We saw a great turnout at a networking event held in aid of National Care Leavers Week at our Waterside Care Home in Peckham.
Designed to create a comprehensive new pathway for care leavers in the Southwakr area, several local and national organisations came together including the NHS, Age UK and charities St. Giles and Depaul UK to provide support, advice and guidance to the many attendees.
A pioneering new programme with our partners
The networking event follows the launch of an exciting new programme with our partners Pearson and Southwark Council to deliver three-month social care work placements to younger people.
Assembled attendees and partners at the Care Leavers event held at Waterside Care Home
Delighted with the outcome of the event, Agincare Quality Director Kinga Odendaal said:
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the partners who played a crucial role in making our care leavers networking event a success. Their presence and contributions were truly invaluable.
“This event celebrated hope and opportunity. Together, we are committed to encouraging and championing the next generation of remarkable individuals who stand to gain so much from Agincare’s leadership and comprehensive in-house training.
“At Agincare, our unwavering belief in the potential of every care leaver fuels our shared mission. We are committed to breaking the stigma that often surrounds their journey. Collaboratively, we are here to support them in every way we can, both professionally and personally. Together, we can foster a brighter future for these remarkable individuals.”
The work placements will be held at our four care homes in the Southwark area – designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to build a brighter, career-driven future.
Agincare Quality Director Kinga Odendaal (left) and Waterside Registered Manager Mercy Mautsi (second right) with event attendees
Participants joining the work placements will receive constant support from all three partners, ensuring they get the best possible outcomes from this exciting opportunity.
The programme has been successfully piloted at our Waterside and Greenhive care homes and has already seen great results.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees, said:
“A huge thank you to Agincare for hosting such a fantastic networking event for our care leavers.
“We want our care leavers to be able to seize every opportunity our borough has to offer and we are delighted that our partners feel the same way too, showing real support for their futures.”
Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“We are very proud to champion a career in adult social care to our care leavers alongside our partners.
“The work placements are the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience in Southwark where we have our residential care charter, which makes sure staff in care homes get the recognition and respect they deserve.”
Agincare Regional Director Jeff Levine with event attendees
Working alongside Southwark Council
We are proud to have a strong relationship with Southwark Council, having been appointed to deliver high-quality, personalised care at their four care homes in the borough, Bluegrove House, Greenhive, Rose Court and Waterside, in 2023.
(Pictured left: Agincare Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst (left), Southwark Council Director of Adult Social Care Pauline O’Hare, Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Southwark Council Director of Integrated Commissioning Genette Laws, and Agincare Group Chief Executive Raina Summerson.)
In September 2024, Agincare was also appointed by Southwark Council to operate Tower Bridge Care Home as part of a selection process led by the home’s residents and staff.
The Tower Bridge Care Home team celebrating a bright era ahead with Agincare
Agincare was among the first care providers to sign up to the council’s residential care charter, which aims to drive up standards for both staff and residents in care homes.
Find out more about Agincare care and nursing homes, and retirement villages.