Last Updated on May 16, 2017

It's one month until Care Home Open Day 2017. This year's event will take place on 16th June and there are a number of resources for providers to help them plan their event.

As Care Home Open Day’s emphasis is on the importance of connecting with local communities, developing lasting relationships and encouraging intergenerational rapport, the theme for this year is Friendship.

Care Home Open Day 2017 will also be celebrated in conjunction with The Big Lunch. The Big Lunch, part of the Eden Project in Cornwall and an annual event, aims to get as many people as possible to share lunch together in an act of friendship that will encourage communities to connect and help to prevent isolation amongst those who may be living alone. It’s the perfect recipe for having fun with your neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhood connections – so fits in nicely with the Care Home Open Day ethos.

Care homes are encouraged to celebrate friendships that have developed between residents, families, friends and staff, as well as with their neighbours, to reinforce how they should be an integral part of their local community.

Good care homes do great things all year round, and Care Home Open Day 2017 is an opportnuity to highlight what you do within your local communities.

It's time to start thinking about how you, your residents, their families, staff and your friends in the local community can get involved in deciding what you would like to do for the day, and get planning.

If you need some ideas and inspiration, the Care Home Open Day 2017 website has a wealth of resources for you to plan your open day, including logos, leaflets, social media and tips and advice. The Eden Project also has some useful resources for organising your Big Lunch.