Stoneleigh Care Home in Annfield Plain, County Durham, has proudly achieved official Veteran Friendly Care Home accreditation, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, service families and those with military connections.
The achievement was celebrated at a special Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) launch event, bringing together residents, families, staff, community partners and members of the Armed Forces community.
The accreditation, awarded through the Veteran Friendly Framework, recognises Stoneleigh’s dedication to ensuring that those who have served their country receive compassionate, informed and tailored support throughout their time at the home.
The initiative has been led by Stoneleigh’s Veteran Community Champions, Susan Dodds - Home ManagerpmeHom, Sarah Parkin - Home Administrator, Cathrine Baker - Wellbeing Coordinator, Laura Marley - Unit Manager and Lee Armstrong - Head Chef, who have embedded best practice, enhanced staff training, strengthened links with veteran organisations, and developed meaningful ways to honour and recognise service.
Jules Walker, Project Support Officer from the Veteran Friendly Framework formally presented the champions with their accreditation certificate during the celebration, acknowledging the home’s commitment to continuous improvement and veteran-centred care.
A particularly moving moment came when Lee Moore, representing Veterans for Veterans in Care, presented residents Norman and Tom with commemorative hat pins in recognition of their service and dedication. The gesture was met with heartfelt applause from residents and guests.
Entertainment was provided by Chris Gil, who performed a selection of wartime and Armed Forces-themed songs. Residents joined in, sharing memories and reflecting on their own experiences of service and family sacrifice.
Stoneleigh was also honoured to welcome Squadron Leader Graham Blount and members of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Durham and Northumberland Wing. The cadets spent time listening to residents’ personal accounts of life in the Armed Forces, creating a powerful intergenerational exchange celebrating resilience, service and history.
The emotional significance of the accreditation was clear in the words of residents.
Joyce Henderson said:
“My brother was a pilot during the war and unfortunately didn’t make it home; his plane was shot down. He left behind a pregnant wife; it was devastating for our family. So, it was very important to me that the champions worked so hard to understand the effects the war had on us.”
Elsie Cann added:
“I can’t put into words how much this means to me. It was a lovely day, well organised for important reasons.”
Sarah Parkin, Armed Forces Community Champion at Stoneleigh, said:
“Several of our residents have served their country or have deep family ties to the Armed Forces. Becoming a Veteran Friendly Care Home isn’t just a badge for us, it’s a promise. A promise that their stories will be heard, their experiences respected, and their needs met with dignity and pride.”
Home Manager Susan Dodds added:
“We are incredibly proud of the work taking place at Stoneleigh. Our team is passionate about creating an environment where every veteran feels recognised and supported. This accreditation reflects the values we live by every day.”
Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, said:
“We’re delighted that Stoneleigh Care Home has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners. The programme will benefit both current and future residents, as well as staff, who can access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences their residents and partners have lived through.”
The Veteran Friendly Framework is a collaboration between Royal Star & Garter, the Royal British Legion and the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The programme supports care homes across England to better identify and meet the needs of veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.
Stoneleigh Care Home will continue to build on this achievement, ensuring that those who have served their country are recognised, respected and supported, not just at the launch celebration, but every day.
For more information on Stoneleigh Care Home, please visit:
Stoneleigh - Care home in Annfield Plain, Stanley | HC One.