No celebration would be complete without refreshments, and Mountside certainly delivered. A homemade Union Jack cake took centre stage, served with plenty of tea – a true morale-booster and fitting tribute to the comforts of wartime Britain.
Kimberley, Activities Coordinator, shared her pride in the team:
"VE Day celebrations were a great success thanks to everyone. The care staff, kitchen, and housekeeping all came together to make sure the day was special for our residents. It really felt like one big family."
Being featured by Sussex World is a testament to the home’s dedication to creating joyful, meaningful experiences for the people who live there. The article celebrates the home’s community spirit and commitment to honouring the past while making new memories.
📰 Read the full Sussex World article here:
Hastings care home celebrates VE Day with a good old-fashioned knees-up
Leading the Way in Sustainable Care
ACI Care in the Press spotlight as it leads the way towards a greener, more sustainable care sector
ACI Care features in the latest issue of The Care Home Environment Magazine for leadership in building a greener, more sustainable care group. From energy-efficient improvements to waste reduction initiatives, ACI are taking action across their care homes; Fairways in New Romney, Mountside in Hastings, and The Old Rectory in Dymchurch – to make a positive environmental impact.
In the article, Ravi Sodha, Director at ACI Care, shares the group’s sustainability journey to date, outlining the meaningful steps taken to reduce environmental footprint while continuing to deliver high-quality care. You can read the full article here:
Taking Real Action on Sustainability
Sustainability is not just a buzzword at ACI Care—it’s embedded into everything we do. Ravi Sodha explained how they have successfully reduced carbon emissions by 10% since 2022. This equates to 31.5 metric tonnes of CO2simply by implemented energy-saving initiatives and introduced sustainable procurement practices.
From switching to LED lighting and motion sensors to reducing single-use plastics and investing in eco-friendly care home furniture, ACI Care is making measurable progress toward its long-term green goals.
“Our approach is simple: small changes, consistently applied, create lasting impact,” says Ravi. “We’ve seen this not only benefit the planet but also contribute to cost efficiencies that allow us to reinvest in staff development and resident wellbeing.”
Advice for the Sector
Ravi also offered practical advice to other care home providers looking to start or strengthen their own sustainability strategies:
- Start with an audit: Understanding where energy is being used inefficiently is the first step to making smarter decisions.
- Engage your team: Staff buy-in is essential—when everyone understands the ‘why’, they become part of the solution.
- Think beyond energy: Consider your full supply chain—from food and cleaning products to furniture and uniforms.
- Celebrate milestones: Recognising progress encourages further commitment from both teams and residents.
At ACI Care, we believe care and sustainability go hand in hand. As our sector faces increasing pressure to operate more sustainably, we’re proud to be leading by example and sharing what we’ve learned with the wider care community.
“We want to inspire others in social care to see that being sustainable doesn’t mean compromising on care—it means delivering it better, smarter, and with the future in mind,” adds Ravi.
VE Day at The Old Rectory Care Home
A Royal Tribute and a Day to Remember – VE Day at The Old Rectory Care Home
What an incredible experience! The Old Rectory Care Home marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with heartfelt pride, reflection, and a front-row seat (from the comfort of our lounge) to history in the making.
Residents and staff gathered to watch the Royal Family’s commemoration in London, broadcast live from the nation’s capital. It was a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed, and a reminder of the courage and spirit that shaped the modern world. The highlight for many was the spectacular flypast — a moment that brought goosebumps and smiles alike, as the skies above London were filled with iconic aircraft roaring in formation.
The day continued with a celebratory tea party, where tables were dressed in red, white and blue and stories of wartime life flowed freely. Some recalled their own memories, others remembered family members who served, and all appreciated the importance of honouring the day together.
At The Old Rectory, we believe in making history feel real and relevant — and this VE Day, we certainly achieved that.
Celebrating VE Day with Knees-Up
Mountside Care Home Celebrates VE Day with a Good Old-Fashioned Knees-Up
There was singing, laughter, and plenty of patriotic pride at Mountside Care Home in Hastings as residents and staff came together for a joyful celebration marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The afternoon began with a powerful reminder of the past as residents listened to the iconic wartime speeches of Winston Churchill, setting a reflective tone for the occasion. This was followed by a spirited WW2-themed quiz, sparking memories and friendly competition among residents.
The highlight of the day was a heart-warming performance of “Songs That Won the War”, delivered by none other than Mountside’s own activity coordinators Kimberley and Shelagh. Their musical tribute had everyone joining in, waving flags, singing along, and even dancing—turning the lounge into a scene of celebration reminiscent of 1945.
No VE Day party would be complete without some classic British treats. A specially made Union Jack cake stole the show, served alongside a comforting cup of tea—the morale booster of wartime Britain, and still very much a favourite at Mountside.
The event was a beautiful blend of remembrance and revelry, reminding everyone of the resilience, spirit, and unity that defined the wartime generation—and continues to live on in the heart of the Mountside community.
Fairways Care Home Marks VE Day
Fairways Care Home Marks VE Day with Music, Memories, and Community Spirit
Residents and staff at Fairways Care Home in New Romney came together this week to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt remembrance.
The home was alive with the sound of a talented ukulele band, whose lively performance created a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere. Residents clapped, sang along, and shared memories of wartime Britain, bringing generations together through the power of song.
No celebration would be complete without a traditional spread, and Fairways delivered in style. A huge thank you goes to Chelsie and Paula, cooks at the care home, who lovingly prepared a vintage-style tea party, featuring sandwiches, sausage rolls, and of course, scones served with jam and cream—a real treat that was enjoyed by all.
“VE Day remains a poignant occasion, reminding us of the importance of unity, resilience, and community. By marking this anniversary, Fairways honours the past while strengthening the bonds that make their care home community so special.” Said Alison Yarnley, Manager at fairways Care Home.
From all at Fairways—thank you to everyone who made this day one to remember!
St George's Day Celebrations in Hastings
Mountside Care Home Brings History to Life for St George’s Day Celebration
Residents at Mountside Care Home were treated to a vibrant celebration of English heritage this St George’s Day, with a day full of storytelling, creativity, and cherished traditions.
The festivities kicked off with a captivating storytelling session recounting the legendary tale of George and the Dragon. The dramatic retelling sparked imaginations and plenty of smiles as we were transported back in time to the days of knights, dragons, and heroic deeds.
Following the story, the fun continued with a spirited Best of British quiz, putting everyone’s knowledge of national icons, inventions, and pop culture to the test. There were lots of laughs as teams battled it out in friendly competition.
In a nod to the traditions of medieval England, we then took part in a creative activity designing our own coat of arms. The arts and crafts session encouraged personal expression and was filled with colour, imagination, and thoughtful conversation about family, values, and history.
The celebrations ended on a high note with a heartfelt sing-along to Land of Hope and Glory, filling the home with music and stirring memories. “I had a lovely time,” said Anne, one of the residents. “The songs brought back so many happy memories.” Her sentiment was shared by all, as staff and residents alike enjoyed a meaningful day of connection and celebration.
Mountside Care Home’s team was delighted to see everyone so engaged and uplifted. “It’s days like these that remind us how important it is to celebrate together,” said a member of the activities team. “Bringing joy through shared stories, music, and laughter is what makes our home feel like family.”