I attended the official opening of community courtyard at Dovehaven House, made in memory of a late resident, Marian.
Dovehaven House is a popular care home in Halsall, West Lancashire providing a range of care services including dementia care, long term care and respite care.
On Wednesday 26 August, the courtyard officially opened to its residents, thanks to a donation from Marian’s family . The courtyard has been transformed into an outdoor space with new plants and seating for residents and their family.
Marian’s family attended the opening, spread some of Marian’s ashes in the garden and cut the ribbon. Ashley Dalton MP met with the family to express her condolences.
This comes after the announcement by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that he is bringing forward the report on the National Care Service forwards by a year. Due to be released by summer 2027, Baroness Casey’s Big Conversation on Care provides a chance for the public to share their views on the future of adult social care.
It was an honour to attend the official opening of Dovehaven House’s new community courtyard.
Care homes like Dovehaven House are a pillar of our community in West Lancashire and provide vital services to so many.
But we know that the social care system is in a crisis, and that’s why it’s so important that the government is bringing forward the review into adult social care. This is about safeguarding our care system and making sure it works, not just now but for generations to come.
Laura Cowen, Home Manager at Dovehaven House said:
“It’s been really special to see this garden come together, but even more special to have Marian’s family here to open it with us.
“What started with a very kind gift from the family has become something that everyone at Dovehaven House can enjoy. Marian was such a character and she brought so much personality to the home, so it feels right that there is now a space here that keeps her memory alive.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped us make it happen, and especially to Brendan and Amanda for trusting us with their mum’s gift and being part of the journey.”