In an industry-first for the UK care sector, luxury care home group Connaught Care Collection is now offering free mental health and wellbeing support to both residents and their families. This confidential service provides users with emotional support, bereavement guidance, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and even financial wellbeing tools whenever they need them.
Called ‘Connaught Connect’, the initiative gives participants access to a specially designed app loaded with health videos, webinars, guided workouts, virtual physiotherapy sessions, and more. Participants can also call a dedicated 24/7 helpline at any time to access these resources, or to book up to six solo counselling sessions with a qualified mental health professional.
The scheme was designed in partnership with Health Assured, the UK’s largest provider of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Its aim was to extend the standard suite of services available to staff to residents and their families as well. Ultimately, the team wanted to ensure everyone at a Connaught home has the support and resources they need to truly thrive.
Andrew Winstanley, CEO of Connaught Care, comments on the project:
“We are very proud to be launching ‘Connaught Connect’; which we hope will revolutionise health and wellbeing support across the care home sector. In partnership with Health Assured, we’ve reimagined traditional employee benefits programmes to make an accessible version for both residents and their loved ones. We believe this is a sector first – a truly inclusive wellbeing service designed to meet a wide range of needs and priorities. We can’t wait to see the results!”
The idea for Connaught Connect came from a conversation between Laurence Feather, Connaught Care’s Head of People, and a relative of one of the residents. They were impressed by how the homes support the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of staff, but wanted to know if similar options were available for residents and families. Laurence thought this was an excellent idea, and so got to work with Health Assured to create an easy and accessible holistic wellbeing service.
Beyond round-the-clock telephone and app-based support, Connaught Connect also includes a suite of features designed to simplify access and improve user experience. This includes:
- ‘Bright TV’ – a stream of uplifting and informative videos to support health and wellbeing
- Guided Wellbeing Programmes – 4-week plans to improve physical and mental health
- Live chat options with trained mental health professionals
- A booking page for digital GP Appointments (7 days per week)
- Regular health checks via self-assessments and screenings to monitor key indicators (i.e. BMI, blood pressure, mental wellness)
- A dedicated Family Mental HealthLine with specialist advice for parents and carers navigating complex emotional challenges
- A comprehensive digital library with over 1,500 health and fitness classes, medical factsheets, health and wellness articles, and more
By extending these services not only to residents but their loved ones as well, Connaught wanted to acknowledge the crucial role families play in the care journey. Laurence Feather says:
“It’s really heartening to see this project finally come to life. At Connaught, we’ve always viewed wellbeing as a whole-person experience – encompassing not just physical health, but also emotional, social, and financial wellbeing. We know that when a loved one is going through something, it affects the whole family. That’s why we’ve chosen to extend our support to families as well; recognizing them as an integral part of the care journey. This is another small but important step in ensuring that everyone in our community feels seen, supported, and valued.”
The scheme has already received positive feedback from both residents and relatives. Melvin, whose loved one is currently living at The Chase, shares his thoughts:
“Connaught Connect is a truly thoughtful initiative. It’s one of those small touches that makes a big difference. It’s also yet another example of how Connaught Care goes beyond the expected, offering not just care, but genuine peace of mind. Knowing that so much support and guidance is available in one place is not only handy; it’s also incredibly reassuring!”
The Connaught Care Collection currently operates six luxury care homes across the UK, redefining residential and nursing care through innovation, compassion, and family-focused services.
Image depicts Andrew Winstanley, CEO of Connaught Care,