A bit of a chill in the air as I stand outside 25RW. The lawn’s neatly trimmed, not a blade out of place, and the front porch looks smart. Sunlight catches on those freshly cleaned windows, promising a bit of warmth inside. Even before I go in, there’s this feeling that this place has a purpose, like it’s ready to help folks find a fresh start.
The door opens, and it’s proper warm inside – not just the heating, but a welcoming feeling. This isn’t some sterile place, it’s a home, buzzing with life. I’m here for a story, but it’s clear the residents and staff have their own tales to tell.
Sitho, my guide, starts with a noticeboard. It’s all emergency contacts, little notes, reminders – the organised side that keeps things running smoothly. Upstairs, she explains, are the bedrooms. “Five of them,” she says. “Four up, one down, each floor with its own bathroom.”
The kitchen downstairs is where the action is. Cupboards labelled with the residents’ names, their favourite foods tucked inside. Even the fridges and freezers are personalised. “They enjoy cooking,” Sitho says. A telly on the wall showing a cooking programme, hinting that this lot share a passion for a good meal.
There’s a surprise off the kitchen – a fifth bedroom, with access to both the kitchen and a massive backyard. They’ve put in a clothesline for one resident who loves doing the laundry. Little touch, but shows you this place is about the individuals, not just a group.
Back in the staff office, I meet Antoinette and Koly, such a kind pair. Later, the Mental Health Deputy Manager pops in, and you can tell he’s proud of his team. By the window, I spy an award: Special Recognition Award for 25RW.
“We cover for each other, sort things out as they happen,” Koly tells me. “It’s about being there for the clients, isn’t it?”
Turns out, that award’s well-deserved. The Deputy Manager tells me how busy they’ve been, the way the staff handled everything with care and a smile. This team, they live up to that recognition every day.
“We know each resident’s routine, how they like their meds,” explains Antoinette. “It’s about respect, letting them do what they can for themselves, while we keep them safe.”
We talk about food, and Sitho, who’s clearly in charge, makes a good point. “It’s not just about eating,” she says, “It’s that feeling of ‘I can do this.’ Simple things, like chopping tomatoes, matter loads when you’re facing mental health troubles.” They do risk assessments, of course, but focus on what the residents can do. One with difficulties has pre-sliced veg, and she’s beaming over her cooking.
The message is clear – 25RW isn’t about fixing people, it’s about giving them the tools and the belief to build their best lives. That award? Proof that this team does it brilliantly.
“Trickiest bit is when they refuse their meds or appointments,” says Antoinette, a bit of worry in her voice. “We explain why it matters, but in the end, it’s their choice to make.” The staff see the residents as folk on a journey, not broken bits. They work with them, not dictate to them.
Conversation flows like tea here, the clients sharing stories that paint the picture. “They open up to us, about their lives, their dreams” Koly reveals. It’s more than a job, this – it’s a community.
25RW, and Queensway Homes as a whole, have got a proper ethos: making clients feel understood, valued, and able. For anyone touched by mental health struggles, this is a hopeful place.
Whether you’re looking for help, or wish to experience a new environment for your care journey. At Queensway Homes, it’s more than care; it’s empowering lives, one person at a time.
Come see the warmth, the care, at 25RW. Every little detail is about love, and every chat is a step towards independence and happiness.
