Newsletter April 2026
May 2026 Edition
Foreword
Welcome to this edition of our Newsletter!
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter.
As the spring sun finally begins to show its face across North West Surrey, the energy at the office is at an all-time high. This month has been a whirlwind of celebration, community outreach, and as many of you saw on social media, a fair bit of office mischief!
We have a packed issue for you this month. We are shining a spotlight on an incredible group of staff milestones, including our Operations manager Sarah L celebrating an amazing five years with the Acacia family. We also officially recognise Sarah M as our Angel of the Month, whose infectious joy was caught in a now-famous Ring camera moment that perfectly captures the heart of our care.
Beyond our internal celebrations, we’ve been busy looking outward. From hosting vital information sessions at the Wraysbury Hub, welcoming the team from Surrey Talent Hub to film a "behind-the-scenes" look at our office life, we are more committed than ever to transparency and community support. You’ll also find a "Save the Date" for our Annual Customer Event in June, we can’t wait to see you all there for some lunch and laughter!
Of course, it hasn't all been serious business. Between our April Fools' virtual reality prank and our newly invented "Official Cream Cake Day," we’ve made sure to keep the office atmosphere as warm and supportive as the care we provide.
Finally, we invite you to try this month’s Recipe Corner, a special dairy-free Tiramisu from our very own Bethany’s family collection. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy as the weather warms up.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for the wonderful reviews you continue to share. Your feedback truly is the fuel that keeps our team going.
Happy reading!
In The Latest News
Save the Date! Our 2026 Annual Customer Event is Coming!
We are delighted to invite all our wonderful customers to the highlight of our social calendar: the Acacia Homecare Annual Customer Event! This year, our theme is “Let’s Lunch & Laugh Together,” and we have a fantastic afternoon planned for you.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 24th June, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We are thrilled to announce that the local group, The Revelairs, will be joining us to perform, that is sure to get everyone smiling. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet the team.
We Need to Hear From You!
To ensure we have enough food and seating for everyone, we need to confirm our final numbers. If you haven’t had a chance to reply yet, please let us know if you can make it by Monday, 1st June.
How to RSVP:
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Tell Your Carer: You don't even need to pick up the phone! Simply let your carer know during their next visit, and they will pass the message to the office.
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Give Us a Ring: Call the office directly on 0203 411 9011.
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Send an Email: Drop us a quick note at team@acaciahomecare.co.uk.
Please remember to mention any specific diatery requirements when you get in touch. We are so looking forward to seeing you all there for an afternoon of music, dancing, and great company.
Now Streaming: Under the Acacia Tree (Episode 11)
We are excited to announce that the latest episode of our podcast, Under the Acacia Tree, is now available to listen to!
In Episode 11, titled "Myths in Care," the team takes a break from the usual updates to share a more candid look at office life. This episode features Gita, for the final episode, before she heads to Reading as the Director of Acacia Homecare Reading. In this episode, we discuss:
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The Road to Acacia: We share the diverse, personal stories of how our team members found their way to Acacia.
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Is care a minimun wage Job?: We break down the "minimum wage" stigma. Is the pay truly reflective of the responsibility, or are there pathways to a more lucrative career that people often overlook?
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Can you make a living in care without a 9-5? : Can you actually build a sustainable life and "make a living" in care without being chained to a traditional desk job?
If you’re looking for something entertaining to listen to, you can find Under the Acacia Tree on Spotify. We hope it brings a smile to your face and gives you a better sense of the personalities that make up the Acacia team!
ACACIA ANGEL NEWS
Angel of the Month
We are excited to recognise Sarah M, as our Angel of the Month for April, an honour truly Deserved!
Sarah’s unwavering dedication and commitment to providing seamless care truly embodies the spirit of an Acacia Angel. Since joining the team, she has become a shining example of what it means to put heart into homecare. A particular highlight this month was a heartwarming recording on a customer's Ring camera, which captured Sarah’s genuine excitement and positivity as she arrived for her visit. It is that infectious "warm heart" that brings so much comfort to the homes she visits.
Whether Sarah is navigating a complex day or providing a comforting presence, Sarah ensures every interaction is handled with the utmost professionalism and compassion. We are so proud to have her as part of the Acacia family.
As a token of our appreciation, Sarah has received a £25 gift voucher and a certificate of recognition.
Thank you, Sarah, For your hard work, reliability and the compassion you bring to your role.
Staff Anniversaries
This is one of our favorite sections, where we celebrate the incredible people who have grown with the Acacia Homecare family. A huge congratulations to:
- Jemma – Celebrating 1 Year! Well done to Jemma for reaching this fantastic one-year milestone as an Acacia Angel. We are so grateful for her continued commitment and the compassion she brings to our customers every single day. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together!
- Sarah N– Celebrating 1 Year! A big congratulations to Sarah on her first anniversary with us. As an integral part of our Angel team, her dedication and warmth have made a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her!
- Sarah L – Celebrating 5 Years! A massive congratulations to Sarah on her fifth anniversary. From her beginnings as an Acacia Angel to her growth as a Care Lead and now our Operations Manager, Sarah’s hard work keeps our entire office running smoothly. We love having her leadership in the team!
- Holly – Celebrating 3 Years! Three cheers for Holly! Over the last three years, Holly has become a cornerstone of our care team. Her experience and reliable nature make her a true asset to Acacia, and we are so proud of the journey she has taken with us so far.
- Bethany – Celebrating 2 Years! Happy second anniversary to Beth! Reaching the two-year mark with Acacia Homecare as our Complex Care Lead is a wonderful achievement. Her skills and "can-do" attitude ensure our customers receive the highest level of support. We are so lucky to have her!
- Sushmita – Celebrating 2 Years! Congratulations to Sushmita on reaching her two-year milestone! Sushmita’s passion for providing high-quality care shines through in everything she does. We are so lucky to have her continued dedication on the team.
- Bernard – Celebrating 1 Year! Well done to Bernard for a wonderful year with the family! Bernard’s commitment to our customers is second to none, and we truly value the perspective and care he brings to the team every day.
Passed Probations
Congratulations to Georgia for passing her probation! We are so glad to have you as part of our team and look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will achieve.
Well done, it's great to see you fit back into the team and pleased that you are continuing your journey with us.
Office Culture: Fueling the Team That Cares
At Acacia Homecare NWS, we believe that a happy, well-fueled office is the secret to providing the best possible care. This month, we celebrated a series of "National Days" that kept our spirits high and the kettle boiling!
Powered by Tea and Teamwork
On National Tea Day, the kettle at Acacia HQ didn't stop whistling! Behind the scenes, our office team is powered by the Great British brew. It keeps us organized and ready to coordinate our "Angels" at a moment's notice. While we take our tea seriously—whether it's a classic English Breakfast or a fragrant Earl Grey—we take our commitment to our customers even more seriously.
Breakfast Debates & "Official" Treats
The celebrations continued with National McDonald’s Day, where the team had a morning feast. The big office debate? Hash Browns vs. McMuffins! We find that these moments of team building are vital; a positive office atmosphere directly translates to better support for our staff out in the field.
Finally, when we realised there wasn't an official Cream Cake Day on the calendar, we simply invented one! Providing outstanding care is rewarding but demanding work, and sometimes a fresh cream cake is the perfect way to celebrate a successful week. Consider this your official permission from the Acacia team to treat yourself this week. you’ve earned it!
Carers Forum
We recently hosted another Carers Forum, a dedicated space designed for our Angels to sit down, take a breath, and truly be heard. At Acacia, we believe the best insights come directly from those on the front line, which is why these sessions have no fixed agenda other than active listening.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the team to connect and share. Whether it was celebrating a heartwarming success story from a visit in Ashford, discussing practical challenges, or suggesting innovative ways to better support our customers and carers, every voice mattered. These forums ensure that as we grow, we continue to be guided by the experience, compassion, and expertise of our incredible carers.
Community Outreach: Wraysbury Hub Information Sessions
At Acacia Homecare, we believe in being more than just a service provider; we strive to be a helpful resource for our entire community. To support this, our team hosted a series of Community Care Café sessions at Wraysbury Village Hall earlier this year.
We held a successful session on 10th March. These sessions provided a dedicated space for local residents and family members to drop in for expert advice on navigating the journey of homecare.
Key topics discussed included:
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Identifying Support Needs: Guidance on recognizing the signs that a loved one may benefit from extra assistance.
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Effective Communication: How to begin sensitive conversations about care with family members.
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Local Expertise: Providing practical, professional advice on the care resources available throughout NW Surrey.
It was a pleasure to meet so many local faces at the Wraysbury Village Hall. These sessions are an important part of our mission to ensure that professional support and information are always accessible to those who need them in our community.
Following the positive feedback from our April visit, we are pleased to confirm that we will be back at Wraysbury Village Hall (The Green, TW19 5NA) on Tuesday, 12th May, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Make the Most of the Warmer Weather
Now that the days are getting longer and the sun is making an appearance, we want to remind you that our care doesn't have to stay within four walls. Our service is flexible, and we would love to help you get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Whether you have a regular slot or want to add an extra call to take advantage of the spring weather, our carers are here to support you with:
- A stroll through the local park to see the spring flowers.
- A trip to the garden centre to pick out some blooms for the patio.
- A coffee and a chat at your favorite high street café.
- A local picnic to enjoy the sunshine and a change of scenery.
Interested in an Outing?
If you would like to swap an indoor visit for an outdoor adventure, or if you’d like to book an additional call specifically for a trip out, please speak to your carer or call the office team.
Let’s make this spring one to remember by getting out, staying active.
𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲
We always say that at Acacia, we take our care seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously! This month, we decided to have a little bit of fun with the team under the guise of "technological innovation."
We announced that we were launching a state-of-the-art virtual walkthrough for a brand-new care facility. To make it believable, our "expert" guides took to the green screen with total professionalism, explaining the intricate details of the new layout. Just when the team thought it was a standard training update, and that they were safe from any mischief—our directors revealed they had other ideas!
It turned out the "facility" was all part of an elaborate April Fools' prank. The look on everyone's faces when the "virtual tour" took a hilarious turn was priceless. It was a fantastic way to share a laugh and decompress together, proving once again that even when we’re working hard, there’s always room for a bit of Acacia team spirit and a good old-fashioned joke.
Click the image below to watch the prank in action!
Behind the Scenes: Filming with Surrey Talent Hub
We are usually found at the heart of the action—busy on the phones, coordinating schedules, and ensuring care is delivered seamlessly across Surrey. However, recently, the tables turned and we became the stars of the show! We were thrilled to welcome the professional film crew from Surrey Talent Hub into our office for an exciting day of filming.
The goal of the day was simple: to pull back the curtain and show you exactly why our office staff and "Angels" love what they do. It’s not every day we have cameras and lights in the office, but we wanted to capture the true spirit of Acacia Homecare NWS.
This project was a special opportunity for us to step into the spotlight and showcase the heartbeat of our organization. We wanted to capture the true essence of life at Acacia—the perfect balance between professional excellence and the personal connections that define us.
It was a fantastic experience to document the passion that goes into every phone call and care plan. We are incredibly proud of our team and can't wait to share the final video with you all. In the meantime, keep an eye on the Surrey Talent Hub Facebook page for a glimpse at their latest community projects!
Recipe Corner
The "Guilt-Free" Tiramisu (Gluten & Dairy Free)
Nothing says Italian elegance quite like a Tiramisu. This classic "pick-me-up" dessert has been a favorite since the 1960s. While its exact origin is often debated between the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, it remains a global symbol of authentic Italian cuisine. We believe everyone should be able to enjoy its creamy, coffee-infused layers, regardless of dietary requirements.
This month’s recipe is a special one, provided by our very own Bethany (Complex Care Lead). This is a tried-and-tested family favorite used by Beth’s mum, and we are so grateful she shared it with the Acacia family! Inspired by the traditional layering techniques used in classic Tiramisu recipes, we have given this version an 'Acacia twist' by making it entirely gluten and dairy-free. By using a light dairy-free cream alternative and gluten-free cake, we’ve ensured this recipe captures that signature melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s the perfect sophisticated treat to whip up for a weekend pick-me-up!
Serves: 4 People
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (Plus Chilling)
The "Coffee-Infused" Soaking Base
Mix these in a wide, shallow dish. For the best flavor, use a high-quality espresso roast and allow the mix to cool completely before dipping your cake to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
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Espresso Powder (3 tsp)
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Boiling Water (200 ml)
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Caster Sugar (1 tsp)
Ingredients
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Protein/Cream: 150g dairy-free cream cheese (almond-based works great) and 225g dairy-free double cream (chilled for better whipping).
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Base: 250g gluten and dairy-free Madeira cake or vanilla loaf cake.
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Aromatics: 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp dark rum (optional, but traditional).
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Sweetener: 70g icing sugar.
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Garnish: 2 tbsp alkalized cocoa powder for that classic dusted finish.
Instructions
Step 1: The Espresso Prep Mix your espresso powder, boiling water, and caster sugar. Set this aside in a shallow dish to cool while you prepare the velvety filling.
Step 2: The Creamy Filling In a bowl, beat together the dairy-free cream cheese, vanilla extract, rum, and icing sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip your dairy-free double cream until it forms stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: The Cake Foundation Take four glasses (approx. 8cm tall). Cut your Madeira cake into 8 slices (about 2cm thick). Use the rim of a glass to cut the cake into perfect circles that will fit snugly inside your serving glasses.
Step 4: The Dip and Layer Briefly dip a cake slice into the cooled espresso—just enough to soak the surface without saturating the core—and place it at the bottom of a glass. Spoon an even layer of the cream mixture on top until the glass is about half full. Repeat the process with a second dipped cake slice and a final layer of cream.
Step 5: The Final Chill Dust the tops generously with cocoa powder. Place your tiramisu pots in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavours to develop and the sponge to reach the perfect consistency. Serve chilled and enjoy!
