Summer highlights from across Eothen Care Homes

It has been another busy and joyful few months across Eothen Care Homes, with residents making the most of the summer through days out, garden activities, special visitors, games, music and plenty of time together.

Across our homes in Gosforth, Whitley Bay and Wallsend, there have been lots of opportunities to try something new, revisit favourite places and simply enjoy good company. We have also been celebrating some remarkable milestones within the Eothen team, welcoming new faces and continuing our work with Newcastle University to explore and share best practice in care.

Here are some of our summer highlights.

Summer fun at Eothen Wallsend

Residents at Wallsend have certainly been keeping busy.

The home’s beautiful gardens have been the perfect place to make the most of the warmer weather, whether relaxing in the sunshine, spotting wildlife, playing games or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

There has been plenty of friendly competition indoors too. Residents put their hand-eye coordination to the test with a balls-in-cups challenge and tackled a giant game of Kerplunk, creating lots of laughter as everyone tried to remove the sticks without sending the balls tumbling.

Pamper sessions have also proved popular, with residents enjoying having their nails painted and even returning the favour by painting staff members’ nails too.

One of the summer’s musical highlights came when Tom Jones visited Wallsend  or at least the next best thing! Superfan Mary and friends danced the afternoon away to some favourite songs at a special concert made possible by Wish Upon a Tyne.

We have also been delighted to welcome Kayleigh, our new Activity Co-ordinator at Wallsend. Full of enthusiasm and fresh ideas, Kayleigh is already looking forward to getting to know everyone and planning plenty more enjoyable activities for residents.

Special visitors and outings at Gosforth & Eothen Whitley Bay

There have been some particularly heartwarming moments at Whitley Bay & Gosforth this summer.

Residents welcomed Humphrey the PAT dog, who brought plenty of affection and companionship during his visit. Humphrey was certainly not short of attention and quickly made himself at home.

Residents also enjoyed a visit to the Memory Café at St Paul’s Church, where they joined in with activities designed to encourage conversation, reminiscence and mental stimulation.

Back at the home, residents helped everyone stay refreshed by making their own colourful fruit kebabs. There were some interesting reactions to dragon fruit along the way, but trying something new was all part of the fun.

Whitley Bay residents joined friends from Gosforth for a very special Peter Rabbit trail, hunting for Peter Rabbit statues around Newcastle and North Tyneside. The sculptures were created to support St Oswald’s Hospice, making the outing both enjoyable and meaningful.

Travelling in style at Eothen Gosforth

Gosforth residents enjoyed an outing with a difference this summer when they travelled by limousine to Pets Corner in Jesmond.

The journey itself was part of the fun, with residents enjoying the novelty of travelling in style before spending time at one of Newcastle’s best-loved local attractions.

Gosforth residents also joined Whitley Bay for the Peter Rabbit trail, bringing residents from the two homes together for another memorable day out.

These shared experiences are an important part of life at Eothen. Whether it is visiting somewhere new, returning to a familiar place or simply enjoying the journey together, outings provide opportunities for conversation, friendship and new memories.

Celebrating our incredible Eothen team

This summer has also given us plenty of reasons to celebrate the people who make Eothen such a special place.

After an incredible 27 years of dedicated service, our Finance Manager Barbara has retired. Over nearly three decades, Barbara became a trusted and hugely valued member of the Eothen family, sharing her experience, knowledge and support with colleagues throughout the organisation. We wish her a very happy and healthy retirement.

At Gosforth, Kelly celebrated an amazing 30 years of service. Kelly began her Eothen journey as a Carer and, through her dedication to residents and colleagues, progressed to become a Team Leader.

At Whitley Bay, Karen marked 25 years with Eothen, having spent those years helping residents enjoy a high-quality mealtime service as part of the kitchen team.

We have also celebrated 10 years of service for Andrea at Gosforth and Sandra in our Head Office team, while at Wallsend, Lola, Sissy and Julie have each reached five years with Eothen.

Every milestone represents years of care, friendship and commitment to our residents, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone celebrating an anniversary.

Learning and developing care together

Eothen’s partnership with Newcastle University continues through Care & Research NE, helping us to research, promote and share best practice with the aim of enhancing people’s experiences of care.

As part of this work, some of our care home managers joined Dawn, our Training and Development Manager, and academics from Newcastle University on a visit to Maastricht in the Netherlands.

The trip provided an opportunity to learn more about innovative approaches to care and collaborative working, including the work of the Limburg Living Lab. It was an inspiring experience and provided valuable ideas that can help inform the continued development of care at Eothen.

Supporting our residents, staff and community

We are also delighted to welcome John and Sue as our new Pastoral Workers.

Pastoral support is an important part of life at Eothen, offering residents and staff encouragement, companionship and a listening ear whenever it is needed.

Our volunteers continue to play an equally valued role within our homes. Whether spending time chatting with residents, supporting activities or simply being there to listen, the time and kindness they give can make a genuine difference to someone’s day.

We are always pleased to hear from people who may be interested in volunteering and becoming part of the Eothen community.

Looking forward to autumn

As summer gives way to autumn, there is already plenty to look forward to across our homes, from visits and days out to music, memory café sessions, animal visits, seasonal activities and harvest celebrations.

Work is also continuing on improvements across our homes, including refurbishment projects and updates to furnishings, helping us make sure our environments remain comfortable, welcoming and homely.

After another summer filled with laughter, friendship and memorable moments, we are excited to see what the new season brings.

At Eothen, it is the everyday moments sharing an activity, enjoying a trip out, spending time in the garden or simply having a conversation with a friend that help make our homes genuine communities.

Creating Joy, Friendship & Happy Moments at Eothen Homes

When families begin looking for a care home, the quality of care will always come first. But feeling happy, connected and able to enjoy everyday life matters just as much.

At Eothen Homes, our aim is to create places where residents feel safe, valued and genuinely at home. Across our care homes in Gosforth, Whitley Bay and Wallsend, life is about far more than simply receiving support. It is about friendship, laughter, meaningful activity, familiar routines and having things to look forward to.

From days out and gardening to baking, games, music, shared meals and conversations. Our teams create opportunities for residents to enjoy life in a way that feels right for them.

Finding joy in everyday life

Happiness does not always come from big occasions. Sometimes it is sitting in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Sometimes it is hearing a favourite song, enjoying a cup of tea with a friend, joining in with a quiz or sharing a memory that makes everyone laugh. These everyday moments are a big part of life at Eothen.

We take time to get to know each resident as an individual their interests, routines, personality, life experiences and the things that matter most to them. This helps us create a care home environment where people can continue doing the things they enjoy while also having opportunities to discover something new.

For some residents that might mean joining in with a full programme of activities. For others, happiness may come from a quieter routine, spending time outdoors or simply enjoying good company. The important thing is having choice.

Activities that create connection

Meaningful activity plays an important part in supporting the wellbeing of older people, but at Eothen it is also about having fun and bringing people together.

Across our homes, residents can enjoy a wide variety of activities including:

• Arts and crafts
• Baking
• Quizzes and games
• Gentle exercise and movement
• Gardening and flower arranging
• Music and entertainment
• Book clubs and discussion groups
• Reminiscence activities
• Seasonal celebrations and special events
• Bible study and opportunities for Christian fellowship

Our activities are designed to be sociable, inclusive and enjoyable. They give residents opportunities to share interests and build new friendships. For someone who has recently moved into residential care, these shared experiences can also be a lovely way to get to know other residents and feel part of the wider home.

Days out and staying connected with the local community

Days out and local trips are an important part of life at Eothen Care Homes, giving residents a chance to enjoy familiar places, experience something different and spend time together away from the home.

Residents have enjoyed trips to places such as Tynemouth Aquarium, Earsdon Plant Centre, Tynemouth, North Shields Fish Quay and Boundary Mills, alongside local shopping trips and visits into the wider community.

For many residents, these outings are about much more than the destination itself. There is the excitement of the journey and the conversations along the way and the memories afterwards. A visit to the coast or a garden centre can bring back familiar memories while creating new ones at the same time.

Making the most of our gardens and outdoor spaces

Fresh air, nature and time outdoors can make a real difference to how we feel. Our care homes provide residents with access to attractive outdoor spaces where they can relax and sit with family and friends or simply enjoy the changing seasons.

At Whitley Bay Care Home residents can enjoy beautifully established landscaped gardens, while our Gosforth Care Home is surrounded by mature gardens and a lovely terrace.

Gardening itself can also be a meaningful activity. Choosing plants, tending flowers or simply spending time outdoors gives residents the chance to remain involved and enjoy a sense of purpose and sometimes sitting outside with a cup of tea and watching the world go by is more than enough.

Friendship and companionship at the heart of the home

One of the most important parts of a happy care home is the people within it. At Eothen, companionship sits at the heart of our approach. Residents are supported by teams who take the time to listen and get to know them properly. Relationships develop naturally through everyday conversations, mealtimes, activities and shared experiences. Mealtimes in particular are an important part of the day. They are a chance for residents to come together, enjoy good food and spend time with friends. Just as importantly, residents who prefer a quieter environment can choose what works best for them.

It is that combination of community and personal choice that helps make a care home feel like a genuine home rather than simply somewhere to live.

Creating meaningful moments for people living with dementia

At our Wallsend dementia care home, creating a sense of familiarity, comfort and belonging is especially important. The home has been designed around a small-household approach, helping to create a more relaxed and homely environment for people living with dementia.

Our teams focus on the individual behind the diagnosis by understanding their history, personality, preferences and the things that bring them comfort and enjoyment. A meaningful moment could come from listening to familiar music, baking, gardening, looking through photographs, talking about family or taking part in an activity that feels recognisable. Sometimes it is simply about sitting with someone and sharing their company.

For people living with dementia, feelings of happiness, security and connection can be incredibly powerful, even when the moment itself may seem small.

Something to look forward to

A good care home should not simply meet someone’s day-to-day needs. It should continue to offer opportunities for enjoyment, friendship and fulfilment. It should mean having something to look forward to such as a trip out, a favourite meal or a sunny afternoon in the garden.

Across our residential care homes in Gosforth, Whitley Bay and Wallsend, we work to create those moments of joyful living at Eothen Care Homes every day.

Because at Eothen Homes, care is about more than looking after people. It is about helping people continue to live well, enjoy life and feel part of a warm and welcoming community.

Discover Joyful Living at Eothen Care Homes

Come and experience joyful living at Eothen Care Homes for yourself. Get in touch with our friendly team to arrange a visit and find the right home for you or your loved one. Call us on 0191 281 9100 or email enquiries@eothenhomes.org.uk to find out more or arrange a visit to one of our homes.

Celebrating Spring Together Across Eothen

Spring has brought plenty of opportunities for residents across our homes to enjoy new experiences, spend time with friends, celebrate special occasions and make lasting memories.

From milestone anniversaries and community celebrations to animal encounters, seaside visits and garden activities, residents have continued to enjoy a varied programme of events designed to promote wellbeing, connection and fun.

This season has also seen staff and residents come together to celebrate achievements, recognise long-serving team members and look ahead to exciting improvements across our homes. Here are some of the highlights from around Eothen Care Homes.

Eothen Wallsend

This spring has been particularly special at Wallsend as the home celebrated its 10th anniversary. Residents, families and staff came together to mark a decade of compassionate care, friendship and community. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many memories created over the years and recognise the dedication of the team who have helped make the home such a welcoming place.

Residents have also enjoyed a range of themed activities and events. A Hawaiian-themed afternoon brought sunshine indoors, with music, dancing, colourful flower leis and plenty of treats. Grand National Day proved equally entertaining as staff took part in a fun race around the gardens, providing plenty of laughter and excitement for residents.

Everyday activities continue to play an important role in life at Wallsend. Residents are encouraged to stay active, engaged and involved in meaningful daily tasks that provide a sense of purpose and achievement. One resident, Jean, has become well known for helping around the home and keeping the dishes sparkling clean. Her enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand highlights the importance of maintaining independence, staying mentally active and contributing to the community life of the home.

Eothen Gosforth

Residents at Gosforth welcomed friends from Whitley Bay for a special coffee afternoon during Mental Health Awareness Week. The event centred around memories, identity and friendship, with residents enjoying conversation, quizzes, a raffle and plenty of laughter together.

There have also been plenty of opportunities to get active and enjoy the outdoors. A visit to Whitehouse Farm allowed residents to meet animals, learn new facts and spend time in the fresh air, while regular exercise sessions using resistance bands have helped residents maintain strength, flexibility and mobility.

Staying active has also been a focus for residents at Gosforth, with regular “Bands, Banter & Balance” sessions proving both beneficial and enjoyable. Led by Activity Coordinator Chris, residents have been using resistance bands to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and support mobility, all while sharing plenty of laughter and conversation along the way. The sessions have become a popular part of the activity programme, encouraging residents to stay active in a fun and supportive environment.

Creative activities have continued to be popular, with residents designing colourful face masks and showing off their artistic talents. As temperatures rose, residents found the perfect way to cool down, relaxing in paddling pools and making the most of the summer sunshine.

VE Day celebrations were another highlight, with residents and staff dressing up, enjoying themed activities and creating memories together.

Eothen Whitley Bay

At Whitley Bay, residents have enjoyed meaningful connections with the local community. One particularly heartwarming moment saw resident Paul receive a hand-drawn picture from a child at a local nursery, creating a special memory that brought a smile to everyone involved.

Whitley Bay residents enjoyed their visit to Gosforth, enjoying coffee, conversation and connection. A lovely afternoon enjoyed by everyone.

Residents also enjoyed a visit to Tynemouth Aquarium, where they spent time discovering marine life, learning fascinating facts and enjoying a day out by the coast.

Looking ahead, there are exciting developments taking place around the home, including improvements to the lounge and refreshment areas, along with upgrades to décor and lighting. The home’s popular fish pond is also being refurbished, with new viewing windows being added to allow residents to enjoy watching the fish throughout the year.

Celebrating Our Team

This spring has also provided opportunities to recognise the incredible people who make Eothen such a special place.

A huge congratulations goes to Kathleen, Deputy Manager at Whitley Bay, who recently celebrated an incredible 25 years of dedicated service. Her compassion, professionalism and commitment have made a lasting difference to residents, families and colleagues alike.

Several members of the Wallsend team have also celebrated 10 years of service, having been part of the home’s journey since it first opened. Their dedication has helped shape the warm and caring environment enjoyed by residents today.

We are also proud to celebrate staff members reaching five years of service and to recognise the achievements of our catering teams. Special congratulations go to Heather and Yaimara, who have both progressed from Kitchen Assistant roles to become valued members of the chef team.

Looking Forward to Summer

With spring fairs, seaside trips, family celebrations and community events planned across all three homes, there is plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

At Eothen Care Homes, creating meaningful experiences, supporting wellbeing and helping residents make lasting memories remains at the heart of everything we do.

Residents across our homes have been embracing the outdoors this month, as part of a wider focus on health, renewal and wellbeing. With brighter days and warmer weather, each home has taken a slightly different approach, creating meaningful moments that combine fresh air, activity and reflection.

Eothen Wallsend Care Home

At our care home in Wallsend, the focus has been on reflection, creativity and enjoying the simple pleasures that come with spending time outdoors.

Residents have been taking part in thoughtful sessions centred around personal achievements, sharing stories and reflecting on what they are most proud of. These moments have sparked meaningful conversations, helping residents connect with one another while celebrating their individual journeys.

Alongside this, baking activities have brought a sense of warmth and familiarity to the home, while gentle garden walks have provided a calm and peaceful way to enjoy the fresh air. The combination of reflection and light activity has created a balanced approach to wellbeing, supporting both mental and physical health in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Eothen Wallsend Care Home

Eothen Whitley Bay Care Home

Over in our care home in Whitley Bay, residents have been making the most of opportunities to get out and explore, with a series of trips designed to bring enjoyment and inspiration.

A visit to Tynemouth Aquarium proved a highlight, offering residents the chance to experience something different and engage with the natural world in a new way. The trip sparked conversation and curiosity, with plenty of smiles throughout the day.

Another favourite outing was to Earsdon Plant Centre, where residents selected flowers and plants to take back to the home. This not only added colour and life to their shared garden spaces, but also gave residents a sense of involvement and ownership in shaping their surroundings.

These trips have provided both enjoyment and purpose, combining social interaction with meaningful activities that continue back at home.

Eothen Whitley Bay Care Home

Eothen Gosforth Care Home

Meanwhile, at our Gosforth care home, residents have been making the most of the sunshine with a variety of outings and creative activities.

Trips to the coast, including visits to Tynemouth and North Shields Fish Quay, offered the perfect opportunity to enjoy sea views, fresh air and, of course, ice cream. These outings provided a change of scenery and a chance to relax in a familiar and much-loved local setting.

Residents also enjoyed a visit to Boundary Mills, combining a gentle browse with time spent together outside of the home environment.

Back at home, flower arranging sessions have added a creative and calming element to the month’s activities, allowing residents to bring a piece of the outdoors inside while expressing themselves in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Eothen Gosforth Care Home

Supporting Health and Wellbeing Through Nature

Across all homes, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has had a noticeable and positive impact. Whether through quiet reflection, social outings or hands-on activities, these experiences have helped to boost mood, encourage conversation and support overall wellbeing.

As the season continues, residents and teams are looking forward to building on these moments making the most of the longer days and continuing to create opportunities that support both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

We are incredibly proud to share that our homes in Wallsend and Gosforth have been recognised in the Carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards for North East England 2026.

These awards are especially meaningful as they are based entirely on reviews from residents, service users, and their families and friends. This recognition reflects the real experiences of those who matter most, the people who live with us and their loved ones.

In addition to this regional recognition, we are also proud to share that Eothen Homes Ltd has been named one of the Top 20 Small Care Home Groups in the UK for 2026 by carehome.co.uk. This national recognition places Eothen among the highest-rated small care home groups in the country and further reflects the consistently positive experiences shared by residents, service users, and their families across our homes. It is a wonderful endorsement of the dedication of our teams and the quality, compassion and trust that sit at the heart of care across the wider Eothen group.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their feedback. Knowing that families feel reassured, supported and confident in the care we provide means everything to us. It is a privilege to play such an important role in our residents’ lives, and this recognition reinforces the trust placed in our team every day.

For our staff, this achievement is both emotional and rewarding. Care is not just a profession it is a commitment that requires compassion, resilience, and dedication. Every member of our team gives their time, energy, and heart to ensure residents feel safe, valued and truly cared for.

This award is more than a title. It represents the everyday moments that define life at Eothen. The kindness, the conversations and the genuine connections built between our teams and residents.

At Eothen, our values remain at the heart of everything we do. This recognition celebrates the empathy, openness, trust, honesty, equality, and nurturing spirit that shape our homes and the care we provide.

We would like to thank our residents, their families, and our incredible teams for making this achievement possible.

Looking for a care home you can trust?

At Eothen, we’re proud to provide not just high-quality care, but a place where residents feel at home and families feel reassured. Our Top 20 recognition reflects the real experiences of those who matter most and we would love to show you what makes our homes so special.

Get in touch with the Eothen team to find out more about our homes in Wallsend, Gosforth and Whitley Bay

As the leaves turned and the days grew cooler, autumn brought with it a wonderful sense of togetherness across all three of our Eothen Care Homes. From gentle seasonal outings and creative activities to moments of reflection and laughter shared with friends, this autumn has been filled with warmth, connection, and meaningful experiences.

Eothen Gosforth Care Home

At Gosforth, residents embraced the spirit of the season with a variety of enriching activities and outings. A particularly special moment was attending the Harvest Festival at All Saints Church, where residents enjoyed traditional hymns, prayers of thanks, and beautiful displays celebrating the abundance of autumn. It was a peaceful and reflective occasion that many found deeply uplifting.

Back at the home, friendly competition brought plenty of smiles during lively games of dominoes. The afternoons were filled with laughter, conversation, and good company, reminding everyone that simple pleasures often bring the greatest joy.

Eothen Wallsend Care Home

Life at Wallsend this autumn has been both active and wonderfully cosy. Residents gathered regularly for armchair exercise sessions, where low-impact routines helped boost mobility while keeping spirits high. The room was often filled with laughter as everyone joined in together.

Pamper sessions were another firm favourite, with residents enjoying gentle hand massages and nail painting. Choosing their own nail polish colours added a personal touch and made everyone feel that little bit special.

Creative moments continued with baking activities, where the smell of home-made treats filled the house, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere ahead of afternoon tea. Knit & Natter afternoons also provided a lovely space for creativity and conversation, with the gentle rhythm of knitting needles accompanied by friendly chatter.

Eothen Whitley Bay Care Home

Whitley Bay residents made the most of autumn with both indoor fun and outings into the local community. A cheerful visit to Al Bear café proved popular, as residents enjoyed coffee, cake, and plenty of laughter in a lively setting.

Back at the home, a lively puppet show captured everyone’s attention, with residents eagerly watching their favourite characters come to life on stage. The humour and interactive moments made it an event that was, as always, very well attended.

Residents also turned their attention to nature, preparing bird feeders in the garden to care for local wildlife as the colder months approached — a thoughtful activity that brought a strong sense of purpose and connection to the outdoors.

A Season to Remember at Eothen Care Homes

Across all our care homes, autumn has been a season full of meaningful moments from shared laughter over tea to peaceful reflection, creativity and care for one another. These everyday experiences are what make life at Eothen so special and we’re grateful to our residents, staff and wider community for making this autumn one to remember.

We look forward to continuing to create warm, joyful memories together.