Spotlighting our incredible teams & services in the North

Snapshot of the services in the North…

In March, we’re shining a light on our North services, led by Ana Beja, Head of Operations. Across these services, our colleagues support people in living independently, building confidence, and feeling part of their communities.

Every service has its own personality. Some are larger and busier, others are smaller and more personal. What they all share is a team of dedicated people who care about the people they support and the difference they make every day. Here’s a look at the fantastic work happening across our North services.

• The Old Printers, Sandbach

  Opened: 2021
  Colleagues: 34 (including the Service Manager and two Team Leaders)
  

  The Old Printers, led by Sophie Needham, is a busy and vibrant service with always something happening.

  The Old Printers was specially designed for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions. These purpose-built apartments offer a comfortable and modern living environment. Each apartment features a spacious lounge and bedroom, along with a high-specification kitchen and bathroom to support independent living. The ground floor apartments are fully adapted for wheelchair users, and a lift provides easy access to all three floors.

  Service highlight:
  The team has recently started a weekly Thursday bowling night, where tenants head out together for some friendly competition. The highest scorer wins The Old Printers Bowling Champion Trophy, which they proudly keep until the next game.

  Team news:
  Chloe Jones is currently working towards becoming a First Aid Train the Trainer, meaning the service will soon have its own dedicated first aid trainer.

  Something fun:
  Team member Daniel Abumere is organising the service’s first Nigerian buffet, and The Old Printers is also home to a cat called Toby and some fish, bringing extra warmth to the service.

• Wheelock Cottage, Sandbach

  Opened: 31 October 2025
  Colleagues: 2
  

  Wheelock Cottage, managed by Sophie Needham, may be one of our smaller services, but it has a big heart.

  Designed for those with lower support needs, Wheelock Cottage provides the perfect balance of independence and community. The Cottage has 4 modern one bedroom apartments, and a spacious garden at the rear.

  Service highlight:
  The team is planning to install flower boxes outside the service, bringing colour and life to the front of the home.

  What’s coming up:
  Plans are in place to transform the garden into a welcoming space where local tenants can enjoy time outdoors together, including a small allotment area for planting flowers and vegetables.

• The Limes, Nottingham

  Number of colleagues: 7
  Service opened/taken over: Originally taken over in April 2024, closed for refurbishment, and reopened in July 2025.

  The service is managed by Anita Sharma and provides high-quality care and support in a spacious and well-equipped home. All our bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. Our teams are skilled and knowledgeable in supporting people to achieve their goals with a responsive, person-centred approach.
  
  Positive moment:

  Since reopening, it has been fantastic to see people settling into the newly refurbished home. A real highlight has been creating a calm, welcoming environment where people feel comfortable and supported. The team has focused on building a homely atmosphere that allows each person to enjoy their own space while gradually developing confidence and independence in their daily lives.

• Lime Lodge, Nottingham

  Number of colleagues: 17
  Service opened/taken over: April 2024.

  Lime Lodge is managed by Anita Sharma and provides high-quality care and support in a spacious and well-equipped home. All our bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. Our teams are skilled and knowledgeable in supporting people to achieve their goals with a responsive, person-centred approach.

  Positive moment:

  Recently, the team has been supporting people to spend more time out in the community, enjoying local parks, cafés and activities. It’s been wonderful to see people building confidence, forming new routines, and taking part in experiences that bring enjoyment and independence.

• Vale House, Stoke

  Opened: 2024
  Colleagues: 12 (including bank staff)

  Vale House is managed by Amanda Loughlin, a welcoming service where the team works closely together to support people to live as independently as possible.
  
  Vale House offers 11 stylish, self-contained flats, each designed to support independent living in a safe, comfortable setting. Residents also enjoy access to a communal outdoor terrace, a perfect space to relax, socialise or enjoy some fresh air.

  Colleagues focus on building strong relationships with the people they support and helping them feel confident in their daily lives.

  Over the past few months, Amanda and her team have been focused on working collaboratively with the people we support to introduce new, meaningful activities within the service. One of the highlights has been the weekly breakfast, where everyone who wants to attend comes together to share suggestions, give feedback about the service, and help plan future activities.

  The positive feedback the team has received from the people we support, their relatives, and professionals really showcases the great work they have been doing.

• Wade Court, Kidsgrove

  Opened: 2023
  Colleagues: 22 (including bank staff)

  Wade Court is managed by Ceri Owen, and is a service where colleagues help people maintain their independence while feeling supported in their home environment.

  It has 16 modern, self-contained flats thoughtfully designed to promote independent living while providing the reassurance of on-site support. Residents can enjoy the comfort of their own space alongside the benefits of a friendly, shared environment, with access to a welcoming communal lounge and an outdoor terrace perfect for socialising or relaxing

  The team works hard to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere where people can develop confidence and enjoy meaningful activities.

• Brickyard Court, Worksop

  Opened: 2024
  Colleagues: 9

  Brickyard Court is a lively service where the team encourages people to stay connected with their local community and enjoy meaningful experiences.

  Once a bustling police station, Brickyard Court has been transformed into a vibrant supported living community in the heart of Worksop. Now home to eight brand new self-contained apartments, as well as two shared physical and sensory impairment units, Brickyard offers a flexible living arrangement with modern shared facilities tailored to meet a range of needs.

  Colleagues support individuals to build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy the independence that comes with living in their own home.

• The Grafton, Worksop

  Opened: 2023
  Colleagues: 8 with bank staff

  The Grafton is a service where teamwork and strong relationships make a real difference.

  The Grafton is currently being overseen by Jenna Rowbotham and is located in Worksop is a beautifully restored 150-year-old terraced building, once a traditional public house and now thoughtfully converted into eight specialist one-bedroom apartments for people with learning disabilities.

  Colleagues support people to feel confident, independent, and part of their community while creating a warm and supportive home environment.

• Horizon House, Bolton

  Opened: tbc
  Colleagues: tbc

  Horizon House is the newest addition to our North services and an exciting step forward for Wellgate.

  The service is managed by Sarah Jordan and has 14 modern, self-contained flats thoughtfully designed to promote independent living while providing the reassurance of on-site support.

  Starting a new service is always a special moment. It’s about creating a welcoming home, building a strong team, and setting the foundations for a place where people can thrive.

  We’ll share more information about this soon.

Across all our services, there is something that connects every team. Our shared values and our commitment to doing the very best for the people we support.

Social care is an incredibly important responsibility, rooted in trust, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference every day.

Every day, our colleagues work hard to ensure we meet the high standards expected across social care, including those set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These standards are there for a reason. They help ensure that people are safe, treated with dignity, and supported in living the most independent and fulfilling lives possible.

But great care is about more than meeting standards.

It’s about the kindness shown every day, being patient when someone needs extra support, and providing encouragement that helps someone try something new. Ultimately, it's all about the teamwork that keeps our services running smoothly and ensures high standards of care.

To all our colleagues across the North services and beyond, thank you for the compassion, professionalism, and dedication you bring to your roles every day. The difference you make in people’s lives is truly meaningful.