There was a wonderful sense of pride at our Rotherham care home as residents, colleagues and local veterans gathered to celebrate a very special milestone: Cherry Trees’ Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation! We joined the team to find out how the day went, and why this new certification is vital for veterans in South Yorkshire.
At Cherry Trees Care Home, colleagues have been eager to celebrate the news that they’re recognised by the VFF as a veteran-friendly care home – but none more than Sharron, Home Manager, who has been chomping at the bit to get the party started.
“We’ve always had a strong focus on supporting those in the armed forces community, and understand the impact it has on both the veterans and their loved ones. When the opportunity came to become a VFF accredited care home, we were more than happy to apply!”
The VFF, which is a combined accreditation from the Royal British Legion, Royal Star and Garter and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance, looks at 8 standards of care within the home; including ensuring there is a nominated VFF Champion and residents are able to identify themselves as part of the armed forces community in the pre-assessment process. Only after a care home can confidently meet all eight standards are they given their new VFF status, making it a prestigious recognition to achieve.
The VFF celebrations began with a wonderful performance from singer, Keeley May, who entertained everyone with much-loved classics from the wartime era. Residents sang along and waved their flags in true patriotic fashion, and even took turns on joining in on the performance with a singing debut.
Also attending were local veterans Keith, Arthur, Terry, Paul and Mick, who are all part of the Parachute Regiment. Keith, whose wife lives at Cherry Trees Care Home, was particularly proud to be part of the celebrations. “After speaking with Sharron about the event, I extended the invite to my fellow comrades as I knew this would be something they’d want to be part of. We were humbled to receive such a warm welcome, and I feel blessed to have Judith in a VFF accredited care home.”
Another veteran, Terry, shared a heartfelt thanks to the Cherry Trees team, saying “We’re not the ones who should have medals – the carers here should have them for all their hard work!”
