Church Farm care home in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire has been awarded Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
The award recognises the home’s commitment to providing enhanced, person-centred care for residents who have served in the Armed Forces. Church Farm achieved the accreditation after meeting a series of national standards designed to better support the practical, emotional, and social needs of veterans living in residential care. The VFF helps care homes create inclusive environments that recognise military service, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing for former members of the Armed Forces.
As part of the framework, Church Farm at Cotgrave has introduced a number of initiatives to ensure veterans feel respected and supported. These include identifying veterans within the home by discreetly placing poppies on bedroom doors to help staff understand residents’ backgrounds, strengthening links with the Royal British Legion, and attending local veterans’ breakfast clubs to encourage social connection beyond the home.
Home manager Maggie Griffiths said: “We are so proud to have become a VFF-approved care home. We pride ourselves on being warm and inclusive to all, so it is important for us to provide the right environment for veterans to thrive here. We’ve learned so much in the process and have already started implementing activities. The entire team has worked tirelessly to achieve the accreditation, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of them. We’re looking forward to welcoming more veterans from the community into our home.”
Lucy Atkinson, co-owner of Church Farm Care, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded Veteran Friendly Framework status; it has encouraged us to think more deeply about how we identify and support veterans, and how we can help them stay connected — both within the home and out in the community. We’ve seen how this has reduced feelings of isolation and helped build meaningful friendships, which has been incredibly rewarding to witness. It means a great deal to us to be able to support those who have served our country.”
Kathryn Glass, VFF project lead at Royal Star & Garter, added: “We’re delighted that Church Farm at Cotgrave has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners. This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through. Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Church Farm at Cotgrave.”
