Archbishop Justin visited MHA Bradbury Grange for his New Year Message. It is a residential care home in Whitstable, in his own Canterbury diocese.
The Archbishop’s New Year Message ties in with a report to be published on 24th January called Care and Support Reimagined. It has been commissioned by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and offers a new vision for social care in which everyone can flourish, regardless of age or ability.
Dr Anna Dixon MBE, Chair of the Archbishops’ Commission said: “I am delighted that Archbishop Justin has used his New Year Message to emphasise the need for action on social care. Our report will seek to address some of the long-standing challenges affecting social care and set out a hopeful vision of what care and support could and should be like.
“We cannot simply tinker around the edges of the existing social care system. We need a new settlement that gives choice and control to people who draw on care and support, equips and empowers communities, and offers far greater support and recognition to unpaid carers.”
The Co-Chair of the Commission, the Rt Revd James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, said: “At the heart of our work is a belief that all human beings are gifts in the eyes of God.
“We are making the case, rooted deeply in our Christian convictions and values, that our whole understanding of social care should reflect the aspirations of people who draw on care and support, paid and unpaid carers, and wider society.
“Faith communities have a huge role to play in ensuring that people are able to participate in worship and community life, regardless of their age or ability, and are supported to live well.”
Sam Monaghan, Chief Executive of Methodist Homes (MHA) said: “We were so happy to welcome Archbishop Justin to MHA Bradbury Grange and to share a typical day with him. Our residents loved having the opportunity to meet and talk with him. And he also spent time talking to our care team, including Ann Campbell who’s worked there 42 years. Staff shared with him how they support everyone living at the home and what it involves to provide good quality care. The visit meant so much to us.”
