Category Archives: Blog

There is no health without mental health. It’s something that impacts every day of our lives in how we think, feel, and act. And yet for years, it’s been placed under a stigma, and awareness of mental health has continually been scrutinised.

Community-building can be changing. What once used to be a face-to-face connection is now expanding to more online settings; think FaceTime, virtual events, and Facebook groups. And with more than one in three people over 65 lacking the skills needed to use the internet, there’s a real danger that our older loved ones may be missing out on opportunities to connect with the world around them. Helping relatives learn new technology is not just a helpful thing to do, but is so important in combatting social isolation, and reducing loneliness.  

Dementia can be scary, both for the person with a diagnosis, and for anyone affected by that diagnosis. It can be caused by a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain, bringing memory loss, cognitive decline, and a loss of identity.  

Good Care Month: Why carers are essential to the community July is officially Good Care Month, which means it’s a time to celebrate the professionals working across the social care sector. It’s not an easy role, but it’s incredibly rewarding, and this is a time to recognise their achievements and hard work.   The campaign startedContinue reading “Good Care Month: Why carers are essential to the community “

Protecting adults at risk: a closed culture is a poor culture. When it comes to protecting adults at risk, it is essential to have appropriate safeguarding measures in place. It’s a proactive approach, designed to put preventative measures in place before abuse, harm and neglect occurs.   And this approach wouldn’t work without honesty and transparency.Continue reading “Protecting adults at risk: a closed culture is a poor culture. “

Stress Awareness Month – managing caregiver stress

At Birchwood Care Services, we see firsthand the compassion, strength, and dedication our carers bring to their roles each day.

Caring is more than a job, it’s a passion. But while carers are busy supporting others, it’s a little too easy for their wellbeing to slip down the priority list.

This April, as we recognise Stress Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on something essential because carers need care too.

That’s right, it’s spring already! Time has flown by this year, and it’s been so nice to finally get a bit of sunshine. A lot of people associate spring with a happier time – the increased sunlight exposure leads to better sleep, more social interaction, and beautiful green spaces.