Healthcare Management Solutions

Five footy-mad residents from Riverside care home in Morpeth received VIP treatment from their local football club after being invited to a home game.

Morpeth Town AFC - known as the Highwaymen to fans - and the home, which is operated by Healthcare Management Solutions, have been working together as part of the care home’s efforts to engage with the local community.

Following several visits to the home by players, the club invited residents Trevor, Joseph, Ernest, Eric and Thomas to watch a friendly pre-season match from a balcony at their Craik Park ground. After the final whistle, they were treated to afternoon tea and were visited by club chairman Ken Beattie, manager Craig Lynch and player Callum Morris.

Richard Dobinson, Riverside House activities co-ordinator, said: “We have been making a real effort to get more involved with the local community and Morpeth Town AFC have really stepped up.

“The club management and players have been really generous with their time, visiting the home to chat with residents about football and listening to their memories of previous seasons and footballing stars of the past.

“The residents were over the moon to be offered a VIP experience at the club and had a great time. They really enjoyed the match, and we’re really grateful for everything they club has done for us, and we’ll be following them closely this season – howay the highwaymen!”

Julia Marley, community engagement and events manager at Morpeth Town AFC, said: “We’re very much a community club and we’ve really enjoyed visiting Riverside to speak with residents, so we thought it was about time that we brought them over to watch a match. I’m pleased that they enjoyed the visit to Craik Park and look forward to welcoming them back soon.”

Morpeth Town Chairman Ken Beattie said; "It is hugely important that we, as a football club, give back to the community that supports us so vocally on a match day and beyond. The last two years have incredibly tough for us all, and none more so the residents and staff in care homes who have been put under so much strain and stress due to the effects of Covid and isolation.

“Our aim is to entertain and put smiles on faces on match day so we couldn't be happier to welcome residents from Riverside Care Home to Craik Park for our friendly fixture. We hope they have a fantastic day and enjoy the hospitality on offer to them.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

CONTACT: Joss Havakin on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Healthcare Management Solutions provides care home operators, owners, banks, financiers and insolvency practitioners with management, support, monitoring, business review and quality audit for the assets they are involved with in the care home sector.

http://www.hcsolutions.co.uk