Newsletter May 2026
June 2026 Edition
Foreword
Welcome to this edition of our Newsletter!
Welcome to our June edition!
Summer is officially here in North West Surrey, and the energy at the office is at an all-time high. It has been a beautifully busy month. for us, filled with meaningful community connections, team milestone celebrations and as our social media followers know, plenty of laughter and office antics.
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 completely packed issue for you this month. We are absolutely over the moon to announce a national "Hat-Trick" for Acacia NW Surrey! We have been named a finalist in three separate categories at the prestigious Stars of Social Care Awards, recognising Jaspreet Kaur (New to Care), our fantastic Rota Planning & Admin Team (Awesome Administrator), and our branch as a whole for Recruitment & Retention.
In our Angel News, we are incredibly excited to celebrate Sandeep as our June Angel of the Month, whose infectious joy and "heart for home care" continue to bring so much comfort to the homes she visits. We also want to extend a massive congratulations to Tolu and Naya for successfully passing their probation. We are so proud to have you both growing with the family! This month also brought our team together for our Quarterly Carers Team Meeting. It was an incredible day of clinical updates and team building, made deeply moving by a raw, eye-opening perspective shared by our special guest speaker, Jim Arnold, a dedicated full-time family carer.
Out in the community, our team took to Staines High Street for the Dementia Awareness Street Market to offer guidance and a friendly ear to local families. Back at the Sunbury office, we also had some very important business to attend to, mostly involving baby cuddles! We were delighted to welcome the Directors of our Reading branch, Gita and Amit, who popped in to introduce us to their beautiful new arrival.
As you flip through, don't miss Delia’s beautiful journey from stroke recovery back to full independence, which is the absolute definition of why we do what we do. And if you're looking for a fresh summer dish, grab a cuppa and try our Recipe Corner featuring Lauren’s ultimate takeaway-style Crispy Salt & Pepper Chips. Finally, please remember that your reviews help us help others, so if we've brought a smile to your face, consider sharing your thoughts online.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey. Find a sunny spot, stay active, and enjoy this month's updates!
Happy reading!
In The Latest News
Save the Date! Our 2026 Annual Customer Event is THIS MONTH!
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, which is sure to get everyone smiling, dancing in their chairs, and maybe even out of them!!! 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, or simply forgot, please let us know if you can make it by Wednesday, 3rd 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 dietary 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.
Your Reviews Help Us Help Others 🤍
Every day, our Angels out in the field work hard to bring independence, comfort, and peace of mind back into your homes. But did you know that your feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have?
When you take a moment to share your experience, you aren’t just putting a massive smile on our carers' faces. You are helping another local family in Surrey make a very big, very important decision. Finding the right home care can be daunting, and your honest words provide the reassurance and guidance that other daughters, sons, and partners are looking for.
Whether it’s a quick note about a specific Angel who went above and beyond, or a review of our overall service, we read every single one.
Now Streaming: Under the Acacia Tree (Episode 13 )
We are excited to announce that the latest episode of our podcast, Under the Acacia Tree, is now available to listen to!
In Episode 13, titled "The Last Call," the team takes a break from the usual updates to share a more candid look at office life. In this episode, we discuss:
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When a Live-in Carer packs their bags at 5 pm, set never to return: We share the diverse,
If you’re looking for something entertaining to listen to, you can find Under the Acacia Tree on Spotify. We hope it makes you laugh 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 Sandeep as our Angel of the Month for June, an honour truly deserved!
Since joining the team, Sandeep has become a shining example of what it means to put heart into home care.
From managing busy care schedules to simply offering a comforting, listening ear, Sandeep handles every interaction beautifully. Her natural compassion is matched only by her reliability, making her an invaluable support system for her colleagues and a beloved presence for our customers. She perfectly embodies what it means to put real heart into homecare, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate her.
As a token of our appreciation, Sandeep has received a £25 gift voucher and a certificate of recognition.
Thank you, Sandeep, for your hard work, reliability and the compassion you bring to your role.
Staff Anniversaries
This is one of our favourite sections, where we celebrate the incredible people who have grown with the Acacia Homecare family. A huge congratulations to:
- Titilope O– Celebrating 1 Year! Well done to Titilope 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!
- Clare C– Celebrating 2 Years! A big congratulations to Clare on her second 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!
Passed Probations
We are celebrating the incredible people who have grown with the Acacia Homecare family. A huge congratulations to:
- Naya for passing her probation as an Acacia Angel. We are so proud to see you thriving in your role and bringing so much warmth and dedication to everyone you care for in Surrey.
- Tolu for passing her probation as an Admin and Rota Planner. We are so glad to have you as part of our team and look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will achieve.
- Anjali for passing her probation as an Acacia Angel. We are so glad to see you thriving at you role and bringing so much joy to all customers in Surrey.
Naya
Tolu
Anjali
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.
At Acacia, we believe that great care doesn't have to stay within four walls. Whether you already look forward to regular visits from our team or you are completely new to home care, our services are fully flexible. If you or a loved one would simply like to arrange a companionship call to get out, stay active, and take advantage of the beautiful weather, our team is here to help. We can 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 favourite 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 email or call the office team.
Let’s make this spring one to remember by getting out and staying active.
Dementia Awareness Street Market
Staines High Street: We Were There!
There is nothing we love more than stepping out of the office to connect face-to-face with our local neighbourhood. This month, our fantastic team did exactly that, setting up shop right on Staines High Street for the Dementia Awareness Street Market!
Leading up to the big day, we let everyone know: "No pressure, just a friendly ear and expert advice." And the community truly showed up. It was a vital, bustling event dedicated to supporting local families navigating memory loss and cognitive decline, and we were so proud to be a part of it.
Key topics discussed included:
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Navigating Dementia Care: Sharing practical advice on managing daily routines and supporting individuals with dementia safely at home.
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Maintaining Independence: Demonstrating how personalised support plans help customers stay connected to their communities while remaining in familiar surroundings.
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Piece of Mind: Offering a friendly ear to families who simply needed to discuss their options with experienced care professionals.
We would like to extend a massive thank you to Surrey County Council and Companionship Services Ltd. for organising such a brilliant and impactful event. It was a privilege to stand alongside them and champion better care awareness in Staines.
If you missed us at the market but have questions about dementia support or home care services, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office team directly. We are always here to listen and help.
Join Our Free Monthly Online Sessions 💻
If you missed our stand on the high street, you don't have to wait for the next market day to get support!
We host a free monthly online dementia information session in association with the Alzheimer's Society. These virtual drop-ins are hosted by our brilliant Customer Care Lead, Dee, who is an official Dementia Friend. Whether you are part of our current Acacia family or a new neighbour looking for guidance, you are welcome to join us online for expert advice, resource sharing, or simply a supportive chat.
Want to join our next online session or chat with the team? Give our office a ring, we are always here to listen and help!
🏆 A National "Hat-Trick" for Acacia NW Surrey!
We have some incredibly exciting news to share with you all! We are absolutely over the moon to announce that Acacia Homecare NW Surrey has been named as a finalist in three different categories at the prestigious national Stars of Social Care Awards.
Being recognised on a national stage is a huge honour, but what makes this "hat-trick" so special is that it highlights every part of the care we provide, from the office to your front door.
Our Finalist Nominations:
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🌟 The New to Care Award: Our very own Jaspreet Kaur. Since joining our team of Angels, Jaspreet has shown incredible heart and dedication. This nomination recognises her as one of the most promising new faces in the entire sector.
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🌟 The Awesome Administrator Award: Our Rota Planning & Admin Team. They are the engine room of our branch, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our schedules running smoothly and our communication clear.
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🌟 The Recruitment & Retention Award: Acacia Homecare NW Surrey. This nomination is for our commitment to being the best place to work in Surrey. We believe that by looking after our staff, we ensure they are in the best position to look after you.
A Heartfelt Thank You
While we are thrilled to be heading to the awards ceremony, we know that these nominations wouldn't be possible without the trust you place in us every day. Whether it’s a quick morning visit or complex recovery support, our goal is always to provide excellence with a "Serious & Fun" heart.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the results. We’ll be sharing live updates and the final results from the ceremony on our social media pages.
Wish us luck! 🤞✨
A Very Special Visitor at Acacia Homecare, NWSurrey
The Sunbury office had some very important business to attend to this month, mostly involving a lot of baby cuddles!
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Gita and Amit, the Directors of our Reading branch, who popped in to introduce us to their beautiful new arrival. It was wonderful to take a quick break from the rotas and care plans to celebrate this precious new addition to the wider Acacia family.
Furthermore, Ayo, our former Marketing Lead, popped in with his newborn baby as well. Once part of the Acacia Family, always part of the Acacia Family.
Safe to say, the "Newest Recruits" completely stole the show (and everyone's hearts!). Congratulations again, Gita, Amit and Ayo, we are all so incredibly happy for you all!
Summer Outings: A Quick Reminder ☀️
You should have recently received an email from our Care Manager, Donna, about updating your care schedules for the warmer months.
Now that summer is officially here, we want to remind you that our care doesn't have to stay within four walls! If you or your loved one would like to add an extra visit, swap an indoor call for a sunny outing, or simply arrange some companionship for a stroll to the local garden centre, our team is ready to make it happen.
Summer schedules fill up fast, so if you'd like to get those extra sunny trips in place, please give our office team a quick ring. Let's make the most of the sunshine together!
Our Quarterly Carers Team Meeting
The snacks were out, and the office was absolutely buzzing this month for our Quarterly Carers Meeting! These meetings are a vital space for our team to come together, step out of the field, and refocus on the heart of what we do.
The day was packed with essential updates, focusing closely on our clinical updates and best practices, finding new ways to advocate for our customers’ independence, and ensuring our safety standards remain the highest in Surrey. But it wasn't all business, we always make sure there’s plenty of time for a catch-up and a laugh, so our hard-working Angels feel thoroughly pampered and appreciated.
A Powerful Guest Perspective:
The true highlight of the meeting was welcoming a very special guest: Jim Arnold, the husband of one of our customers and a dedicated, full-time family carer. Jim joined us to share a raw, firsthand perspective on what being a full-time caregiver actually means.
Some of the topics discussed were emotionally challenging, and we deeply appreciated how open, vulnerable, and honest he was with our team. The talk was incredibly eye-opening for our Angels, many of whom stayed behind to share how deeply Jim's insights resonated with them.
Our carer, Nicki, emailed the office afterwards to share her thoughts:
"I would like to say how I enjoyed the meeting yesterday, especially Jim. It was so heartwarming and puts things into perspective for new carers to hear this on how we are their family too. I have been on both sides of care now but always like to feel I endeavor to do this."
Hearing from family caregivers like Jim directly impacts how our Angels approach and support full-time informal carers, transforming daily visits into a truly meaningful, collaborative experience. On behalf of the entire Acacia Team, thank you, Jim. We would love to welcome you back in the near future!
Meetings like these are exactly why local families can breathe easy knowing their loved ones are in expert, compassionate hands.
From Stroke Recovery to Independence: Delia's Journey.
"You Have Served Your Purpose"
At Acacia, we have a slightly unusual goal: we love it when our customers look at us and say they don’t need us anymore!
We recently shared the beautiful journey of Delia. After suffering a stroke, her world changed overnight. She went from being completely independent to needing our help with every single part of her morning routine.
But with the dedicated support of our Care Lead, Dee, and our team of Angels, Delia didn't just "manage". She absolutely thrived. Over several months, we safely scaled back her care as her strength and confidence came flooding back, until finally, her daughter gave us the best news possible:
"Mom feels she doesn’t need the carers anymore."
That is exactly why we do what we do. We don't want to create dependency; we are just here to provide that warm, supportive bridge back to your normal life.
We are incredibly proud of Delia and her husband, J, and we’re cheering them both on as they enjoy their well-earned independence!
Customer Appreciation
At Acacia Homecare, we are incredibly grateful for our community. We are delighted to share the latest updates on our quarterly Customer Appreciation awards.
June Winner: Dorothy Essex
We are absolutely delighted to announce Dorothy as our June Customer Appreciation winner! The timing couldn't be more perfect, as her special prize will be delivered in the coming weeks. Her birthday also happens to be in May, which has the whole office excited! We are so excited to drop off her luxury tea treats to celebrate her big day, making a birthday present from the whole Acacia team. Happy Birthday, Dorothy! 🎉✨
Coming Soon: Exploring the National Trust with Acacia Homecare🌳
We have some incredibly exciting news cooking behind the scenes! We are currently in the process of partnering up with the National Trust to organise a series of beautiful, accessible guided walks for our customers.
We know how vital fresh air, gentle exercise, and a change of scenery are for overall well-being. Especially during these lovely summer months. This wonderful partnership will give our customers and families the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most stunning historic spaces and gardens right on our doorstep, all with the comfort and reassuring support of the Acacia team alongside you.
We are finalising the details as we speak, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming dates and locations in our next updates. Get your walking shoes ready.
We can't wait to share this adventure with you!
Recipe Corner:
Crispy Salt & Pepper Chips
Nothing beats a classic plate of hot, golden chips, but when you want to elevate a humble side dish into a true showstopper, salt and pepper seasoning is the answer! Inspired by the bold, punchy flavours of British-Chinese takeaway culture, this dish has quickly become a modern staple across the UK. It is the perfect balance of a little heat, a touch of spice, and an incredible crunch.
This month’s recipe is a special one, provided by our very own Lauren (Care Lead). We are sharing a classic, fail-safe method inspired by the traditional takeaway Salt and Pepper Recipe that ensures the chips stay beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy in the middle. We’ve added the 'Acacia twist' by tossing in a few fresh spring onions right at the end for an extra burst of colour and crunch. It’s a wonderful, vibrant side dish to enjoy during a sunny weekend gathering!
Serves: 4 People (as a side)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Essential Kit
To get that authentic, high-heat sear on your vegetables, you will ideally need a large wok or a heavy-bottomed frying pan, along with a shallow-lipped baking tray to get your chips perfectly crisp in the oven.
Ingredients:
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The Crunch: 4–5 large floury potatoes (like Maris Piper or King Edward) and 5 tbsp vegetable oil.
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The Fresh Base: 1 medium onion, 1 red pepper, and 1 green pepper (all finely chopped), plus 2 garlic cloves (sliced) and 1 red chilli (finely sliced).
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The Seasoning Blend: 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tsp caster sugar, 1 tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp chilli flakes.
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The Acacia Twist: 3 spring onions (finely sliced) to finish the dish with a beautiful, fresh crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: The Preparation: Preheat your oven to 220°C (Fan 200°C / Gas Mark 7). Peel and cut your potatoes into chunky chips or wedges. Tip them into a pan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. As soon as you see bubbles breaking the surface, lower the heat and simmer gently for exactly 5 minutes. Drain carefully and leave them in the colander to steam dry completely.
Step 2: The Oven Crisp. While your potatoes steam dry, pour 4 tablespoons of the vegetable oil into your shallow-lipped baking tray and place it in the top of the oven to heat up. Carefully transfer the dried chips to the tray, toss them thoroughly in the hot oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp, ensuring you turn them halfway through.
Step 3: The Stir-Fry: While the chips are baking, toast all your peppercorns in a dry wok or large frying pan for a few minutes until fragrant, then transfer them to a pestle and mortar to crush. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan over a medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, chopped peppers, garlic, and sliced red chilli, stir-frying for 5–8 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: The Seasoning Mix. In a small bowl, mix your freshly crushed peppercorns with the Chinese five-spice powder, caster sugar, sea salt, and chilli flakes to create your ultimate seasoning blend.
Step 5: The Acacia Toss. Tip your hot, crispy chips straight from the oven into the pan with your stir-fried vegetables and return it to a medium heat. Give everything a good toss to combine, then sprinkle over your salt and pepper seasoning blend along with the sliced spring onions. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the chips are evenly and beautifully coated. Serve straight away while piping hot!
Enjoy!
