Winners of “A Christmas To Remember” Competition Announced

Advinia Homes is delighted to announce the winners of its “A Christmas To Remember” competition, kindly sponsored by Countrywide. The initiative was designed to celebrate person-centred care and the B Happie Initiative, encouraging care homes to shape festive celebrations around the wishes, preferences, and traditions most meaningful to the Residents.

Christmas can be a particularly emotional time for people living in care homes. Familiar traditions, shared celebrations, and opportunities to connect with loved ones play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and creating a strong sense of belonging. By placing Residents at the heart of planning and decision-making, the competition highlighted how person-centred care can transform the festive period into a truly joyful and inclusive experience.

With an exceptional number of heartfelt and creative entries, judging proved incredibly difficult due to the passion, care, and dedication demonstrated by teams across the group.

After much deliberation, Hammerwich Hall was awarded the top prize. Their festive programme featured a wonderful range of Resident-led events, including:

• A festive tea party with a moving performance from a Relatives’ choir
• A Christmas Fair that successfully raised £600
• A wreath-making activity session
• A standout performance by Chase Terrace Academy Choir, which was also featured in the local newspaper (Express & Star)

As competition winners, Hammerwich Hall has received £150 in vouchers to spend on enhancing experiences for the Residents.

Several other Homes were also highly commended for their outstanding celebrations. Hillview Care Home in Glasgow impressed judges with a lively cake-decorating competition, a school nativity visit, and multiple Christmas parties, including one featuring a festive performance from their very own kitchen star, Phil.

Norwood Care Home also stood out for its Whole Home Approach, creating a fabulously festive and fun photo scavenger hunt that brought Colleagues and Residents together in the true spirit of Christmas and of course the mischievous elves Hoddit & Doddit.

Mark Dale, Head of Hospitality at Advinia Homes, said:
“A Christmas To Remember truly showcased what can be achieved when Residents are at the heart of everything we do. Christmas celebrations are incredibly important in care homes, offering comfort, connection, and moments of genuine joy. I would like to sincerely thank Countrywide for their generous support, and every Colleague across our Homes for their dedication, creativity, and passion in making the festive season so special for the Residents. The care and commitment shown by our teams has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Advinia Homes is also proud to recognise and celebrate the diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions within its communities. Alongside Christmas, Homes marked other important cultural celebrations such as Kwanzaa and Bodhi Day, ensuring Residents from all backgrounds felt seen, respected, and included.

These celebrations form part of a wider commitment to cultural enrichment and meaningful activity across Advinia Homes — with an exciting announcement coming soon that will align with NAPA’s Year of Culture, further strengthening opportunities for Residents to connect, celebrate, and thrive.

Advinia Homes would like to thank Countrywide for their sponsorship and extend heartfelt thanks to all Colleagues who took part. It was truly heartwarming to see the compassion, creativity, and dedication shown across every home to create a true Christmas to Remember for Residents, families, and teams alike.