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Introducing Our New Nutrition Pizza Scale

Supporting Safe and Enjoyable Mealtimes: Introducing Our New Nutrition Pizza Scale

We’re pleased to share that Charlotte Straker House has introduced a new Nutrition Pizza Scale to help support the individual dietary needs of our residents.

Based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative IDDSI this simple visual system uses small pizza icons displayed in residents’ rooms to clearly indicate their required food texture from Level 3 liquidised through to Level 7 regular diet.

This new scale works alongside our Ladybird Hydration Scale already in place helping to ensure that both dietary and hydration care needs are clearly understood and met. Together these visual tools make important information easy to spot and quick to understand.

The Pizza Scale helps staff, volunteers and visiting family members stay informed and supports safe enjoyable mealtimes for everyone.

Home Manager, Sam Willis explains “We wanted to find a creative and friendly way to make important dietary information clear at a glance. The Pizza Scale is easy to understand and works brilliantly alongside our Ladybird Hydration Scale, helping us support each resident’s individual needs without creating complicated identification systems.”

Why it matters

Clear communication around dietary and hydration needs is essential for resident safety comfort and dignity. These tools act as helpful reminders ensuring everyone involved in a resident’s care is aware of individual requirements.

The full IDDSI nutrition scale is available to view on request please just ask a member of the team if you’d like to learn more.

Keep an eye out for the pizza icons on your next visit

Pictured above: Head Cook, Louise Gardner, and Home Manager, Samantha Willis. 

Thoughtful Gift Brings Back Special Memories

A Thoughtful Gift Brings Back Special Memories for Nancy

We were delighted to share a very special moment at Charlotte Straker House recently, thanks to the kindness and thoughtfulness of our complimentary therapist, Jodie.

After noticing a portrait of a schnauzer on the wall of resident Nancy’s room, Jodie was inspired to create a bespoke candle shaped like a schnauzer, knowing it was a breed clearly close to Nancy’s heart. Jodie, who runs Jodie’s Crafted Candles on Facebook, also knew that Nancy will be celebrating her 100th birthday later this year and felt her milestone year should be filled with lots of little surprises.

When Jodie presented the candle to Nancy, the moment became even more special. Nancy explained that the portrait on her wall was actually of her own dog, and that she had previously bred salt and pepper schnauzers herself. The thoughtful gift brought back many happy memories and sparked conversations that helped staff learn even more about Nancy’s life and passions.

The candle, with a fresh cotton fragrance, was a truly personal touch and a wonderful example of how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Moments like this highlight the importance of truly knowing our residents as individuals and celebrating their life stories. We are incredibly grateful to Jodie for taking the time to create such a meaningful gift that brought joy, connection, and cherished memories to Nancy.

Pictured above: Complimentary Therapist Jodie with resident Nancy. 

Top Food Hygiene Rating Achieved

Charlotte Straker House Achieves Top Food Hygiene Rating

We are delighted to share that Charlotte Straker House has achieved a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 following our recent inspection. This is the highest possible rating and reflects the dedication and professionalism of our kitchen team in maintaining excellent standards.

Our CEO, Steve Adams explains “We are incredibly proud of our kitchen team. Their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to providing safe, high-quality meals for our residents is truly outstanding. This top rating is a reflection of the care and pride they put into their work every day.”

This achievement ensures that our residents continue to receive meals that are not only nutritious and delicious but also prepared in a safe and hygienic environment.

We would like to thank our kitchen staff for their continued dedication, and our residents and visitors for their ongoing support.

Festive Soirée raises £1200

Festive Fundraising Concert Raises £1,200 for Charlotte Straker House

A festive fundraising concert held in Corbridge has raised an impressive £1,200 in support of The Charlotte Straker Project, thanks to the generosity and talent of local performers and the community.

The event, A Festive Soirée, was hosted by the women of Wildflowers A Cappella and took place on Saturday 13th December at Corbridge Parish Hall. The sell-out evening featured a programme of festive carols and well-loved songs, creating a warm start to the Christmas season.

Guests were also treated to a special performance by Eddie Nickson of Tanners Yard Band, who stepped in on the night and helped make the event a success.

Tickets included festive nibbles and a welcome drink, and every penny raised will go towards supporting the charitable work of Charlotte Straker House, which provides specialist nursing, residential and respite care for adults aged over 65.

Steve Adams, Chief Executive of The Charlotte Straker Project, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Wildflowers A Cappella and Eddie Nickson for sharing their talents in aid of our charity, and to everyone who came along to support the evening. Events like this not only raise vital funds, but also bring our community together in support of the people we care for. The generosity shown at this concert will make a real difference to our home and the residents we support.”

The charity would like to extend thanks to Wildflowers A Cappella, Eddie Nickson, and everyone who attended and supported this special event. Community support such as this plays a vital role in enabling Charlotte Straker House to continue providing high-quality care.

Thoughtful Giving: Our Christmas Gift Tradition

Thoughtful Giving at Charlotte Straker House: Our Christmas Gift Tradition

Every year at Charlotte Straker House, our team takes part in a much-loved Christmas tradition: each staff member is given a resident to buy a personal gift for with a budget provided by the home. With this, staff set out to select something meaningful that they know will bring joy when unwrapped on Christmas morning.

What we see each year is just how well our staff truly know the residents they support. Gifts are often incredibly personal and thoughtful, reflecting the individual interests, stories and personalities of each resident. From favourite treats to cherished hobbies, every present shows the depth of connection and understanding built throughout the year.

And in true Charlotte Straker style, many of our team go above and beyond, often adding their own touches or choosing to go over budget to make sure their resident feels special and celebrated. These gestures are never expected but they speak volumes about the compassion and dedication behind the care we provide.

A message from our CEO:

“This initiative is a wonderful reminder of the genuine bonds our staff build with the people who live here. The care and attention they put into choosing each gift reflects the kindness and respect underpin everything we do. I am incredibly proud of our team, not only for the outstanding care they deliver every day, but for the thoughtfulness they show in moments like these. It’s a lovely tradition that brings joy to residents and staff alike, and captures the true spirit of our home.”

A Special Weekend of Remembrance

Charlotte Straker House Marks a Special Weekend of Remembrance

This weekend, Charlotte Straker House were proud to bring our community together for two heartfelt services of remembrance on 6th and 7th December. Both events offered meaningful opportunities for residents, families, volunteers, and friends to honour loved ones and take comfort in shared reflection during the festive season.

On Saturday 6th December, we were welcomed by Tynedale Hospice at Home at St Andrew’s Church in Corbridge for their annual Light Up a Life service.
The service, filled with carols, readings, and moments of quiet remembrance, provided a thoughtful space for all attending to reflect and remember.

Pictured above: Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at The Charlotte Straker Project reading at the Tynedale Hospice Light up a Life service.

We would like to extend our thanks to Tynedale Hospice at Home for inviting us to be part of such a moving and supportive community event. Their service was enjoyed by all who attended from Charlotte Straker House.

On Sunday 7th December, we hosted our own Tree of Lights service here at Charlotte Straker House. As dusk settled, our gardens became softly illuminated, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for everyone gathered.

The Tree of Lights has become one of our most cherished traditions. It brings together residents, families, volunteers, staff, and members of the wider community to celebrate memories, honour those no longer with us, and share a moment of unity at this special time of year.

Reflecting on the weekend, Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees, shared “Our Tree of Lights service is one of the most treasured moments in our year. Seeing our community come together reminds us of the deep bonds that make Charlotte Straker House such a special place. It was a privilege to stand alongside everyone as we remembered loved ones with warmth and love.”

We are grateful to everyone who joined us across the weekend and helped make both services so meaningful. We would also like to once again thank Tynedale Hospice at Home for welcoming us into their Light Up a Life service, Reverend David Kennedy for delivering our service, and Lord and Lady Allendale at Allendale Estates for kindly donating the tree to our home.

Pictured above: L-R Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees), Jackie Kellett (Nurse), Reverend David Kennedy, Gavin Black (Vice Chair of Trustees) and Karen Dover (Senior Carer). 

As we look ahead to the rest of the festive season, we remain committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment where memories are honoured, community is valued, and no one ever feels alone.

A Festive Transformation at Charlotte Straker House

A Festive Transformation At Charlotte Straker House

This December, Charlotte Straker House has been filled with festive magic – and much of it is thanks to one incredibly dedicated volunteer.

Adrienne, who gives her time so generously throughout the year, has truly gone above and beyond this festive season. Over the past week, she has spent countless hours transforming our home with beautiful Christmas trees, hand-crafted garlands, and sparkling decorations that have brought joy to every corridor and communal space.

One of the standout pieces this year is her clever hand-made spinning decoration – a unique, creative design that has captured the attention of residents, families and staff alike. It’s something you won’t see anywhere else, and it reflects not just Adrienne’s talent, but the love and care she pours into everything she does for our home.

Our residents have delighted in watching the decorations go up, admiring the twinkling lights, and taking in the festive atmosphere that now fills the building. It’s moments like these that turn our home into a truly special place to live.

Sam, our Home Manager explained “Adrienne brings such warmth and creativity to Charlotte Straker House, and her commitment makes a real difference to our residents. The decorations she has lovingly crafted and displayed have brought so much happiness to the people who live here. We are incredibly grateful for her time, her enthusiasm, and the joy she helps create. Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and Adrienne is a shining example of how powerful that contribution can be.”

£5,000 Grant from Ray Wind Fund

Charlotte Straker Project Receives £5,000 Grant from Ray Wind Fund

The Charlotte Straker Project is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant of £5000 from the Ray Wind Fund CIC Community Benefit Fund. The independent Ray Wind Fund CIC is responsible for managing the £250,000 a year Fund (index-linked) set up by European energy company Vattenfall, the operator of the wind farm. The Fund will be in place until at least 2043. 

Ray Wind Funds were established to give back to local communities and support initiatives that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. We are incredibly grateful to have been chosen as a beneficiary, and this funding marks a significant contribution to the continued success of our respite service. 

This funding will support our free community respite bed, offering short-term support to individuals and families in need. We are proud to regularly welcome people from across West Northumberland, including many from rural communities who might otherwise struggle to access such care. Some of our long-term residents also come from these areas, highlighting the broad and ongoing impact of our work. 

The total cost to run this free service exceeds £60,000 annually, and we rely on charitable activities, donations, and grant funding to sustain it. This contribution from Ray Wind Funds will directly help us maintain and grow this essential support for the community. 

As part of the funding award, we were delighted to welcome Sarah Crone, Chair of the Ray Wind Fund, and Development Officer Jo Willis, who visited Charlotte Straker House to tour our home and meet some of the team. Their visit offered an opportunity to share first-hand how the respite service operates and to discuss the significant impact this grant will have on individuals and families across the region. We were pleased to show them the difference their support makes and the vital role it plays in helping local people access care close to home. 

Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at the Charlotte Straker Project, said: 

“We are extremely thankful to Ray Wind Funds for recognising the importance of our free community respite service. This generous grant helps us continue offering high-quality care to those who need it most, especially those in rural and isolated parts of our region. It’s a lifeline for many family carers, and this support helps ensure it remains available for all who need it.” 

We extend our sincere thanks to Ray Wind Funds for their support and belief in our mission. 

Pictured above: Steve Adams (CEO at Charlotte Straker), Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees), Sarah Crone (Chair at Ray Wind Funds), Jo Willis (Development Officer). 

 

Residents Join Corbridge Remembrance Celebrations

Charlotte Straker House Residents Join Corbridge Remembrance Celebrations

Residents and staff from Charlotte Straker House in Corbridge took part in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations, joining the local community to honour those who served.

This year, our residents gathered to watch the parade through Corbridge before following on to a moving service at St Andrew’s Church. It was a particularly special moment for resident George, who proudly carried the wreath on behalf of Charlotte Straker House.

George served as a Physical Training Instructor in the RAF, and being part of this meaningful occasion held deep personal significance for him.

Since joining Charlotte Straker House earlier this year, George has become a cherished member of our community. His cheerful attitude and contagious laugh fill the hallways and lift everyone’s spirits.

Pictured above: Charlotte Straker House resident, George.

Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at Charlotte Straker House, said “We are incredibly proud of George and all our residents who took part in the Remembrance commemorations. It’s so important that we continue to honour the sacrifices made by past generations, and to ensure that our residents can remain part of these meaningful community traditions. Seeing George carry the wreath on behalf of our home was a moment of real pride for everyone at Charlotte Straker House.”

CEO Steve Adams added “For many of our residents, Remembrance Day brings back powerful memories and a sense of shared experience. Taking part in local events like this helps them stay connected to the community they’ve long been part of. We’re grateful to everyone in Corbridge for making our residents feel so included.”

Pictured above: Jane Hastings (Trustee at Charlotte Straker) with resident George and Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees at Charlotte Straker)

Charlotte Straker House continues to be at the heart of Corbridge life, supporting residents to remain active, involved, and part of the wider community.

60% Uptake for Flu Jab

60% Uptake for Flu Jab at Charlotte Straker House

A creative, staff-led initiative has helped boost flu vaccination uptake to an impressive 60% across our workforce, which is well above the national average for the care sector.

To encourage staff to protect themselves and others this winter, we launched a flu jab raffle, giving everyone who received the vaccine the chance to win a luxury hamper. A total of 40 team members signed up, and the response exceeded all expectations. While the raffle added a fun incentive, many of our staff were already motivated by a strong understanding of the importance of flu vaccination. It was not just about their own health, but also about protecting colleagues, residents, and families.

The winning ticket was drawn by our resident Margaret, with Care Assistant Lindsey taking home the prize.

Our 60% uptake is not just encouraging; it is significantly higher than the national average for flu vaccination among care workers. According to recent UK Government figures, uptake among frontline healthcare workers in England during the 2024 to 2025 season stood at just 37.8%.

This puts our team more than 20 percent ahead of the national benchmark, showing that creative approaches combined with a caring team ethos can drive real impact.

Home Manager Samantha Willis said “We’re absolutely thrilled with the uptake this year. Our staff really stepped up to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the people we care for. This raffle was a fun way to recognise that effort, and I’m so proud of everyone who took part.”

We are now continuing efforts to support and encourage the remaining 40% of staff to consider the vaccination this Winter. Whether through further education, support with access, or one-to-one conversations, we’re committed to building on this progress.

Congratulations again to Lindsey, and a huge thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves and others this winter.