The accreditation is a fantastic achievement for the whole Chestnut Court team and recognises the home’s commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care that takes into account the life experiences, memories and individual needs of veterans living at the home. Chestnut Court was commended for the exceptionally high standard of its application, which demonstrated the dedication, passion and commitment of colleagues to supporting residents and building meaningful connections with the Armed Forces community and NHS services.

The VFF assessor confirmed that Chestnut Court had met each of the Veteran Friendly Framework standards, adding their congratulations to the team and wishing the home every success on its ongoing VFF journey.

A particularly important part of Chestnut Court’s journey has been the support received from its sister home, Monkscroft, which helped colleagues develop their knowledge and understanding of veteran-specific care. This training and shared learning has had a positive impact on the team at Chestnut Court, helping colleagues to better understand the experiences and life stories of residents who have served in the Armed Forces.

Chestnut Court is home to 12 veterans, making the VFF accreditation especially meaningful. Understanding each resident’s earlier life experiences and military background can help colleagues provide care that is even more personalised, meaningful and reflective of the individual.

Home Manager Sherrie Lewis said: 

We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Veteran Friendly Care Home status. This is a wonderful recognition of the commitment and dedication of our whole team, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has played a part in achieving it. We are privileged to care for 12 veterans at Chestnut Court, each with their own unique stories, experiences and memories. The VFF has helped us develop an even greater understanding of their lives and the importance of recognising their military backgrounds as part of the person they are today. We would like to thank our colleagues at Monkscroft for the support and knowledge they have shared with us throughout our journey. We are also excited to continue developing our links with the Armed Forces and wider community, particularly through our breakfast club connections and the activities we have planned. Achieving VFF status is not the end of our journey,  it is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to building on what we have achieved and continuing to provide meaningful, person-centred care for our veterans.

Area Operations Manager Andy Wood added: 

This is a fantastic achievement for Sherrie and the whole team at Chestnut Court. Becoming a Veteran Friendly Care Home demonstrates the team’s commitment to understanding the individual stories and experiences of the veterans they care for and ensuring these remain an important part of their care and daily lives. “It is particularly pleasing to see the strong community connections Chestnut Court has been developing and the way colleagues have embraced the learning and support available to them. The accreditation is a real reflection of the passion and dedication shown by the team. “I’d like to congratulate everyone at Chestnut Court on achieving VFF status. I’m looking forward to seeing how the team continues to build on this excellent work and develop its relationships with the Armed Forces community in the years ahead.

Divisional Director Matthew Jones said: 

I would like to congratulate Sherrie and the entire Chestnut Court team on achieving Veteran Friendly Care Home status. This is a significant achievement and reflects the genuine commitment the team has shown to recognising and celebrating the experiences of the veterans who call Chestnut Court home. “Providing truly person-centred care means understanding the individual behind the care needs, including their history, achievements, relationships and experiences. The work Chestnut Court has undertaken through the VFF demonstrates exactly this approach. “It is also fantastic to see the home developing meaningful connections with the Armed Forces and local community. I’m incredibly proud of the team and look forward to seeing Chestnut Court continue to develop its work with veterans and build on this achievement in the years ahead.

The home has also been developing stronger links with the local community and Armed Forces community, including its veterans’ breakfast club connections, which the VFF assessor highlighted as an area with exciting potential to continue flourishing.

Alongside this, residents have been enjoying activities that encourage conversation, creativity and connection, including model-making, providing opportunities for residents to share their interests, skills and memories with others.

The team at Chestnut Court is looking forward to building on this achievement and continuing to strengthen its relationships with local organisations, NHS services and the Armed Forces community.

The home’s Veteran Friendly status will also provide opportunities to further develop colleagues’ knowledge and understanding, ensuring that the experiences and identities of veterans remain an important part of the person-centred care provided at Chestnut Court.

The team at Chestnut Court is delighted to join the Veteran Friendly Framework family and looks forward to continuing its work ahead of its next review in 2027/28.

Congratulations to everyone at Chestnut Court on this fantastic achievement!