A CARE home group has achieved coveted veteran-friendly status.

Spellman Care, which runs four homes across the district, has met stringent Veteran Friendly Framework requirements.

To be awarded the accreditation, the group had to satisfy eight standards – including the noting of armed forces status within resident care plans, addressing social isolation, and provision for signposting veterans to support services such as Royal British Legion branches and other charities.

An estimated 25,000 armed forces veterans are living in care homes across England, and the framework aims to better support their practical, emotional and social needs.

Philippa Young, group operations manager at Spellman Care, says: "We're thrilled and proud to be recognised as a veteran-friendly care home group.

"This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care for all residents, especially our valued veterans.

"By embodying our core values of kindness, dignity and compassion, we've created a supportive community where veterans feel cherished and connected.

"Initiatives like veterans' cafes, specialised staff training and fostering connections with the armed forces community have been instrumental in building a thriving environment where friendships flourish.

"It's incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact these efforts have had on our residents' lives."

Spellman Care runs Craven Nursing Home in Skipton, Springbank at Silsden, Steeton Court and Ghyll Royd, Guiseley.

Achievement of the veteran-friendly status was celebrated with an event at Craven Nursing Home.

There was a 1940s-themed afternoon tea, with live music, games and wartime memorabilia, plus a special presentation prepared by a Steeton Court resident. And a classic car was on show.

Guests included representatives of the Royal British Legion Skipton branch, two soldiers from the Ministry of Defence careers office, Major Mick Lynch of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, and Martin Flint-Johnson, armed forces advocate at Airedale Hospital.

Also present was Kathryn Glass, Veteran Friendly Framework project lead, who's responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme.

She said: "The applications submitted by all four Spellman Care homes were of an exceptionally high standard and a testament to the dedication, passion and commitment the group has for providing quality person-centred care.

"I'd like to thank all Spellman Care staff for their commitment to undertaking this framework.

"The programme will benefit current and future residents, along with staff, who're able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences their residents have lived through."