Chesterfield care home celebrates Veteran Friendly Accreditation
Chatsworth Lodge Care Home in Chesterfield proudly celebrated becoming the second care home in town to achieve a Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation, recognising its commitment to supporting residents who have served in the Armed Forces.
The home warmly welcomed Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Staveley, who visited to congratulate the care team and residents on this important milestone.
Later in the afternoon, residents, colleagues and visitors enjoyed live entertainment from Eleanor Mattley, who performed wartime classics including “We’ll Meet Again” and “There’ll Always Be an England” by Vera Lynn. The performance had everyone on their feet, dancing and waving their Union Jack flags.
The celebration was also attended by veterans from other local care homes, creating a wonderful opportunity for them to come together, share their stories and make new friendships.
One of the residents at the centre of the celebration was Clive, an Army veteran who has lived at Chatsworth Lodge since 2021. During his service, Clive was stationed in locations including Hong Kong and Germany. A keen boxing enthusiast, he was delighted to connect with Frank, a fellow veteran and boxing fan who lives at Riverdale Care Home in Chesterfield.
Colleagues at the home said they are incredibly proud to receive the accreditation and look forward to continuing to honour the stories and experiences of veterans like Clive.
Zenka Shires, Home Manager at Chatsworth Lodge, said: “It was such a lovely afternoon for everyone. It meant so much to celebrate this achievement together and to recognise the incredible stories and service of our veterans. Seeing residents, visitors and colleagues enjoying the music and coming together to honour veterans like Clive made the day really special.”
The VFF accreditation reflects Chatsworth Lodge’s dedication to recognising and supporting veterans within its community, ensuring those who have served feel valued, understood and celebrated.
Chatsworth Lodge Care Home, located on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, provides residential, dementia and respite care. The home is part of the Orchard Care Homes Group, which operates 23 care homes across the Midlands and North of England.