Westminster & City of London
Local Insights
At Bluebird Care in Westminster & City of London, we are committed to providing home care that is rooted in local knowledge, enabling people in our community to live well in the comfort of their own homes.
Seamless Hospital-to-Home Recovery, Together
We’re proud to launch our new collaborative brochure with Albert Suites, offering a fully coordinated recovery pathway that bridges the gap between hospital and home. This partnership combines Albert Suites’ specialist rehabilitation services with Bluebird Care’s CQC-rated Triple Outstanding homecare, creating a seamless experience for both customers and clinical teams. The pathway includes intensive, short-stay rehabilitation with daily physiotherapy, nursing and occupational therapy, helping individuals rebuild strength and confidence before returning home. Once discharged, the same therapists and our award-winning care team continue to provide support at home, ensuring consistency across every stage of the recovery process. All care is planned and delivered through one joined-up approach, easing the pressure on families by ensuring there is a single point of contact and coordinated support from start to finish. The result is faster recovery, fewer hospital readmissions and earlier independence—all underpinned by the highest standards of care. Clinicians and hospital discharge teams benefit from a trusted, efficient pathway that enables safer, quicker discharges and reliable continuity of care at home. For customers and families, it means a smoother, more supported journey, with the reassurance of receiving expert care in the place they feel most comfortable—their own home. One recent customer shared: “From the moment I left the hospital to the day I walked back through my front door, Albert Suites and Bluebird Care were amazing and had thought of everything. My physio sessions, assessments, and even the transport home were all arranged for me, so I could just concentrate on getting stronger. By working together like this, I was back on my feet so much quicker than I ever imagined.” For more information or to request a digital copy of the brochure for your clinical team, please contact Miguel Guilhermino directly on miguelguilhermino@bluebirdcare.co.uk
Miguel Wins Community Engagement Award at Bluebird Care Awards
We are incredibly proud to announce that Miguel has been named the winner of the Community Engagement Award at this year’s Bluebird Care Awards. Miguel was recognised for his outstanding commitment to building strong, meaningful partnerships within the community. His collaborative work with Albert Suites and Physit, alongside his consistently warm and proactive presence in the local area, has helped to strengthen connections and enhance the support available to those we care for. This award celebrates the impact Miguel has made beyond day-to-day care, championing local engagement, encouraging collaboration and helping people feel more connected and supported. Congratulations, Miguel and thank you for the incredible work you do. We’re lucky to have you as part of the Bluebird Care team.
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!
Antonio’s Dedication and Mr P’s Remarkable Recovery
Mr. P first began receiving temporary support from Bluebird Care in March 2024, following a hip replacement. During his recovery, he built a wonderful rapport with our team, particularly with his favourite Care Expert, Antonio. In October 2024, Mrs. P reached out to us again to inform us of a significant deterioration in her husband’s condition. He was experiencing both cognitive and mobility decline, could no longer stand and needed care in bed, severely impacting his ability to live independently at home. We promptly reactivated a daily care service and worked closely with the family to explore rehabilitation options, including physiotherapy. At the time, the hospital consultant advised Mrs. P that, given Mr. P’s dementia, the likelihood of meaningful recovery was very limited and she might need to consider residential care. However, Mrs. P remained determined to give him every chance of recovery. She secured a place at a rehabilitation clinic and requested that Antonio continue to support Mr. P regularly during this critical transition, knowing how positively he responded to Antonio’s familiar and encouraging approach. Over the following months, thanks to the combined efforts of the clinic’s physiotherapy team and Antonio’s consistent presence, whether through gentle encouragement, simple walks in the garden or daily motivation, Mr. P made a truly phenomenal recovery. He is now able to use a Zimmer frame for mobility around the home and a wheelchair for longer distances, allowing him to access the community once more. Most remarkably, he is now preparing to return home. The couple’s long-held dream of travelling again, especially to their beloved second home in the South of France, has been rekindled. They hold so many memories of that place, it always brought great joy to Mr. P and Mrs. P is now exploring a live-in care service to support their summer visit abroad. Understanding just how meaningful this trip is for Mr. P, Antonio kindly volunteered to increase his availability and offer a temporary live-in care service, ensuring Mr. P receives familiar and consistent support throughout their time in France. This weekend, they will be travelling together, with the full support of Bluebird Care, to make this dream a reality.
From Hospital to Home, a Journey to Recovery
Our Care Development Lead, Miguel recently visited one of our customers and she was looking better than ever and in good spirits. She was dressed up, with a light touch of make-up and her hair done, thanks to the caring support of the Bluebird Care team. Yesterday, she made a heartfelt decision to cancel her upcoming placement at a retirement village and the sale of her much-loved flat. Instead, she’s chosen to continue receiving care at home with Bluebird Care on an ongoing basis. They shared a cup of tea and a slice of Madeira sponge while she called her family to share the good news. It was a truly special moment. Since her discharge from hospital following a very serious admission, the care and companionship she has received from Bluebird Care has played a vital role in her recovery. She now enjoys trips to her favourite shops and takes great pride in getting ready for family visits and outings. She spoke especially fondly of her care assistants, saying they “move mountains” to support her goals and always make guests feel welcome. She’s also keen to continue progressing with her recovery and has requested our team to chase up her physiotherapy referral and advocate for a more fast-tracked response on her behalf.
Lady Hirst achieves her goals with Bluebird Care
On the 31st of January 2025, we started a package of live-in care to support Lady Pamela Hirst. Lady Hirst is a 95-year-old lady, who is fiercely independent and had previously gone to live at a private care home. After an unpleasant experience at the facility and ending up at Charing Cross Hospital, having suffered a stroke, we had two clear goals set with input from Lady Hirst and her daughters. 1. To support Lady Hirst home from Charing Cross Hospital and see if it was feasible for her to live full time at home with the support of a live-in care expert. 2. To support Lady Hirst with her rehabilitation so she could attend her grandsons wedding on the 31st of May 2025. During the past five months, the whole team has worked incredibly hard to support Lady Hirst and the live-in care expert has gone above and beyond to ensure she achieved her first goal which was incredibly important to her. Not only did we support Lady Hirst with getting back home and settled, but we also quickly transitioned to proving that being home with a full time live-in care expert was exactly what she needed. Lady Hirst loves her home, she has visitors that see her weekly, her best friend lives in the same road and the live-in care expert supports her to visit her friend and enjoy lunch out in the local community. Lady Hirst has been able to pick up her busy social calendar again, going out to the theatre and even being escorted by the live-in care expert to her children’s homes for dinner, by being dropped off via cab and then the live-in care expert picking her up and escorting her home. The whole family are so thankful that life is returning to a new normal for Lady Hirst, which none of them thought was possible. There have been some setbacks, with a hospital admission last month due to a suspected stroke back and there were some fears that the second goal would not be able achieved. We’re happy to share that thanks to the live-in care expert supporting Lady Hirst with the addition of waking nights following her recent discharge to achieve her second goal, attending her grandsons wedding. The family have reported that not only was Lady Hirst able to attend the ceremony at the church, but she also managed a couple of hours at the drink’s reception with her live-in care expert supporting her every step of the way. We could not be prouder of all the work and support that has gone into this package of care and we would like to thank all involved.
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.
The Power of Human Connection in Care
At Bluebird Care, we know that delivering high-quality care goes beyond tasks and timetables — it’s about people, relationships, and trust. We were inspired by Miguel’s story recently featured in Care Talk, where his empathy, attentiveness, and ability to connect deeply with customers reminded us of the importance of the personal touch in everything we do. As Miguel shared, "It’s not just about helping someone wash or get dressed – it’s about making them feel seen, safe and valued." That ethos sits at the heart of our approach too. Whether it’s taking time for a meaningful conversation or understanding a customer’s unique preferences and routines, we believe the little moments are often the most important. Read Miguel's full story here:https://www.caretalk.co.uk/news/the-power-of-personal-touch-miguels-story-of-empathy-and-dedication/
Supporting Our Customers Beyond Home Care
At Bluebird Care Westminster & City of London, we believe that providing exceptional care goes beyond daily visits, it’s about being there when it matters most. We’re delighted to share a heartfelt review from George, who kindly highlighted our person-centred approach to care and the dedication of our team. Going to hospital can be a daunting experience, especially for those living with dementia. That’s why our senior management team steps in to provide extra support, visiting customers in hospital, keeping families fully informed, and offering much-needed reassurance. When George’s mum had an early morning fall, she was taken to hospital before any family members could be there. Fortunately, our team was ready to step in and provide comfort when it was needed most. "Mum was receiving daily lunchtime visits from Bluebird assistants when she had an early morning fall. None of us could get to the hospital, and so the team at Bluebird were able to meet her there, reassure her, and bring her home. Their flexibility and professionalism were outstanding, and the communication throughout was excellent. Thank you." At Bluebird Care Westminster & City of London, our commitment to championing independence means we always go the extra mile to ensure our customers feel safe, supported, and confident in our services. Whether it’s providing quality care at home or offering extra reassurance during hospital stays, we’re here for you. A huge well done to our incredible team for their dedication and compassion!
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.
A Seamless, Specialist-Led Path to Recovery
At Bluebird Care Westminster and Kesington & Chelsea, we have elevated our level of excellence for 2025. We’ve built strong relationships with several private hospitals across the borough, ensuring our customers have access to specialised medical support when needed. Once discharged, they can also have the option to move on to Albert Suites, a premium rehabilitation facility located near Chelsea Bridge , where expert rehabilitation helps them regain strength and confidence before returning home. From there, our trusted partners at Physit Physiotherapy join forces with Bluebird Care WKC to coordinate occupational therapy and personalised support in the comfort of their own home. This collaborative approach places each individual at the centre of every decision, making sure their care transitions smoothly from one stage to the next. By working together—Private hospital teams, Albert Suites, Physit, and our CQC Triple Outstanding Bluebird Care staff—we provide a single point of contact and the highest standard of continuity. The result? A truly tailored recovery experience that champions independence, ensures peace of mind, and keeps customers exactly where they want to be: safe and comfortable at home.
Celebrating Dignity Action Day with Bluebird Care Westminster & City of London
At Bluebird Care Westminster & City of London 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 Westminster & City of London 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 Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea Shortlisted for the 2025 Home Care Awards!
We are proud to share that Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea has been named as a finalist for the 2025 Home Care Awards, recognised for our outstanding Short-Term Live-In Care for Recovery or Respite services. This nomination celebrates our commitment to providing personalised, compassionate care that supports individuals during crucial recovery or transitional periods. Our short-term live-in care service has been highlighted for its flexible, customer-centred approach, ensuring individuals can recover in the comfort of their own homes while maintaining their dignity, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Key success stories that contributed to this recognition include: Post-Stroke Recovery: We supported a customer recovering from a stroke in regaining mobility and confidence, helping them achieve personal milestones, including passing their driving test, to regain independence. Home Transition After Illness: Our team facilitated day trips and a gradual transition home for a customer after their stay in a rehabilitation centre, ensuring a smooth and supported adjustment. Adapting Home for Accessibility: We arranged for temporary care and adapted a customer's home environment, providing solutions that improved accessibility and comfort during their recovery. Seamless Move to a Care Home: We assisted a customer with packing, unpacking and adjusting to their new care home, creating a sense of familiarity and easing the transition. Our live-in carers are more than professionals—they are dedicated companions, supporting customers with daily tasks, personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and emotional wellbeing. These tailored services ensure our customers can continue their recovery journey safely and confidently at home. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication of our team, the trust of our customers and the strong partnerships we build with families.
Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea Partners with Physit to Enhance Home Care Services
Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea 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
Care team triumphant after double awards win
The team at Bluebird Care in Kensington & Chelsea recently celebrated winning two prestigious awards at this year’s Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Business Awards. Not only did Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea win the ‘Outstanding Team’ award, they also took home the top prize of the night: ‘Business of the Year’. The awards celebrate the diverse array of businesses across the boroughs, which contribute to the community. Hosted by Kensington Chelsea and Westminster Chamber of Commerce, the competition is supported by the councils of Kensington Royal Borough and City of Westminster. The judges of the annual awards praised the team for their vital support of vulnerable people across the community in the 12 years they have been operating. They heard how their home care services help people across the local area to remain at home rather than having to move into residential care. The home care team shared powerful stories with the judges of the ways their support has helped people in the local area – including meaning that one woman was able to go on her first holiday in years. With the help of the Bluebird Care team, she was able to enjoy new adventures and make special memories on a trip to Brighton. With almost half (45%) of the care team having been a part of the home care organisation for over four years, Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea also impressed the judges with their approach to developing and retaining people. In the context of national widespread shortages of care workers, this is a vital contribution to the local healthcare landscape. Peter Slough, Director of Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our care teams deliver truly life changing work on a daily basis and this award is for all of them – the most empathetic and caring people who always go above and beyond to positively enhance the lives of the people we look after in the boroughs. I feel very lucky to lead such amazing people who inspire me every day!”
Valeria Priore wins prestigious national 'Star of Social Care' award 2024
The awards recognise the inspirational hard work of the social care workforce, who transform lives and are the ‘unsung heroes’ in communities across the UK. Working in the vicinity of London’s busiest hospitals, Valeria helps thousands of people each year to make the transition from a hospital stay to being back safely at home. Valeria’s 'Dedicated Home Care Co-Ordinator' Award success is tribute to her passion for making sure that people across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea are able to access the right care for them at the right time. Valeria began her career in care eleven years ago. She has progressed through the ranks from Supervisor to Acting Manager but has found her true calling in coordination – assessing people’s care needs and matching them to the right support that helps to make them more comfortable and eases pressures across the busy healthcare system.
Bluebird Care Announces New Partnership with Albert Suites to Enhance Customer Support and Rehabilitation Services
Bluebird Care is excited to announce a new partnership with Albert Suites, a premium rehabilitation facility located near Chelsea Bridge. This collaboration will allow both organisations to work together in providing seamless, high-quality care and rehabilitation to customers, helping them regain mobility, independence, and confidence after hospital stays. This shared commitment to patient well-being underscores the positive, collaborative nature of the partnership. Albert Suites specialises in short-stay rehabilitation, supporting customers as they transition from hospital to home. With a focus on restoring strength and mobility, the facility provides an ideal setting for intensive rehabilitation in a safe, comfortable environment. Located near Chelsea Bridge, Albert Suites is known for its expert care and personalised approach, ensuring each customer receives tailored rehabilitation to meet their unique needs. Through this partnership, Bluebird Care and Albert Suites will be able to offer enhanced services to customers experiencing a significant change in their care needs while hospitalised. By receiving rehabilitation at Albert Suites before returning home, customers will have the opportunity to recover in a specialised environment that promotes physical strength and mobility. This proactive rehabilitation process ensures a smoother transition back into daily life and offers greater peace of mind as customers gain confidence in their recovery. This partnership marks an important step in expanding Bluebird Care's support network and reinforcing our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care. Whether customers require short-term rehabilitation at Albert Suites or ongoing therapy and care at home, this collaboration ensures they will receive the care they need at every stage of their recovery journey.