Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
Review Us
9.6 92 Reviews
  • 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 enjoyment of residents include a café, comfortable and sociable dining, several beautiful lounges, a hairdressing salon, corridor snugs and several courtyard garden areas.

The professional, compassionate and highly-trained care team strives to create a varied and enjoyable environment at Blackthorns, and listen carefully to what residents would like to do to make the day pleasurable and memorable. They take great pride in their activities. The activities programme ensures that residents remain stimulated and engaged, taking into account hobbies, needs and interests, to include and entertain everyone. Wifi is also available on site.

At Blackthorns, their aim is to practise ‘person-centred’ care for all residents, and trained staff are available 24 hours a day to meet residents' needs. They understand the value of individuality, so residents will be able to personalise their accommodation.

A nutritious menu of food is provided in consultation with residents and their families to ensure that any special requests and diets can be met.

This beautiful care home can be visited at any time, and assessments can be carried out in people's own homes if desired.
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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

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1283 – £1484
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1283 – £1484
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1383 – £1584
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1383 – £1584

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackthorns to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Flavia Poplauschi (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Admission is confirmed upon a satisfactory pre-admission assessment and confirmation that the needs of the potential resident can be met.
  • 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 (92)

9.6

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.641) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Blackthorns has 92 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 55
  • 31
  • 4
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Date Published
  • 92
  • 12
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  • 31
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Reviewer Connection to Blackthorns
  • 41
  • 15
  • 5
  • 5
  • 4
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  • 2
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Total of 92, showing 41-60
Review from R S (Respite Resident) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from John B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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,

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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from James M (Husband of Resident) published on 17 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from Allan F (Husband of Resident) published on 16 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from K F (Partner of Resident) published on 8 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from Z C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from Teri P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from David F (Son of Resident) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from Caroline G (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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

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Review from C H (Son of Resident) published on 15 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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

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Review from L E (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.

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Review from Trudi (Niece of Resident) published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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

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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 positive experience with us and we are looking forward to achieving even higher standards in our service to Blackthorns Residents. Thank you again, Teresa,
Home Manager

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Review from P H (Partner of Resident) published on 12 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The facilities are outstanding and all the staff and management go out of their way to make all the people in their care happy and cared for and supported. I found the staff and management very helpful and very happy with what they do. The facilities and the activities are excellent.
Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thanks for your lovely review. It is our pleasure to care and support your Loved Ones here at Blackthorns. Teresa, Manager

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Review from Marjorie H (Friend of Resident) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
My family friend seems to be well looked after, the only issue I would feel needs sorting is the chiropodist as he rarely cuts her nails and she is always in a lot of pain until they are cut again, as the time between visits is so long.
Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Marjorie, thanks for your positive review. We have responded to your comment and have arranged the treatment needed. Thanks for prompting us in our journey to improve our daily care. Teresa, Manager

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Review from Anita R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safe here and well looked after. We had family here before so we do know the home for a long time. The wide range of activities. It is a clean environment and professional but at the same time person-centred.
Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Anita, thanks for your lovely review. It is our privilege and our pleasure to care for and support the people who choose our Home to be their Home. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your Mother-in-law. Teresa, Manager

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Review from Graham B (Son of Resident) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Clean rooms and common areas.
Very caring staff and good quality of food. They made my 87-year-old mum very welcome and help improve her health and well-being during her 2 week stay.
They acted on any request we or my mother made.
Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Graham, thanks for your lovely review. I am glad we could be there for your Mother in her time of need, during the two weeks respite period she spent in our Home. Thanks again for choosing us. Teresa, Manager

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Review from Debbie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My elderly mum moved quickly and smoothly into Blackthorns in April 2021. The manager and staff made the process easy and comfortable for mum. Administrative processes were dealt with professionally and efficiently, with family members receiving support to from staff.
Initial impressions of Blackthorns
were excellent: clean, well designed, modern, light and on the one level. Mum's room was spacious, cheerfully decorated and purpose-built with good facilities. During further visits to mum, all the family have commented on the friendly and caring attitude of staff towards residents and visitors. Mum has settled and made friends. Staff have an encouraging, cheerful and 'can do' attitude. Safety procedures are very strong.
Earlier visits were made whilst strict Covid restrictions/procedures were in place. The staff were excellent in keeping mum safe during this difficult time.
Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.
Reply from Teresa Franze, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Dear Debbie, thanks for your lovely review. It is our privilege to walk with you all on this journey. Thanks for entrusting us with the care of your Mother. Teresa, Manager

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.641)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.641) out of 10 for Blackthorns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.641 for Blackthorns is calculated as follows: ( (246 Excellents x 5) + (96 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 357 Ratings = 4.641
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blackthorns is based on 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 31 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 28 Feb 2024

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Requires improvement
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (5)

Flavia

Flavia Poplauschi

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2012

I am Flavia Poplauschi, a dedicated Home Manager with over 12 years of experience in the health and social care sector. What excites me the most about my role are the growth and learning opportunities it offers. I hold an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and have been in a managerial position for the last 5 years. Last year, I also completed leadership training to further enhance my skills.


I can’t live without coffee, and I’m especially fond of my sister’s brew. When I have the chance, I love travelling and taking my family on trips to explore new places. Camping is one of my favourite outdoor activities, and I always look forward to the next adventure.

Kinga

Kinga Polak-Choat

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 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.

Alex

Alex Ile

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 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.

Andras

Andras Papp

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 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

Teri Went

Job Title: Housekeeper Joined: 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.

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