Newlands Care Home, run by HC-One and located in Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire, threw open its doors to the community in celebration of this year’s Care Home Open Week, held from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd June 2025.
The main festivities took place over Care Home Open Weekend (20th - 22nd June), with residents, families, friends, and community guests joining in for the home’s very own ‘NEW-BURY FESTIVAL SUMMER 2025’ – a joyful, vibrant day of fun, food, and entertainment.
Guests of honour included the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kerry Waters, and Mayoress Wendy Nadin, who joined residents for a classic British treat of fish and chips before enjoying a spectacular circus skills workshop led by Jackie. The mayoral visitors even tried their hand at juggling alongside residents, much to everyone's delight.
The home’s talented kitchen team, led by the chef and dedicated assistants, kept everyone well-fed with a traditional fish and chip lunch, followed by a barbecue and later a buffet spread. Home Manager Melissa Johnson and colleague Pat added sparkle to the day by mixing up mocktails and cocktails, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Live entertainment came courtesy of singer Alice Finney, with a lively singalong and performances from Claire and Melissa that kept spirits high. Despite the unpredictable British weather, the event was a sunny success – both literally and in atmosphere.
The home was beautifully decorated with vibrant, summer-themed décor, capturing the nostalgic feel of a traditional British holiday and creating a welcoming, festive environment for everyone.
Care Home Open Week is a national initiative by Championing Social Care, aimed at connecting care homes with their local communities, showcasing services, facilities, and the rewarding opportunities available in social care. HC-One’s theme for this year, ‘The Big Summer Weekender’, perfectly encapsulated the warmth, unity, and joy felt throughout Newlands’ celebrations.
In addition to entertainment, the event provided a platform to engage with the local community, welcome new visitors, and encourage conversations about careers in care and the benefits of volunteering. Residents, their loved ones, and guests were also offered the chance to tour the home and see the exceptional facilities on offer.
The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kerry Waters, said:
“It was a privilege for the Mayoress of Stockport and I to attend the Open Day at Newlands Care Home. I met some of the wonderful residents and saw firsthand the excellent care that they receive.”
Melissa Johnson, Home Manager at HC-One’s Newlands Care Home, said:
“Our NEW-BURY FESTIVAL was a brilliant way to celebrate Care Home Open Week. It brought our residents, colleagues, and the local community together for a fun-filled day of music, laughter, great food, and amazing circus skills! We’re proud to be part of such a caring community and to open our doors to show just how special life at Newlands is.”
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.