Hollins Bank Care Home has become the first care home in Blackpool – and the third across We Care Group – to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework status.
The accreditation, which recognises commitment to supporting residents connected to the Armed Forces, was awarded to the We Care Group home following a detailed assessment of how Hollins Bank identifies, supports, and celebrates veterans and their partners.
Located in South Shore, the care home provides residential, dementia, and respite care in a welcoming environment, where residents are helped to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.
The Veteran Friendly Framework aims to improve the care and wellbeing of members of the Armed Forces community living in residential care across England. It provides participating homes with training, resources, and guidance to help teams better understand veterans’ experiences and respond to their practical, emotional, and social needs.
Homes must meet eight standards to achieve Veteran Friendly Care Home status. These include recording Armed Forces connections in care plans, addressing social isolation, and helping residents access relevant services and community organisations.
The framework is jointly supported by Armed Forces charities, Royal Star & Garter and the Royal British Legion, alongside the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Kathryn Glass, Head of the Veteran Friendly Framework, described Hollins Bank’s application as being “of an exceptionally high standard”, and praised the team’s dedication, passion, and commitment to person-centred care. She also highlighted the meaningful connections it has forged with the Armed Forces community and NHS services.
Sue Lepori, Registered Manager of Hollins Bank, said: “It’s the hard work and commitment of the entire team that made this possible. Every resident brings their own experiences and identity into our home, and understanding someone’s connection to the Armed Forces helps us provide more personalised support.
“Our team creates opportunities for veterans to share memories and connect with others who understand what they’ve gone through. We also ensure veterans and their partners can access relevant services and sources of support.”
Hollins Bank will continue to build on the accreditation by strengthening its relationships with local Armed Forces organisations and creating further opportunities for veterans and their families to feel connected and supported.
We Care Group provides residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care across the North and Northwest of England. Its homes focus on delivering people-first services that help residents feel comfortable, valued, and part of a community.
For more information on Hollins Bank, please visit https://wecaregroup.co.uk/our-homes/hollins-bank-care-home. Alternatively, head to https://wecaregroup.co.uk to learn more about the wider We Care Group or learn more about the Veteran Friendly Framework here: https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk/
