Many care homes support charities by participating in events such as Wear it Pink Day in support of breast cancer, Cake4Kindness Day, Macmillan Coffee Morning, and Make Time for a Cuppa Week for Dementia UK. This not only benefits the charities but also care home residents, as it gives them a shared sense of purpose and contribution, as well as creating opportunities for social interaction. Catering teams play an important role in bringing these events to life.
Cake4Kindness Day
One such example of this in practice is Cake4Kindness Day, an event that encourages care homes, schools, businesses, community groups, families and friends to bake together before donating their cakes to local homelessness charities, food banks and community organisations. Nellsar Homes are a keen participant, and caterers help residents take part wherever possible, from mixing ingredients and decorating cakes to serving refreshments and creating a welcoming space for conversation. “They help make each event feel warm, inclusive and meaningful,” says Vivien Stead, Head of Recreation and Wellbeing at Nellsar
Care Homes. Aaron Phipps MBE Paralympic Gold Medallist and ambassador for the initiative, says, “Last year I saw first hand
the positive difference this project makes not just for those baking and decorating the cakes, but also for the people experiencing homelessness who receive them.” Several Country Court care homes also took part last year. Anwar Kajee, Hospitality Director says, “Everyone was encouraged to get involved in whichever way suited them best, whether that was decorating, choosing colours, chatting over a cup of tea or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Activities like these are wonderfully inclusive and can be adapted so that everyone can take part. Our catering staff were on hand throughout the session, helping ensure everything ran smoothly while encouraging residents to get creative and enjoy the experience.” Supporting the local community is an important part of life for Country Court care homes. Throughout the year the care homes work with local and national charities through fundraising events, donation drives, awareness campaigns and community partnerships.
Paulius Kriksciunas National Hospitality Manager, Bupa UK Care Services says:
17 Bupa care homes took part in Cake4Kindness Day too, Paulius Kriksciunas National Hospitality Manager, Bupa UK Care Services says, “It was a wonderful example of how food can bring people together, creating moments of shared experience while
helping to tackle social isolation and strengthen community connections. Many Bupa care homes participate in other events such as Macmillan Coffee Morning, as well as the “Bupa Big Give” collecting food, toys and essential items for local food banks and community charities. The organisation regularly develops programmes that combine culinary excellence with charitable giving such as the Great Bupa Menu Competition. Paulius says, “This brought together talented chefs from Bupa care homes and Richmond Villages across the UK. The competition celebrated the creativity and expertise of our hospitality teams while raising £30,000 for the Trussell Trust, helping support people facing food insecurity.” Whether it’s a slice of cake, a shared cuppa or a creative fundraising idea, every contribution can make a difference. With catering teams helping to set the scene, these events give residents the chance to connect with others, support causes that matter to them and enjoy the simple pleasure of doing something good together.
GET INVOLVED!
If you would like to support a local charity, consider the following events:
- Wear it Pink Day – 23rd October
- Cake4Kindness Day – 19th November
- Macmillan Coffee Morning – 25th September
- Make Time for a Cuppa Week – 1st – 8th May
Health and Welfare News
Explore current updates, guidance, and inspiration for caterers working across the health and welfare sectors, serving care, hospitals and nursing homes.
