The home has enjoyed a remarkable period of success, receiving Most Improved Service at the Leadership Conference, followed by the prestigious Team of the Year award. Adding to the celebrations, the Outstanding Leader Award was also presented, recognising the leadership and progress that have helped drive Edwardstow forward.

While awards are always worth celebrating, what makes these achievements particularly special is the positive culture that sits behind them.

Staff morale is at an all-time high, colleagues feel motivated and engaged, and there is a genuine sense of pride, belonging and shared purpose throughout the home. As Divisional Director Louise Axtell puts it, “We have our aces in the right places.”. It is a phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of Edwardstow today. Every individual brings something valuable to the team, their strengths are recognised, and everyone plays an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive and happy environment for residents.

Matthew Peach, Home Manager at Edwardstow Court, said: “

I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Edwardstow. These awards are fantastic recognition, but what makes me most proud is the team behind them. We have worked hard to build a positive culture where people feel valued, supported and motivated to make a difference. Seeing the team grow in confidence, work together and take such pride in what they do is hugely rewarding. Ultimately, it's about creating a place our residents are proud to call home, and I couldn't be happier with the progress we've made together.

Taking the time to recognise and celebrate these achievements is important because it allows Edwardstow to reflect on just how far it has come and acknowledge the people who have made that progress possible. Recognition helps reinforce a positive culture, boosts team morale and gives colleagues a real sense of pride in their contribution. It also provides an opportunity to share good practice, learn from what has worked well and build momentum for the future.

Most importantly, it reminds everyone that behind every award, milestone and positive result are the everyday actions of a dedicated team making a meaningful difference to residents and their families. These achievements deserve to be celebrated, not just as a reflection of how far Edwardstow has come, but as inspiration for everything still to come.

Perhaps one of the most touching highlights came during Carers Week, when staff at Edwardstow received more than 130 personal thank-you messages from residents and their families. Each message represented a moment of kindness, compassion or support that had made a difference to someone's life. Together, they provided a wonderful reminder of the impact the team makes every single day. For the people who live at Edwardstow and the families who entrust their loved ones to its care, these personal messages demonstrate what truly matters: meaningful relationships, genuine compassion and the feeling of being part of a home where people care.

Jackie Wright, Area Operations Manager, said: 

It's wonderful to see how far Edwardstow Court has come and to see the team receiving the recognition they truly deserve. These achievements are a testament to the hard work, commitment and positive leadership that have helped shape the home into the thriving community it is today. What stands out most to me is the culture that has been created, where colleagues feel valued, work together and share a genuine passion for making a difference. The feedback from residents and families speaks volumes, and the 130 thank-you messages received during Carers Week are a particularly special reflection of the relationships the team have built. I'm incredibly proud of everyone at Edwardstow and look forward to seeing them continue to flourish.

The progress at Edwardstow has not gone unnoticed, with senior leadership recognising the positive transformation and the strength of the team behind it.

Louise Axtell, Divisional Director, said: 

Edwardstow Court is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when you have the right people, the right leadership and a shared commitment to making a difference. The progress the home has made is something to be incredibly proud of, and the awards are very well deserved. What makes me particularly happy is seeing the positive culture that has developed, with colleagues feeling valued, motivated and genuinely proud to be part of the team. As I always say, we have our aces in the right places, and Edwardstow really demonstrates what that means in practice. Most importantly, this positive team spirit translates into a wonderful environment for our residents, where people feel at home, relationships matter and everyone has a part to play. Congratulations to Matthew and the entire team, a brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition.

The recognition Edwardstow has received reflects a journey built on hard work, commitment and a shared determination to keep improving. From being named Most Improved Service to achieving Team of the Year, each milestone represents the collective efforts of colleagues who take pride in what they do.

More importantly, these achievements reflect something much bigger than awards or recognition. They tell the story of a team that has come together to create more than a care service, a thriving community where residents feel valued, relationships flourish and people can enjoy a genuine sense of home.

With such a positive team spirit, a strong sense of belonging and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding care, Edwardstow Court has plenty of reasons to be proud.

And with more than 130 heartfelt thank-you messages serving as a reminder of why they do what they do, the team has perhaps received the greatest recognition of all.

Congratulations to Matthew and everyone at Edwardstow Court. Your achievements are something to be incredibly proud of, and the difference you make to residents and their families every day is what truly matters.