Kent care homes step up to support local charity with £1,000

Five Kent care homes have supported a local charity by putting their best foot forward.

The teams at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, Harrier Lodge, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor and Weald Heights, had their walking boots at the ready for Carers Stepping Out with a £1,000 sponsorship to provide refreshments and lunch at its sponsored walk, The Big Step Out. 

The walk is intended to raise awareness of the unpaid carers in the community and offer them an opportunity to improve their mental and physical wellbeing, while connecting with people through nature and exercise. It is estimated there are over 13 million unpaid carers in the UK, with 151,000 in Kent alone – this accounts for one in nine of the population*. 

Beginning at Bewl Water, in Wadhurst, supporters were invited to walk one, three, six or twelve miles depending on their ability, with each mile walked raising £1 per person. 

To ensure all those who participated were fuelled and ready for their walk ahead, Care UK’s £1,000 donation provided all walkers and volunteers with a packed lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Funds raised will be invested in Stepping Out's future walk programme which will help more carers step outside to experience the wellbeing benefits of nature.

Foxbridge Manor’s Customer Relations Manager, Dorothy Ayonmike, joined local supporters of the charity and walked six miles. Commenting on the atmosphere, Dorothy said: “I was delighted to be able to give my support to such a good cause and help raise money to support unpaid carers in the community.” 

Weald Height’s Customer Relations Manager, Amelia Moore, added: “We know that many carers struggle to look after their own health and wellbeing and can often feel isolated. This was a fantastic opportunity to provide a much-needed boost to carers locally, giving them the courage to venture outside and have a break from their responsibilities while meeting others in a similar position. 

Commenting on the day, Jaime Jukes, Customer Relations Manager at Invicta Court said: “It’s been great to see carers of all ages reconnecting with nature and socialising with one another in the heart of the Kent countryside. We’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic charity for a second year running – we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.” 

Foxbridge House, Harrier Lodge, Invicta Court, Montfort Manor and Weald Heights are purpose-built care homes designed to deliver luxury hotel-style comfort for residents, complete with a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and beautiful gardens. The homes are divided into separate residential, nursing and dementia care suites, encouraging close-knit communities where residents can get to know each other, and where people with similar needs can be cared for together.

For more information on Care UK’s care homes in Kent, please visit: careuk.com/kent.

*Figures provided by Carers Stepping Out.