Search...

Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead, Essex CO9 1JW
Runwood Homes Ltd Logo
Jobs
Blackthorns logo
the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safeAnita R(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)
Blackthorns, Halstead
Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.Debbie D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Blackthorns, Halstead
The home is friendly and very comfortable mum is happy and has many friendsDiane E(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Blackthorns, Halstead

Blackthorns is a newly refurbished, 58 bedroom, residential care home in Halstead, north Essex. This spacious home provides expert care for older people, including those living with dementia. All of the bedrooms are beautifully furnished, with 22 benefitting from en-suite bathroom facilities and there is also a dedicated area for dementia care, designed to enable those they care for to maintain their independence in a safe environment.

Facilities available for the...  

Care Provided by Blackthorns

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,350From £1,450

Contact Blackthorns to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self-Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Hazel Dockrell(Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2020
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (56)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Upon arriving at the home, please press the buzzer on the intercom. A member of staff will greet you shortly. The home kindly request that you sign the guestbook upon both arrival and departure. This helps maintain an accurate record of who is in the building. In the event of an emergency, please follow the designated safety protocols provided. Your cooperation ensures everyone's safety.

Parking

  • The home includes dedicated parking spaces.

Blackthorns Reviews (97)

Submit a Review
9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.658) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 97 reviews.

Submit Review
Filter Reviews
Overall Experience
Date Published
Reviewer Connection to Blackthorns
Loading...
Showing 97 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from A E (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The care home manager and all her staff went the extra mile to settle my mum into a warm and comfortable environment. She has been very well cared for and definitely well-fed. Thank you, Blackthorns. My 97-year-old mother is totally compos mentis but has struggled with the ratio of dementia to non-dementia residents (very few) which has meant that she stays in her room most of the time. The staff do their best to give Mum some conversation time but obviously, they have their daily duties to undertake.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns
Thank you for your feedback. We always strive to provide a positive and comfortable environment for our residents. We will be sure to take your comments on board.
Kind regards,

Jo

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from A B (Nephew of Resident) published on 13 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My aunt was admitted from hospital at short notice on a Sunday. The staff were very helpful and friendly and immediately made her welcome and comfortable. They even arranged a meal for her as she had not been fed at the hospital.

All the staff have been friendly and efficient. A big thank you to them all!

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns
Hi A B,
Thank you for your kind words. We're happy to hear that we were able to make your aunt comfortable during her stay. I will pass your comments on to the rest of the Blackthorns team.
Kind regards,

Jo

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from M R (Wife of Resident) published on 19 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I am very pleased with the home. My husband is looked after very well and I could not wish for a better place.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review and for your ongoing support. It is a pleasure to care for your husband. Kind regards.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Deborah B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My sister and I dropped my mum off to you ten days ago. We were impressed immediately with the cleanliness of the care home. The staff were friendly and helpful and always informative when I phoned up to see how Mum was doing. We will definitely keep Blackthorns on top of the list for future respite stays or even for a more permanent stay.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear that you were happy with the level of care delivered to your mum during her stay at Blackthorns care home. I will be sure to pass on your lovely comments to the rest of the team. Kind regards.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from J T (Wife of Resident) published on 9 January 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My husband came to Blackthorns from the hospital as he was not fit enough to come home with carers, he was unable to stand. During his stay there he was only taken out of his room twice. There never seemed enough staff on and many were young, inexperienced or agency. Sometimes he would have to wait more than an hour to go to the toilet. I felt duty-bound to go to him every lunchtime to help him with his lunch and make sure he was put to bed for an afternoon sleep. I then used to go to see him at teatime to make sure he was getting up. When I spoke to the manager about anything she would write in her book and invariably she did nothing about it. One day she called me to the office with her deputy, she looked me straight in the face and told me I was the problem with my husband. I was heartbroken. I do not cry but when I got home I dissolved into floods of tears. The next morning I went in the home at about 11am, my husband was in the dining room, head on the table asleep, and left there.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to pass on your concerns, and we are sorry to learn that your experience at Blackthorns was not up to the standard expected.

We do endeavour to ensure that our staffing levels meet the needs of the residents and that additional...  

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from R S (Respite Resident) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I have used Blackthorns for respite care for mum several times now, the staff and management could not be more helpful. I always find the home warm and welcoming, mum is well cared for and although she can be difficult at times the staff are always happy to help.

I would recommend Blackthorns to anyone looking for a home to care and support a relative who have unfortunately reached a time in their life where they need that extra help and find living at home difficult to continue with.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hello, we are so thankful to read your recommendation for Blackthorns. It is lovely to read your kind words on the safe, warm and welcoming environment that we have created here at Blackthorns, and one which your mum has experienced during her respite care with us. Thanks again for your brilliant review. Kind regards.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from John B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 October 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My first impressions of Blackthorn's Care Home is of a caring, friendly, clean and professionally run establishment. The staff are all friendly and willing to talk generally and specifically about any matter one raises. They are prepared to mark special occasions for individual residents and make them and their visitors feel they are part of the bigger family.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your kind words, John. We are very grateful for your comments expressing how satisfied you are with the quality of care given by the team, and the home's welcoming atmosphere. We hope you have a fantastic day. Kind regards,

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My father has been extremely well looked after. He thoroughly enjoys the people and the food and we are comforted by the safe environment for him.

Personally, I have found the staff very engaging and helpful, particularly the manager who always is very welcoming.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hello Andrew, we are so thankful to read your recommendation for Blackthorns. It is lovely to read your kind words for our staff, on the safe, welcoming environment and your father's love for the food. Thanks again for your brilliant review. Kind regards, Jo.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from James M (Husband of Resident) published on 17 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My wife was brought to Blackthorns after a fairly long stay in the hospital. I visited her every day she was residing in Blackthorns and found that the care she was receiving from the staff was excellent, especially on the day of her discharge from the hospital when the designated transport failed to arrive.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi James, thank you for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to care for your wife and will certainly pass on your feedback to the rest of the team. Kind regards. Jo.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I have been going up there for 15 years, and I find it a good place to be. All I know is she likes it there, Mum always has done, and it makes me happy.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review, and for your ongoing support. It is a pleasure to care for your mother. Kind regards, Jo.

Facilities
No Rating
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Allan F (Husband of Resident) published on 16 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My wife is attended to by staff with both respect and kindness. Whenever I have needed assistance, the staff have dealt with the situation quickly and efficiently.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns
We are very grateful for your comments expressing how satisfied you are with the quality of care given to your wife by the staff and entire team at Blackthorns. We will continue to do our best to keep all our residents happy and cared for in a safe environment.

I will share this review with the staff. Thanks again for this lovely review.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from K F (Partner of Resident) published on 8 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I spent a long time thinking about why I should not mark excellent in all the boxes but to be honest the home is so well run, I cannot find any fault. All the residents have their own rooms and no member of staff can enter without knocking and being invited in. When I go all the staff are friendly and there is a feeling of being part of one big happy family. Where my girlfriend was before in sheltered housing there was a toxic atmosphere and she became very depressed, buts since she has been in this home I have seen a big change in her as she is now more outgoing and wants to help in any way that she can and that is because the staff makes her feel she is part of something and that she belongs there.

Reply from Fiona Kemp, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Good afternoon, we are so grateful that you send your full approval in Blackthorns and how satisfied you are your girlfriend is with the transition to our care. We always treat our residents with the best care and kindness, and will always respect their right to privacy and engage with residents in our activities and kitchenettes. Thanks again for the wonderful review.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
No Rating
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from Z C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Very welcoming, polite, helpful and informative. Love, care and compassion showed towards residents. As our 1st experience of using a care home, we have been extremely impressed and put at ease with the process.

Thank you.

Reply from Fiona Kemp, Home Manager at Blackthorns
Thank you so much for your kind words.

Best wishes.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from Teri P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 February 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mum is the happiest and most content I’ve seen her for years, she gets involved and feels valued every day. The staff are all uplifting and comfort her in her bad moments. She couldn’t be cared for any better. I sleep well now knowing she is safe and in a happy environment.
The home is always clean and smells fresh.
Mum eats well and tells me the food is really good here.

We always feel welcome to visit.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hello Teri, we are so thankful to read your full recommendation for Blackthorns. We are honoured to read your kind words for our staff, the cleanliness of the environment, and your mother's love for the food. Thanks again for your brilliant review.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
No Rating
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
No Rating
Review from David F (Son of Resident) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

She has been a resident at Blackthorns for eleven and a half years. During that time, we saw many changes in staff and management. We have always been very satisfied with the care and consideration given to her, and staff have always been extremely helpful to us. The home has recently been renovated throughout, and the accommodation provided is extremely clean. Care throughout the pandemic, although tedious to visitors and residents, has resulted in the home being kept clean of infection. They have been excellent in helping us cope with her recent death.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear David, thank you so much for your kind words. It has been our privilege and honour to care for and look after your Mum during her years in Blackthorns. We always strive to give excellent quality of care to all people who choose to live in our home. We are happy your experience with us was positive and authentic. Thanks once again.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Caroline G (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother spent a week in Blackthorns for respite last week.
Everything was amazing from start to finish!
The staff are so caring and professional… the care was 5 star throughout.
This was my mum's first visit to a care home and she has told me that she is looking forward to going back “ for another holiday!”.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of staff involved in running such a fantastic establishment.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns
Dear Caroline,

it has been our pleasure caring for your Mother! We are looking forward to welcoming her again in our home. Many thanks for your lovely review, Teresa, Home Manager

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from C H (Son of Resident) published on 15 December 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
A few weeks ago my mum went into Blackthorns, from Colchester hospital, for respite care. It was late on a Friday afternoon and was very stressful trying to find somewhere for mum to go, I am not local and the hospital would be discharging my elderly mum who has Alzheimer's late at night. The manager was absolutely fantastic in sorting the situation out for me.
I was concerned that mum would struggle to be in this environment for the first time but she is enjoying herself. Mum has been participating in the activities and engaging with more people than she does at home. Food and drink are good and cleanliness is first class. All the staff I've met and spoken to on the phone are lovely.

My dad was in Blackthorns a few years ago and the improvement since then is quite remarkable.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for the kind words you wrote about us at Blackthorns! It is our pleasure and our honour to care for your Mother and to provide the very best in meeting her needs and wishes. Thank you once again! Kind regards, Teresa, Home Manager

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from L E (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father has been at Blackthorns since June 2019 and the whole family have been made very welcome every time we visit. He always looks happy and well-fed and the staff are always helpful. The home manager is wonderful at communicating with relatives and has a host of festive activities planned which all the family may participate in. Thank you to all the fabulous staff for your care and love throughout these difficult times.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Many thanks for your kind words. It is our privilege to look after your Father in providing the best care and support to meet his daily needs ad wishes. Thanks once again, Teresa, Home Manager.

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from Trudi (Niece of Resident) published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My aunt is very well looked after at Blackthorns, the staff are always friendly and answer any questions I raise. The home is very clean, when I visit there is usually an activity being supervised by a very enthusiastic activity provider.

My aunt is happy there and always praises the menu.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Trudi, thanks for your kind words. It is our pleasure to look after your Aunt and to provide the best care to meet her daily needs and wishes. Thank you once again! Teresa, Home Manager

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money
Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I felt hugely moved and elated to see how much Blackthorns has changed. Not only was it much cleaner and brighter, the staff looked immaculate and were polite and friendly.

The whole atmosphere felt nicer and it was a pleasure to be there. In the past, I could not wait to leave.

Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

We are so grateful for the kind words you wrote. Blackthorns is definitely a different Home where care and attention to details are at the core of our work ethics. The staff team has worked tirelessly to put into effect the beautiful changes you saw on your last visit. We are delighted you had a...  

Facilities
Care / Support
Cleanliness
Treated with Dignity
Food & Drink
Staff
Activities
Management
Safety / Security
Rooms
Value for Money

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 28 February 2024
Overall
Requires improvement
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveRequires improvement
  • SafeRequires improvement
  • Well-ledRequires improvement
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (12) & Events (0)

News
  • 25 Feb 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, was filled with laughter, warmth and the delicious smell of freshly made pancakes as residents and staff came together to celebrate...

  • 28 Jan 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, has proudly launched its very own in-house post office, creating a meaningful and practical new feature that allows residents to post...

  • 02 Jan 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, welcomed residents and their loved ones on 20 December 2025 for a special Christmas meal, bringing families together to celebrate the...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Blackthorns.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

  • 01 Apr 2026Recipient: Blackthorns
  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Runwood Homes Ltd
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Runwood Homes Ltd

Meet the Team (4)

Alex Ile
Alex IleJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 2024

Hi, I’m Alex Ile, and I’m currently the Deputy Manager at Runwood Homes, having rejoined the team in July 2024. I truly enjoy the caring side of my job, especially meeting new people, working with different organisations, and tackling the day-to-day challenges that come with it. As a registered nurse, this role is a great opportunity to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.

I’m all about bringing joy to the workplace—I love making people laugh and being jolly, often cracking jokes at my own expense! Outside of work, I’m a fan of going to the gym to stay active, and I have a keen interest in computers and watching documentaries. Life is all about balance, and I like to keep things both fun and focused.

Kinga Polak-Choat
Kinga Polak-ChoatJob Title:Home AdministratorJoined: 2024

My name is Kinga Polak-Choat, and I am the Home Administrator at Runwood, where I started in August 2024. Although I am new to this role, every day brings something different. I have the opportunity to meet new people regularly and continuously learn and grow in this position.

I hold a master's degree in management and marketing, which has helped me transition into this role. Before joining Runwood, I spent 9 years working as a bookkeeper, collaborating with various businesses across different sectors. This experience has shaped my approach to organisation and problem-solving in my current role.

Outside of work, I’m known as the "food monster" at home, as I love to cook and eat! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking walks with my dog. When I find the time, I also make it a point to attend body combat classes to stay active.

Andras Papp
Andras PappJob Title:Head ChefJoined: 2023

Hi, I’m Andras, the Head Chef at Runwood Homes since September 2023. I have a passion for cooking and baking, and I truly enjoy creating delicious meals for our residents. One of the highlights of my day is interacting with residents during meal times, as it brings a personal touch to what I do.

I’m proud to share that I won the Chef of the Year 2023 award, a milestone that reflects my dedication to my craft.

Outside of the kitchen, I love playing football, going fishing, and savouring a good cup of coffee—because life is always better with coffee!

Teri Went
Teri WentJob Title:HousekeeperJoined: 2021

Hi, I’m Teri, and I’m proud to be a Housekeeper at Blackthorns. I joined Runwood in 2021, and in 2023, I stepped into my current role. I’m passionate about maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and take great pride in ensuring our home is welcoming and comfortable for everyone.

Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I love contributing to a positive environment where everyone feels cared for and valued.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my house rabbit, Barnabi, who always keeps life interesting! I’m also a fan of holidays and cherish opportunities to relax and explore new places.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Blackthorns to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Blackthorns has an Enhanced Service -more info.