Welcome to our October 2026 Newsletter! What a whirlwind month it has been! The autumn leaves have taken over, the crisp morning chill is in full swing and the clocks have gone back. Here’s everything happening at Peach Care Services this month.
📄 Want the printable two-page version? It’s at the end of this post.
Ho ho ho! Santa’s Grotto is back: Friday 18 December 2026
Santa enjoyed his visit to our Activities Centre so much last year that he’s making us a permanent stop on his sleigh tour! Expect music, festive games, our charity raffle, a cake sale and the chance to meet the big man in red himself.
Tickets are £5, and every penny supports Harry’s Rainbow, a Milton Keynes charity helping bereaved children through their hardest times. Book by calling 01908 686 869, scanning the QR code in the newsletter, or in person at our Activities Centre.
Can you help with the raffle? We’re gratefully accepting new, unused prizes: unopened toys and games, unwanted gifts and gift sets, hampers, festive treats or vouchers.
Staff of the Month: Ndidiamaka
We’re thrilled to announce Ndidiamaka as our Staff of the Month! She brings a calm, present and deeply reassuring presence to our team every single day, and her warm, friendly manner has earned glowing feedback from the people she supports. As an extra reason to celebrate, huge congratulations to Ndidiamaka on passing her driving test this month. Thank you for everything you do, this recognition is well deserved!
Celebrating Black History Month
October marks Black History Month, and this year’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities”, speaks directly to who we are. As a care company founded by a proud Nigerian immigrant, we know first-hand the power of diverse stories. Our team is a tapestry of dedicated people from Africa, Asia and every corner of the globe.
The care sector doesn’t just rely on immigrant and Black workers: it thrives because of them. Every day they bring resilience, skill, empathy and dedication to the people we support. Thank you to our remarkable team from Nigeria, across Africa, Asia and beyond for providing the foundation of compassionate care every day.
Our journey to Outstanding
By Ann Collins, Registered Manager
We’re keeping our foot on the gas as we work towards an Outstanding CQC rating. Outstanding care isn’t about huge, complicated overhauls. It’s built on the daily kindness, detail and excellence our team shows on every visit.
| Focus area | Outstanding action in practice | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Punctual, detailed logging | Record notes promptly on Birdie, capturing real details, emotional wellbeing and subtle changes | Ensures seamless continuity of care and shows our high standards of safety |
| Proactive safeguarding | Report even minor changes in skin integrity, mood or mobility to the office straight away | Stops small issues becoming major health concerns |
| Active listening | Greet every person warmly by their preferred name and give them your full, unhurried attention | Creates a safe environment where people feel truly heard |
Policy of the Month: Mobile Phone and Personal Device Policy
This policy sets out how staff use personal and company devices safely and appropriately during home care visits and community outings. It protects the privacy and dignity of the people we support, keeps us compliant with safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality standards, and balances the need to stay in touch with safety in the field.
What people say
“The two ladies who were here today are brilliant. I’m calling to see if I can have them back every weekend. They got M on his first walk in three months.”
Parent of a young person we support
Health and wellbeing corner
Feeling drained? Try this morning trick
Getting up in the dark and working cold shifts can drain your mood and energy. Get real, bright light into your eyes within an hour of waking: drink your morning cuppa outside or by an open door for 10 to 15 minutes, or use a daylight lamp at breakfast. Try it for a week and feel the difference.
Community outings and early darkness
Familiar places can look strange and unsettling at dusk. Show daytime and evening photos of a destination before setting off, and let the person carry a torch or dimmable lantern so they feel in control.
For more ideas, see our new winter-ready home checklist.
Peach news
- Spooktacular Halloween: the office team will be dressed up on Friday 30 October. Pop in and say hello!
- Christmas is coming: Santa’s Grotto returns and planning for our staff Christmas party is well under way.
- Carers Connect: we’re sorry we couldn’t hold our session this October. It’s back in November with hot drinks, snacks and a strictly “no work talk” zone.
- October birthdays: happy birthday to Florence, Shazia and Joy from everyone at Peach Care!
Take the newsletter with you
- 🎅 Santa’s Grotto returns on Friday 18 December
- ✊🏾 Celebrating Black History Month
- ⭐ Staff of the Month: Ndidiamaka
- 📈 Our journey to Outstanding
Print it, share it with family, or pop it on the fridge. 🍑
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