A North East care home has been recognised for its continuing commitment to supporting Armed Forces veterans.
The Beeches Care Home in Green Lane, Stockton, received the Veteran Friendly Framework’s Continued Commitment accreditation for its support of former service personnel.
The accreditation recognises care homes that build on their initial VFF status with new activities and stronger links to the Armed Forces community.
Nicola Bowes, activities coordinator and veteranchampion at The Beeches Care Home, Stockton Mayor Cllr Bob Cook, Joan Moore, resident and RAF veteran, Sandra Cook, Mayoress of Stockton,Jules Walker, VFF programme support office at Royal Star & Garter, and Lee Moore,project lead at Veterans for Veterans Care (Image: Supplied)
Nicola Bowes, The Beeches’ activities coordinator and veteran champion, said: "We are very proud of our achievement and to be the first home in Stockton to achieve this is even better.
"Not only is it a huge achievement for our home and veteran champions but also our six veterans who are so proud to be recognised for their years of service."
The Beeches first received its VFF accreditation in February 2025.
Since then, the home has introduced veteran-focused activities and teamed up with military and veterans’ organisations.
Activities have included military history sessions led by Stockton Library Services’ Tony Quantrill, museum sessions with Tees Valley Museums, and visits from veterans’ groups and cadets.
The care home has also hosted events with 266 Stockton Squadron Air Cadets, local paratroopers and SSAFA representatives.
In May, The Beeches held a VE Day-themed afternoon at Elm Tree Social Club’s monthly community event.
Residents, veterans, civic guests and family members attended a party celebrating the accreditation.
Claire Louise performed wartime favourites as guests waved flags and sang along.
Guests included Stockton Mayor Councillor Bob Cook, Mayoress Sandra Cook and Lee Moore, project lead for Veterans for Veterans in Care.
Back from left, Jules Walker, VFF programme support office at Royal Star &Garter, Stockton Mayor Cllr Bob Cook and Lee Moore, project lead atVeterans for Veterans Care, with (front) Ann Briggs, resident and veteran champion (Image: Supplied)
Jules Walker, Royal Star & Garter’s VFF programme support officer, also attended.
Six veterans and one veteran spouse currently live at The Beeches.
The Mayor presented each with a veteran pin badge, while a new plaque was unveiled outside the home recognising its Veteran Friendly Care Home status.
Those honoured included John Collier, 82, who served for 10 years in the Royal Marines, and Barrie Legg, 86, who spent 22 years in the British Army with the Green Howards.
Ted Hart, 87, was also presented with a badge.
He said: "It was lovely to receive a veteran pin badge off the Mayor and to feel special in front of all the guests at the party.
"I served 22 years in The British Army.
"Three of those years were in The Royal Artillery and the rest in The Royal Engineers where I reached the rank of Sergeant."
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Resident veteran champion Ann Briggs, 80, also received a badge for organising Armed Forces-themed activities at the home.
Jenny Hall, the home manager, said: "Well done to all of our staff and a special thanks to Nicola for all the hard work they have put in to the Veteran Friendly Framework over the past two years.
"We are proud to receive this accreditation and be a Veteran Friendly Care Home."