Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Orchard Mews Care Home in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, were delighted to welcome Dame Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, for a special visit to the home’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December.
The visit provided Dame Chi Onwurah with the opportunity to tour Orchard Mews. She spent time meeting residents and staff, learning more about day-to-day life at the 38-bed home, which provides both nursing care and residential dementia care.
During her visit, Dame Chi Onwurah enjoyed conversations with residents and colleagues, hearing first-hand about their experiences, the home’s involvement in the local community, and the compassionate, person-centred support delivered by the Orchard Mews team. Her time at the home highlighted Orchard Mews’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful community connections and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone who lives and works there.
Dame Chi Onwurah enjoyed joining colleagues, residents and their families for their Christmas Fair event, browsing the craft stalls, tombola, raffle, vintage clothes and cakes on offer and commented on the “love and community on display” at the home.
Claire Harrop, Home Manager at Orchard Mews Care Home, said:
“We were honoured to welcome Dame Chi Onwurah to our Christmas Fair. It meant so much to our residents to share their stories and show her the vibrant community we have here at Orchard Mews. Our team works hard every day to make the home a warm, supportive and joyful place to live, and visits like this help strengthen our connection with the wider community.”
Dame Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, commented:
“It was a pleasure to visit Orchard Mews and join residents, families and staff for their wonderful Christmas Fair. The warmth and community spirit in the home was clear to see, and I was delighted to meet so many people who contribute to making Orchard Mews such a welcoming and supportive place to live.
“The dedication of the team, and the joy and comfort they bring to residents, is truly inspiring. I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with everyone and to celebrate the fantastic work being done here in Benwell.”
For more information on Orchard Mews please visit:
Orchard Mews - Care home in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne | HC One