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Good Care Month Spotlight: Raising the Standard at Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham
At Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham, we believe that great care starts with great people and the right training. This Good Care Month, we’re proud to shine a light on how we build a team that our community can truly rely on. Every new Care Expert begins their journey with a robust, in-house training programme, led by our dedicated Training Manager, Natasha. Over a 12-week probation period, each team member receives hands-on experience, close supervision, and continuous support, giving them the confidence and skills to deliver safe, consistent, and compassionate care. With guidance from our Senior Field Team and oversight from our Registered Manager, Justyna, every Care Expert is fully prepared before earning their Care Certificate and stepping forward with confidence. But the support doesn’t stop there. Each Care Expert is also matched with a dedicated Customer Care Manager, who acts as their ongoing point of contact. These managers stay in regular touch, offering guidance, feedback, and support — not just about care delivery, but also about each individual’s personal development and wellbeing. “Our philosophy is simple: support the care team, and they will support the community.” What truly sets our team apart isn’t just the training, it’s who they are. We hire people for their kindness, empathy, and compassion, then invest in their growth so they can deliver truly excellent care. Whether it’s supporting someone with complex needs or offering companionship in the community, our Care Experts are consistently developed and well supported. We’re incredibly proud of every member of our team: from our frontline Care Experts to our senior leadership. All of whom work together to deliver care we’d be happy for our own families to receive. This approach doesn’t just build skills; it builds confidence and pride.
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham attend First Rainbow Retirement Day
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham recently attended the First Rainbow Retirement Day for older LGBT+ people living in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, hosted by Age UK Richmond upon Thames at the Landmark Arts Centre. The Rainbow Retirement Day was a meaningful way to close Pride Month, shining a spotlight on the experiences and needs of LGBT+ individuals as they transition into retirement and later life. The event highlighted the vital importance of dignity, respect and inclusion, values that resonate strongly with us at Bluebird Care. Sylwia, our Care Development Lead, often meets customers and families who are navigating difficult decisions about care. Reflecting on the event, she said: “There is a need for care providers and society as a whole to better understand the unique journeys of LGBT+ individuals to ensure truly inclusive and equitable care. This includes recognising their unique experiences, the barriers they may face and the importance of creating safe, affirming environments” We also gained valuable insights from expert speakers who addressed practical topics such as wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and how to find LGBT-friendly care services. These sessions were incredibly valuable for both professionals and community members alike. At Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham, we believe inclusion isn’t just for Pride Month. It should be part of how we care every single day. Events like Rainbow Retirement Day remind us why that matters.
Our Finalists for the 2025 Bluebird Care Awards
We’re incredibly proud to announce that three outstanding members of the Bluebird Care team have been named finalists in this year’s Bluebird Care Awards 2025. These awards celebrate excellence across the Bluebird Care network, recognising individuals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, quality and care. Our Finalists: Miguel Guilhermino – Community Engagement Award Miguel has been shortlisted for the Community Engagement Award, which recognises individuals who have built strong and meaningful connections within their local community. Miguel's commitment to creating partnerships, supporting local initiatives and promoting Bluebird Care’s values in the wider community has made a genuine difference to both customers and colleagues alike. Justyna Zak – Registered Manager of the Year Justyna is a finalist for Registered Manager of the Year, an award that celebrates outstanding leadership, compassion and operational excellence. Justyna has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting her team, ensuring high standards of care and always going the extra mile to put people first, both staff and customers. Estelle Greeff – Quality Award Estelle has been recognised as a finalist for the Quality Award, which honours individuals who champion compliance, continuous improvement and exceptional service delivery. Estelle’s attention to detail, proactive approach and deep understanding of quality care standards have played a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our service excellence. We’re so proud of Miguel, Justyna and Estelle for this well deserved recognition. Their hard work and passion truly embody the Bluebird Care values and we wish them all the best at the awards!
Supporting Our People – Every Step of the Way
We believe that supporting our people’s mental health and wellbeing is not just important—it's essential. We’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental and physical health. As part of this commitment, we’ve recently launched YuLife, a dynamic wellbeing platform that helps our team stay healthy and engaged. YuLife includes an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering professional mental health support, along with 24/7 GP access—giving our employees confidential and immediate help when they need it most. YuLife goes beyond traditional benefits by using gamified wellness programs to encourage healthy habits. From step challenges and meditation to cycling, brain training and workouts, the platform turns positive actions into real rewards such as vouchers, discounts, and opportunities to give back—like tree planting and ocean cleaning. We’re proud that over 70% of our team have already signed up, with more than half actively engaging on a regular basis. In addition to YuLife, we have trained Mental Health First Aiders across our offices and our group functions. These individuals are equipped to offer initial support, recognise early signs of mental health issues, and most importantly—to listen. They serve as a vital point of contact to help colleagues access further professional support when needed. This has included using wellbeing action plans to ensure that we are supporting day to day working for our teams and Art therapy sessions to provide an emotional outlet, reduce stress and provide mental clarity. To further foster open dialogue and support, we also host a monthly Wellbeing Forum—a safe, confidential space where colleagues can drop in for a chat, share concerns, or simply check in with how they’re feeling. This Mental Health Awareness Week, and every week, we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our people—because when our people thrive, we all thrive.
Mel Fairchild’s ADHD Journey
Mel Fairchild, Operations Director at Bluebird Care, was officially diagnosed with ADHD in September 2023 after years of trying to understand her behaviours. It was a relief to finally have an explanation for things she had struggled with for so long. “I started noticing behaviours that might come across as rude, and that really upset me because I would never want to be rude to anyone,” Mel says. “Getting my diagnosis helped me understand that my brain just works differently, and that’s okay.” Mel has always needed structure and finds it difficult when things don’t go to plan. However, she stays calm in a crisis, even though small things can sometimes cause her stress. Instead of seeing ADHD as a challenge, she uses it to her advantage. “It’s made me determined to succeed, to lead, and to be open and honest with people. I see things from a different perspective, and that helps me handle stress in my own way.” In past jobs, Mel didn’t always feel comfortable talking about her struggles. When she did share her diagnosis, she sometimes felt judged, like she wasn’t good enough. At home, ADHD has had its challenges too, but having a supportive partner has made all the difference. Now, at Bluebird Care, Mel has found a workplace where she feels valued. “I’m so lucky to have amazing managers and a great team. They don’t see me as different or quirky—they just see me as me. They embrace my ‘fairy dust’ ways, and I honestly couldn’t work for a better company.” Her advice for Neurodiversity Celebration Week? “Embrace it! Be yourself. The right people will support you and create a safe space where you can truly thrive.” Mel’s story is about self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of being in an environment where neurodivergent people are valued and supported.
Celebrating Dignity Action Day with Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham
At Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham dignity is at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Dignity Action Day, treating our customers with the utmost respect, ensuring they feel valued, heard and supported in all aspects of their care, remains our top priority. Dignity Action Day is a nationwide initiative led by the Dignity in Care Campaign. The day aims to promote the importance of dignity in care services, encouraging health and social care providers to uphold the principles of dignity in everyday interactions. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate best practices and encourage individuals and organisations to take action in improving the care experience for all. We believe dignity should be embedded in every aspect of care and take great pride in ensuring that: • Person-centred care is at the forefront of our services, tailoring support to customer needs and preferences. • Independence is promoted, empowering our customers to make their own choices and maintain control over their lives. • Privacy and respect are upheld, ensuring customers feel safe and comfortable in their own homes. • Compassionate communication is practiced, with our care assistants taking the time to listen, understand and engage meaningfully with those they support. Dignity Action Day is not just for care professionals, it’s a call to action for everyone. Here are some ways you can participate: • Raise awareness by sharing information about dignity in care with family, friends, and your community. • Show appreciation for care workers who go above and beyond to uphold dignity in their roles. • Encourage conversations with loved ones about their needs, preferences, and experiences in receiving care. • Make a pledge to support dignity in your everyday interactions, whether at home, work, or in the wider community. As we mark Dignity Action Day, Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham invites everyone, customers, families, care assistants and the wider community to join us in promoting a culture of dignity and respect. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those receiving care.
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham Named Finalist for Training and Development Expertise Award
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham is proud to be shortlisted for the Training and Development Expertise Award at this year’s Homecare Awards. This recognition highlights our dedication to the professional growth of our team, the delivery of exceptional care, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Our approach to training is rooted in the belief that education and hands-on experience empower our team to deliver better care, enhance staff morale, and improve job satisfaction. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we ensure our team is well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver the highest quality care while inspiring them to pursue ongoing professional development. Key highlights of our training and development initiatives include: • Dementia Interpreter Training Programme: This immersive program allows staff to experience first-hand the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. By simulating the cognitive and physical challenges of dementia, our carers develop a deep understanding and empathy, enabling them to deliver more compassionate and tailored care. This initiative has received widespread praise from both staff and the families of customers, reflecting its positive impact on the quality of care delivered. • Comprehensive Induction and Mandatory Training: Covering essential topics such as safeguarding, dementia care, and person-centred practices, we ensure that our team is fully equipped from day one. Ongoing training refreshers guarantee that staff stay informed about best practices and regulatory requirements, maintaining our high standards of care. • Focus on Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills: We recognise that delivering exceptional care goes beyond technical expertise. Our training integrates emotional intelligence, effective communication, and trust-building, helping carers provide compassionate and person-centred support. Our commitment to staff development has had a profound impact on both our team and the wider community. By listening to feedback, adapting our training methods, and fostering a supportive environment, we have created a workplace culture where staff feel valued, respected, and motivated to grow professionally. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. At Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham, we believe that investing in training and development not only enhances the lives of our customers but also supports our team in achieving their full potential.
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham Partners with Physit to Enhance Home Care Services
Bluebird Care Richmond & Twickenham is pleased to announce a new partnership with Physit, a leading provider of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. This collaboration aims to offer enhanced support to customers in the comfort of their own homes, focusing on mobility, rehabilitation and overall wellbeing. The partnership will see Bluebird Care’s skilled care assistants working alongside qualified occupational therapists to deliver personalised exercise routines and rehabilitation plans tailored to each customer’s needs. Services will be available to those recovering from hospital stays or surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, fractures, and other rehabilitation requirements. The service will include regular visits from care assistants, who will guide customers through exercises prescribed by the therapist. As customers progress, the frequency of visits can be adjusted to meet their individual needs. Activities such as walking in the park or visiting local shops may also be incorporated, making rehabilitation both enjoyable and beneficial. This new initiative is designed to support individuals recovering from surgery or illness and those who need help maintaining their mobility and independence as they age. About Physit: Physit is a premier provider of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services, renowned for delivering personalised, expert-led care designed to achieve the best possible recovery outcomes. With a focus on high quality, tailored rehabilitation plans, Physit works closely with private hospitals and GP surgeries in the area to ensure seamless care and optimal recovery for residents