Haverhill care home shortlisted for national award

A care home in Haverhill is celebrating after being nominated for a prestigious industry honour.

Care UK’s Cleves Place, on Millfields Way, has been shortlisted for care home of the year in the National Care Awards 2025.

These accolades celebrate excellence across the care sector, recognising individuals, teams and organisations that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding support. With categories covering dementia care, nutrition, innovation and community engagement, the awards shine a spotlight on best practice and the people making a real difference in residents’ lives.

The Cleves Place team was praised for creating a ‘home-from-home environment’ whereby residents play an active part in running the home. During the pre-admission assessment, team members learn about residents’ life histories and what they enjoy doing, with this information central to how the home is run. 

Clare Mooney, Home Manager at Cleves Place, said: “We identify what residents want to do and we make it work. It’s their home and it’s all about them.

“We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for care home of the year. The team works so hard every day and certainly deserves to be recognised nationally – we are all keeping our fingers crossed for a win when we head to London in November.”

Recognising that some residents are able to do things for themselves, the home introduced a self-service breakfast option. From 8am, residents can help themselves to fruit juice and cereals, followed by a served cooked breakfast from 9am. This not only supports residents in maintaining their motor skills but also helps them feel more independent and in control.

Residents also help shape their own activities programme during monthly meetings, where they are encouraged to share their ideas. Team members then do their best to bring these suggestions to life. 

Whether it’s a day out to watch the football, attending church, gardening or spending time with family, the goal is to keep residents as proactive as possible.

One resident’s relative said: “Cleves Place is a very warm and welcoming home, providing deep and meaningful care for our dear dad. He has settled in very well, helped by having a lovely room overlooking the garden, which he always loved at home. When we visit, the staff are a delight and it’s very reassuring knowing he is happy with the care.”

Cleves Place, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care, and offers luxurious facilities including a cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.