Vaccine update

The coronavirus vaccine is being rolled out across our homes and schemes

With those living and working in care homes identified by the Government as the highest priority group for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, our homes have been working tirelessly to ensure vaccinations take place.

Victoria Stone, our Operations Manager and Coronavirus Lead for Pilgrims’ Friend Society, says, “We are delighted that the vaccine is being rolled across our homes, bringing the hope of better times ahead.”

Almost everyone who either lives or works in one of our homes has now received the first dose of the vaccine – brilliant news! Pictured is a lady receiving the vaccine at Leonora Home, Chippenham. Beth Kneale, Manager at our Framland home in Wantage, described the vaccine as ‘the beginning of hope’ while Chrisse Medway-Steel, Manager at Emmaus House in Harrogate, said she and her team were ‘all greatly relieved’.

Many of those living in our housing schemes have also now been offered their first dose of the vaccine and take up has been high. Those living at Royd Court, Mirfield, have benefited from having a doctor’s surgery just over the road!

As an organisation, the safety of those who live and work with us remains our first priority. In line with Government guidance, our homes continue to operate with stringent hygiene measures in place, including the wearing of PPE and rigorous cleaning regimes.

Visiting is also continuing with the necessary precautions in place. Our homes are following the official advice which encourages outdoor visits and ‘screened’ indoor visits, with social distancing maintained and visitors remaining behind a substantial see-through screen. Many of our homes have made creative use of their space. At Bethany Christian Home, Plymouth, for example, staff have transformed the porch area into a special visiting pod area.

Thank you for your continued prayers for all those who live and work with us. Praise God for this huge answer to prayer!


Find out how we're keeping everyone safe as we welcome new people to live with us