It's not just our residents who need to be more careful in the heatwave. Here are 6 tips for anyone looking to beat the heat over the next few days.

1. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am-3pm)

However tempting it might be to be outside, the sun is at its hottest during this time so stay inside.  If you must be outside, try to limit the time and find a shady place under a tree or umbrella.  Don’t forget, the sun moves, so what might be shady when you go outside might not stay shady!

2. Keep cool inside

Find a comfortable spot inside, ideally in a room that does not get direct sunlight streaming in, though if necessary, keep blinds down and curtains closed to stop the sun from heating up your space. Once the temperature outside has fallen, open windows if safe to do so.

3. Cover up

Whilst it might seem like bare skin will keep you cooler, lightweight, loose clothing that covers skin will do a better job, and prevent sunburn. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and in lighter colours, and don’t forget a hat.

4. Cool down

Put fabric like a flannel or handkerchief under the cold tap, wring out, and then place on your wrist, forehead or the back of you neck to help keep cool.  A fan can help create a little breeze, and cool baths or showers will also help.

5. Drink lots

Staying hydrated is absolutely vital, even if you don’t feel especially thirsty.  Keep sipping water throughout the day, and try to avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee that increase dehydration.  Alcohol should also be avoided for the same reason.  We lose a lot of fluid when we sweat so it is important to replace that by drinking water or fruit juice.

6. Plan ahead

The hottest days are rarely a complete surprise so when warm days are forecast, stock up with essentials so you have everything you need, and can avoid going outside unless you really have to.

AgeUK has more information on keeping cool in a heatwave.

Inspectors recognised an exceptionally person-centred culture, where people are supported to live with independence, dignity and choice, and are empowered to pursue their goals and maintain meaningful lifestyles. The report highlighted a deeply embedded commitment to understanding each person’s life story, strengths and preferences, enabling care that is truly personalised.

The home was commended for its warm, inclusive environment, strong leadership and collaborative culture, where residents, families and colleagues work together to shape both individual care and the overall service. A welcoming bistro sits at the heart of the home, providing a social hub where people come together throughout the day, reflecting the strong sense of community observed by inspectors.

People and families provided exceptionally positive feedback, describing care as compassionate, kind and beyond expectations. Inspectors noted that people felt safe, listened to and encouraged to maintain independence through positive risk-taking, meaningful activities and strong relationships with staff.

Home Manager Karla Tutton said, “This Outstanding rating reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork shown by every colleague at Grace. Our focus is always on supporting people to live well, maintain independence and feel at home. We are incredibly proud of the culture we have built together with residents and families.”

Resident Ambassador Tony Salisbury who is pictured celebrating with the team, commented, “The team don’t just look after you - they really know you. They support you to keep your independence and continue enjoying life in the way that suits you. It feels welcoming, respectful and comfortable.”

Divisional Director Louise Axtell added, “Achieving Outstanding across all 34 quality statements is a remarkable achievement. It reflects a deeply embedded culture of kindness, inclusion and continuous improvement. The team at Grace demonstrate what outstanding care looks like in practice, every single day.”

Inspectors also highlighted the service’s strong links with the local community and its role as a welcoming hub where people can access support, advice and social connection. Robust governance systems ensure quality is continuously reviewed and strengthened, supporting consistently high standards of care.

Grace Care Centre provides residential care for older people, including those living with dementia, in an environment designed to promote wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

Designed to deliver exceptional dementia and nursing care, the new home will offer 80 luxury ensuite bedrooms, three couple suites, and a wide range of premium facilities to support residents’ comfort, wellbeing, and independence.

Facilities include private dining areas for family celebrations, a cinema room, gym, activities room, Sonos sound system throughout, hair salon and wellness spa—creating a vibrant and engaging environment. The home will also feature a dedicated family suite, providing comfortable overnight accommodation for relatives who need to stay close without the added stress of travel and hotel arrangements. In addition, innovative circadian lighting and acoustic monitoring will support residents’ wellbeing, complementing OSJCT’s commitment to person‑centred care delivered by an expert team.

The addition of 80 new beds will help address the growing demand for specialist dementia care and intermediate care services in Wiltshire, while also providing opportunities for day care for older people and short-term respite stays.

Louise Axtell, Director at OSJCT, said:

“It is exciting to see our new home coming to life, and I am looking forward to welcoming the local community to our open day. A brand-new care home in the area will bring much needed dementia and nursing beds to Wiltshire.

Our home benefits from a number of enhanced features to aid our person-centred care, and we look forward to welcoming our first residents and their loved ones in January.”

As a not-for-profit charity, OSJCT reinvests all surplus funds directly back into its services, ensuring residents continue to benefit from high-quality facilities and compassionate care.

Further updates, including details of the community open day, will be announced closer to completion.

Residents and their families have rated OSJCT as one of the Top 20 care home groups in the UK, according to the 2026 carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards. There are 2,061 care homes groups in the UK.

The award is based entirely on independent reviews from residents, as well as their friends and relatives, recognising care providers that consistently deliver high-quality care and support.

carehome.co.uk is the UK’s leading website for finding and choosing a care home. It helps families understand their care home options, explore what is available locally, build a shortlist and arrange viewings with homes that best match their individual needs.

The website lists all registered care homes in the UK and provides verified reviews, inspection ratings and transparent fee information. It also operates a free expert care helpline to support people searching for care.

There are nearly 17,000 care homes across the UK, caring for around half a million people. Each year, carehome.co.uk recognises the top 20 care home groups based on published reviews, highlighting those making an exceptional difference to residents’ lives.

Almost one in five people are now aged 65 or over and nearly one in 10 people are aged 75 and over. This figure is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades and demand for high-quality care will continue to grow. 

These awards, based on real reviews, help families feel more confident and informed when choosing a care home.

Dan Hayes OBE, Chief Executive of The Orders of St John Care Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised once again among the Top 20 Care Home Groups by carehome.co.uk. 

"As this award is based entirely on independent reviews from residents and their families, it highlights the trust placed in us and provides meaningful recognition of our teams’ unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, loving care every day.”

Amanda Hopkins, Reviews Manager at carehome.co.uk, added: “Being named as a Top 20 care home group is a significant achievement, as the award is based on feedback from residents and their families who have first-hand experience of the care provided.

“We are delighted to congratulate The Orders of St John Care Trust on this huge achievement. These awards celebrate excellence in care and demonstrate The Orders of St John Care Trust’s commitment to delivering first-rate care across its homes.

“The highest-rated care home groups make a profound difference to residents’ lives by placing compassion, respect and dignity at the heart of everything they do.”

To view The Orders of St John Care Trust’s reviews, visit: The Orders of St John Care Trust | 67 Care Homes | 5,730 Reviews

The team at Wellford Gardens in Wheatley, Oxfordshire recently celebrated a perfect score, pictured above. To read more about this achievement, visit Wellford Gardens Care Home Celebrates Perfect 10/10 Rating on Carehome.co.uk | OSJCT

The Carers Cafés launch in partnership with Carers Bucks, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting people who care for loved ones and to creating welcoming community spaces where carers feel recognised, understood, and supported.

The Carers Cafés have been created to support people caring for an older loved one, whether at home or living in one of OSJCT’s care homes. The Carers Café is free to attend and carers are warmly invited to bring their loved ones along, who will be supported to take part in meaningful activities, while carers have the opportunity to relax over a cup of tea, share experiences, and connect with other carers. 

Each monthly café will offer a varied programme of activities. Over time, sessions will also include informative and practical topics such as dementia care, falls prevention, Admiral Nurse drop-ins, and wellbeing, providing carers with trusted guidance alongside peer support. The cafés also offer ongoing support for families with loved ones living in the homes, helping them to remain closely connected to the life of the community.

The first Carers Café will take place on Thursday 26 February at Mulberry Court in Chalfont St Peter, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Following the launch, Mulberry Court will host a Carers Café on the last Thursday of every month.

A second launch will take place on Friday 27 February at Fremantle Court in Stoke Mandeville, from 11:00am to 12:30pm, with Fremantle Court hosting its Carers Café on the last Friday of every month.

Carers Cafés are planned to open across all OSJCT care homes in Buckinghamshire in the coming months, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to partnership working and to building consistent, accessible support for carers across the county.

Caroline Dunagan, Divisional Director of Operations at The Orders of St John Care Trust, said:

“At The Orders of St John Care Trust, we believe caring for older people means caring for the families and friends who support them too. By partnering with Carers Bucks, we are strengthening the support available to carers and creating welcoming spaces where people feel understood and supported. This partnership is about listening to carers, understanding what really matters to them, and working together to provide practical, compassionate support. Our Carers Café brings that shared commitment to life.”

Karen Ion, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Bucks, said:

“For unpaid carers, feeling connected, recognised, and understood really matters. This partnership with The Orders of St John Care Trust reflects a shared commitment to creating welcoming community spaces where carers can connect, feel supported, and know they are not alone. Together, we are strengthening the networks around carers across Buckinghamshire.”

Ash Khan, Adult Carer Support Team Leader at Carers Bucks, said:

“I’m really looking forward to working together and supporting carers, as caring for others is an expression of being fully human.”

For more information or to confirm you attendance, please contact Mulberry Court 01753 886613 or Fremantle Court 01296 615 278.

For press enquiries please email: f.truter@osjct.co.uk 

Residents and employees from The Orders of St John Care Trust’s (OSJCT) Isis House Care Centre in Oxford have been specially chosen by the BBC to pit their wits against TV’s Chaser, Darragh ‘The Menace’ Ennis, in a special quiz challenge in aid of the broadcaster’s Children in Need appeal.

The care home’s quiz team, affectionately dubbed ‘Recycled Teenagers’ by residents themselves, included:

• Sheila ‘Star Buck’ Coles, resident – specialist subject: 60s and 70s pop music
• Betty ‘Hit4Six’ Fathers, resident – specialist subject: geography
• Mike ‘Captured by The Chaser’ Stredder, Group Operations Director, OSJCT – specialist subject: my wife
• Kelly ‘Krazy Karma’ Allen, Home Manager, Isis House – specialist subject: Harry Potter
• A sub-in from Vilma Collaku, Peripatetic Operations Manager, OSJCT.

Pudsey Bear also made a special appearance at the quiz, bringing some extra smiles and Children in Need cheer to all the home’s residents.

Sheila, who nailed the question about Freddie Mercury’s real name during the quiz, said: “I am a huge fan of The Chase and it’s always been my wish to meet Darragh. I can’t believe my dream has come true, and what’s more, it’s been great fun!  We’ve had such a laugh trying to beat him at the Children in Need quiz, I am sure our team has won!”

The quiz was held in the care home’s newly refurbished ballroom, with fellow residents and carers cheering on. The Recycled Teenagers were asked six questions and will be ranked against three other competing teams drawn from across Oxfordshire, with the winner announced on air during the BBC appeal on 14 November. 

Kelly Allen, Home Manager at Isis House Care Centre, said: “Being specially selected by the BBC to take part in this quiz with The Chaser is a unique opportunity for our residents and colleagues. We are delighted to support such a meaningful cause. The quiz team’s enthusiasm perfectly captures the community spirit that’s at the heart of all our care homes, and BBC Children in Need.”

Tune in to the Adam Ball show on BBC Radio Oxford on Friday 14 November to hear the quiz. Meanwhile, Isis House is accepting donations for BBC Children in Need via their collection box in the home.

In February 2024, The Fremantle Trust merged with The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT). Since then, our teams have been working closely to integrate our two organisations. As part of this, we are delighted to announce that colleagues from The Fremantle Trust officially transferred to OSJCT on Monday 1 September.

This transfer marks an exciting milestone in our journey to build an even stronger organisation dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, now and in the future. 

Our commitment to residents’ wellbeing, comfort, and happiness remains at the heart of everything we do, and residents will continue to see the same friendly, dedicated team around them every day. 

Transfer day – 1 September 2025

Buckinghamshire care homes and learning disability services celebrated their transfer to OSJCT with events for colleagues and residents. Parties in homes started with a video message from CEO Dan Hayes OBE and a screening of A Real Home, showing the history of OSJCT, followed by a speech from the home manager and a representative from the senior leadership team. Homes enjoyed local entertainers and karaoke along with delicious refreshments. 

These celebrations events reminded everyone of shared core values and marked new beginnings for Buckinghamshire services. 

Dan said: “We’re delighted to welcome 1,300 colleagues from our Buckinghamshire services (formerly known as The Fremantle Trust) as we come together as one Trust. United, our teams now manage 75 care homes and eight extra care housing schemes for older people, alongside 16 learning disability services.

“This is a proud moment for us all, and as The Orders of St John Care Trust grows, we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and teamwork that continue to make a real difference in so many lives.”

Moving forward together

Over the coming weeks, there will be a few changes at former Fremantle Trust services: team members will begin wearing new uniforms and badges, and new signage will appear outside buildings.

Together with Elmfield Care, a wholly-owned subsidiary, OSJCT now supports over 4,000 people and employs more than 6,000 staff across 75 registered care homes, 8 extra care housing schemes, 5 residential, and 11 supported living services for people with learning disabilities in Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

“The Orders of St. John Care Trust” is a trading name used by The Fremantle Trust under licence. The Fremantle Trust (registered in England and Wales, no. 02722437), registered office: Woodley House, 64-65 Rabans Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8RS.

The Orders of St John Care Trust has been recognised as one of the top care providers in the UK as part of the first-ever Lottie Awards, launched by the elderly care platform Lottie. 

The Lottie Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the very best in the UK care sector, celebrating care teams across the UK who consistently go above and beyond.

As part of this national celebration, The Orders of St John Care Trust has been named a Top 10 Large Partner. This category celebrates the leading care organisations that are making a big impact across the UK. These providers are recognised for combining scale with quality (operating with 30 or more care homes), leading innovation within the sector and consistently delivering high standards of care and support.

All care homes and care providers in Lottie’s 2025 Awards were selected through a data-led review of key factors that matter most to families when searching for a care home including:

• Regulator Ratings
• Resident and Family Feedback
• Innovation and Digital Presence
• Operational Efficiency
• Workplace Culture and Staff Engagement

Joanna Downing, Governance Director at The Orders of St John Care Trust said: "Winning this award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team. Every day, we strive to provide not just loving care, but compassion, dignity, and a true sense of home for our residents. This recognition inspires us to keep raising the standard for what great care truly means."

Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and CEO at Lottie adds: “The Lottie Awards are all about celebrating the incredible people and partners who make care truly special. To be recognised as one of the top care providers nationwide is a huge achievement and what a fantastic way to kick off our first-ever Care Provider Awards. 

The Orders of St John Care Trust is a shining example of what great care looks like and we’re so proud to work alongside them in helping families across the country find the very best care for their loved ones.”

Chilterns Court Care Centre in Henley-on-Thames is proud to be recognised among the UK’s top 100 care homes for 2025 by Online Care Finder Lottie. Selected from over 14,000 care homes nationwide, this prestigious accolade highlights the care home’s continued commitment to providing exceptional care and support for residents.

The first-ever Lottie Awards recognise and celebrate care homes across the UK that demonstrate exceptional commitment to residents, families, and staff. Lottie’s team conducted a comprehensive, data-driven review of thousands of homes across the UK, assessing them against key criteria that matter most to families when choosing care, including CQC ratings, enquiry response times, digital presence, team wellbeing, and resident feedback.

Chilterns Court stood out for exceptional operational efficiency, earning its place among the nation’s best.

“We are delighted to be named one of the UK’s top care homes,” said Joanna Dowejko, Home Manager at Chilterns Court. “This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for all who call Chilterns Court, home.”

Chilterns Court Care Centre offers residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in a convenient town centre location, right at the heart of the community.

Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and CEO of Lottie, adds: “The launch of the Lottie Awards is about recognising the incredible dedication of care professionals who make a real difference in people’s lives every day. To be named among the Top 100 from over 14,000 care homes nationwide is a huge achievement. These care homes are not just meeting residents’ needs, they’re redefining later living by creating vibrant and supportive communities that deliver exceptional care and experiences.”

For more information about Chilterns Court Care Centre please visit Chilterns Court Care Centre | Care Home in Henley on Thames | OSJCT or call 0800 988 8133.

As we prepare to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (2 - 8 June) across OSJCT, we take time to recognise the incredible contribution of our volunteers and to reflect on why volunteering matters now more than ever.

In this blog, our Head of Volunteering, Catherine Semmence, shares why the role of volunteers is so vital, not just within our services, but across communities throughout the UK. At its heart, volunteering is about connection and the power of working in partnership with local people, groups, and organisations to enrich the lives of those we care for.

As Volunteers’ Week 2025 begins, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to every one of our fantastic OSJCT volunteers, over 700 individuals who currently give their time and skills to support those that live with us.

Volunteering is deeply embedded in life at OSJCT. Our volunteers bring their own unique interests and personalities, helping residents to stay connected with the activities and conversations they love. Whether it's a weekly visit to share a hobby, supporting someone to stay active, or helping out at a one-off team volunteering day from a local business, every contribution makes a difference to those that live with us.

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing stories from across the Trust to highlight the many ways volunteers get involved and the positive impact they have.

What really comes through in these stories is that volunteering isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s what makes it so special. We support students who are keen to explore careers in care or medicine and we work with a range of organisations, from local charities and employment support groups to national schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and pet therapy providers. We also welcome teams from businesses who come in for practical volunteering days, often rolling up their sleeves to help transform our gardens into calm, welcoming spaces for residents and their families to enjoy.

While we’re shining a spotlight on volunteering within OSJCT, this week is also about recognising the bigger picture.

Across the UK, around 14 million people* volunteer regularly. That’s an enormous contribution to communities, causes, and people needing some extra support and it highlights just how vital volunteering is to the health of our society. It supports wellbeing, strengthens local connections, and provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to build confidence, meet new people, learn new skills and be part of something meaningful.

Community volunteering isn’t just important for organisations like ours. It’s a key part of creating fairer, more connected and more compassionate communities, something we’re proud to be part of through our services.

This week, we’re hosting three special celebration events to bring OSJCT volunteers together, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences and recognise the invaluable contributions they make to our services.

If you’re reading this and thinking about how you might get involved whether that’s as an individual, a family, a business, or through your school or college - we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering at OSJCT might not be for everyone, but if you're someone who brings empathy, patience and a willingness to connect, it might just be a great fit.

To all our volunteers, past and present: thank you for everything you do, we’re incredibly proud to work alongside you.

Find out more

If you’re interested in getting involved, you can explore our current volunteering opportunities and apply online at volunteer.osjct.co.uk.

Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with us directly at volunteer@osjct.co.uk - we’re always happy to answer any questions and help you find the right role.

* According to the UK Civil Society Almanac 2024 2021/22, an estimated 14.2 million people in the UK volunteered formally through a group, club, or organisation at least once. This represents just over a quarter (27%) of the population aged 16 and over in England.