Barchester launches 12 Ways to Care This Christmas initiative
The initiative is encouraging the public to support people in need during the festive season.
Barchester Healthcare has launched a new national initiative, 12 Ways to Care This Christmas, raising awareness of the everyday work carers do across the UK.
Christmas is often associated with connection and celebration, but for many people in need - particularly those living alone - it can also bring loneliness or additional challenges. The campaign outlines twelve practical ways people can offer support, based on actions carers and nurses use routinely in their work. The campaign shows that these 12 small acts of care are so meaningful and can make a huge difference.
12 Ways to Care This Christmas
- Share a Warm Festive Chat with Someone in Need: A chat about the tree, the weather or a memory can brighten someone’s entire day. Carers know that companionship matters as much as practical support.
- Include Someone in Your Festive Plans: Invite an older neighbour for a mince pie, or ask if they’d like company to a local event. Feeling included is at the heart of emotional wellbeing, especially at Christmas.
- Offer Help with Shopping or Wrapping Up: Simple tasks can feel overwhelming for some older people. A little practical help preserves independence and brings calm to the season.
- Swap a Favourite Christmas Memory: Reminiscing encourages connection and sparks joy. Carers often use memories as a way to comfort, stimulate and encourage confidence.
- Bring a Small Festive Treat:A homemade biscuit, a chocolate tin or a familiar treat shows thoughtfulness. Food is a powerful way to create comfort and connection.
- Add a Little Festive Sparkle to Their Home: Putting up a decoration or hanging a wreath can turn a room into a warm, welcoming place. Carers do this instinctively - they know environment shapes mood.
- Check in on a Neighbour: A simple “How are you today?” can be transformative. Regular check-ins can help the older community and people in need feel seen, supported and safe.
- Offer a Lift to a Festive Event: Mobility can be a barrier to socialising. Helping someone get to an event - even a short one - can make all the difference.
- Enjoy a Game, Story or Song Together: A card game, a Christmas film or shared music creates connection across generations. Carers use activities like these to encourage laughter, movement and memory.
- Make Sure Someone is Warm and Comfortable: Helping with cosy blankets, warm clothing or a winter-ready home is a thoughtful gesture. It’s a reminder of the attentive care carers provide every day.
- Help Set up a Video Call with Family or Friends: Helping to set up a video call or send a message brings families - near and far - together. Carers often act as digital bridges at Christmas.
- Be the Reason Someone Smiles at Christmas: You don’t need grand gestures. A smile, a moment, or an offer of help can mean everything. Kindness is the heartbeat of care - and the reason caring can be such a truly meaningful career.
Why This Matters
According to Barchester, these gestures reflect patience and practical support carers demonstrate every day. The organisation hopes the campaign will not only encourage people to look out for older neighbours, friends, relatives, and those in need but will also prompt those who enjoy providing this kind of support to consider whether a role in care might be a good fit.
Kristy McGrory, Recruitment Marketing Manager at Barchester Healthcare said: “Every one of these actions mirrors a real part of what our carers and nurses do daily in Barchester homes. Their compassion and ability to connect with people is what makes care so special.
“When we show care at Christmas, we don’t just support older people; we also shine a light on the people who dedicate their lives to caring all year. And if you get real satisfaction from supporting older people over Christmas, you might find caring could be a meaningful career for you too. ”
Encouraging More People to Consider a Role in Care
The initiative aims to increase awareness of the need for more carers in many parts of the country. In December, Barchester will roll out a series of 6-sheet posters in shopping centres, bus stations and other high-footfall locations, particularly in regions where additional care staff are needed. The posters highlight several of the “12 Ways to Care” and direct people to information about opportunities in care.