Care minister and famous bagpipe band take part in Care Home Open Week

Dubbed ‘the most famous bagpipe band on the planet,’ Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers went on a two-day whirlwind tour to seven care homes in Scotland while the Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan visited a care home in Wimbledon to celebrate Care Home Open Week.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers which drew international attention after winning the BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous in 2007 staged private concerts at seven Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group Ltd owned care homes over two days.

Peter McCormick, managing director of Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group said: “We were delighted to welcome Red Hot Chilli Pipers to play at all of our seven nursing homes. As you might expect, these were highly-spirited performances which our residents, staff, and invited guests thoroughly enjoyed.

“We are really pleased to have the band’s support during Care Home Open Week. It’s an ideal way to mark the occasion, which celebrates the important role of care homes in the communities where they operate.”

’It’s really important we continue to host events such as these’

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan visited Hallmark Kew House in Wimbledon where she was joined by Avnish Goyal, chair of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond and Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Deborah Sturdy. The guests joined residents’ families and members of the community in the care home for a Wimbledon-themed day, which included a piano performance, Pimms, strawberries and cream, and afternoon tea.

Ms Keegan said: “It was lovely to share a cup of tea and have a chat with staff and residents at Kew House during Care Home Open Week to hear all about the great work they do.

“This is an important time for adult social care as we work to reform the sector backed by a huge investment of £5.4 billion through the Health and Care Levy which includes an additional £500million for staff training to boost career opportunities.

“Our vision for adult social care is one of support, recognition and opportunity and I very much enjoyed discussing the challenges and our ambitions with everyone at the home.”

Mr Goyal said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Gillian Keegan, Stephen Hammond and Deborah Sturdy at Kew House Care Home in Wimbledon today.

“Care Home Open Week is about connecting care homes with their local communities and reminding everyone that the unique individuals who live in care homes are supported by dedicated and professional caring teams.

“It’s really important we continue to host events such as these, which shine a light on social care and showcase what we do so well.”

'Let’s celebrate everything that makes care homes special'

Care Home Open Week, which takes place from 27 June to 3 July, aims to connect care homes across the country with their local community.

The event provides care homes with the opportunity to showcase their facilities, activities and services. It also puts a focus on career opportunities and encourages communities to support and build connections with their local service throughout the year.

It also provides the perfect opportunity to show fantastic career opportunities that are available in the sector, which encourages the community to support and build connections with their local service, considering how they can support those living and working in care communities throughout the year.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “Care Home Open Week is a real opportunity for care services to champion their work and to enable local communities to understand the important role social care plays in supporting residents and their families.

“After two years of Covid lockdowns, this week represents an opportunity for care homes to show what they have to offer their communities by exhibiting their outstanding care, facilities, activities, and workforce.

“This Care Home Open Week let’s celebrate everything that makes care homes special and break down barriers by encouraging the public to build connections with their local care services.”

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