Coverage Care Services

12/11/2025

Coverage Care Responds to Residency Change at Innage Grange
Shropshire, UK — 12 November 2025

Coverage Care Services wishes to address recent public concerns regarding the change in residency of a 98-year-old woman at Innage Grange care home.

We understand the emotional nature of this situation and are deeply saddened by the distress caused to the individual and her family. It is important to share the full context surrounding the move to ensure clarity and transparency.

The resident had lived happily at Innage Grange for five years, having chosen the home for its reputation and ability to meet her holistic needs. When her personal funds reached the capital threshold, responsibility for her care costs transferred to Shropshire Council. We were asked by the local authority to make a 43% reduction in fees but we could not match the lowest bid without compromising the high standards and operational costs required to run the home.

With no further communication we were given 24 hours’ notice that the resident would be moving to a new home. At no point was she evicted. Her departure was deeply felt by staff and fellow residents, as she was a much-loved member of our community.

Coverage Care Services is a not-for-profit organisation that has operated across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin for over 30 years.

Our mission is to reinvest in our services, workforce, training, and innovative projects to enhance the lives of those in our care. We remain committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care .

Media Contact: Coverage Care Services

10/11/2025

Meet Amy Hutchings Operations Manager, Coverage Care Services

Amy Hutchings’ journey in care began as a Saturday kitchen assistant in a West Bromwich care home. Today, she is part of a team that supports ten homes across Shropshire as an Operations Manager at Coverage Care Services. Her path reflects a deep-rooted dedication to supporting others, both in her teams and the wider community.

A Genuine Commitment to Care

Care has always been a part of Amy’s life. Early on, she worked alongside her sisters in a care home—a role they all still hold. She later supported individuals with learning disabilities in a day centre, eventually becoming a unit manager through experience and further training.

After relocating to Telford, Amy took time out to raise her children, before returning to the sector she had grown passionate about. She joined Barclay Gardens in domiciliary care and, within a year, became the service manager. With team support and guidance, Amy helped strengthen the service—including opening a community-facing shopfront in Donnington town centre.

Returning to Coverage Care

Amy originally joined Coverage Care in 2004, and although she moved on when a contract changed hands, she rejoined in 2024 as Operations Manager. “It felt like coming home,” she says. “Even while working elsewhere, I still felt connected to Coverage Care.”

Now, in her current role, Amy supports homes across the organisation, helping maintain high standards and offering day-to-day support to staff and managers. Whether it’s mentoring, problem-solving, or offering a listening ear, she’s someone teams know they can turn to.

Flexible and Focused Leadership

“No two days are the same,” Amy explains. “You need to be able to switch hats quickly.” Since August 2024, she has also been involved in supporting learning disability services and the home support team during a period of change—helping to maintain continuity and ensure both residents and staff felt supported throughout.

Working Together

Amy is quick to highlight the importance of teamwork in her role: “Working in care can be tough, but you’re never alone. At Coverage Care, there’s always someone at the end of the phone willing to help.”

Her story is a reminder that leadership in care isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, working together, and making a difference where it matters most.

06/11/2025

Coverage Care is Delighted to Share News of Santa’s Village Launch in Oswestry

Coverage Care is delighted to share the news that Amanda Jones, Director of Approved Care and Support, is bringing Christmas cheer to Oswestry in a spectacular new way this year — with the launch of Santa’s Village at TNS Football Club.

For the past nine years, Amanda has turned her office into a festive Christmas Grotto, handcrafting hampers for care workers and gifts for customers. Her annual holiday party has become a beloved tradition, offering joy and connection to carers and clients alike.

This year, she’s expanding the celebration beyond the office walls. Inspired to share the magic with the wider community, Amanda created Santa’s Village, a family-friendly holiday attraction designed to bring people together.

“Each year it’s grown bigger,” Amanda said. “Last year we really made it big, so this year I wanted to see if we could make it even bigger — and get the whole community involved.”

Thanks to her sponsorship of the TNS Ladies Football Club, Amanda was able to use the club’s facilities to bring her vision to life. Entry prices have been kept low to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, and any profits will be donated to the club’s foundation to support local initiatives.

Before opening to the public, Approved Care and Support’s customers and care workers will enjoy an exclusive preview day — complete with the annual Christmas party and the much-anticipated delivery of hampers and gifts. This special event will take place on 27th November from 1–6pm. The event will be open to the general public on Sunday the 30th of November. There is limited availability, giving good time for everyone to enjoy and have that magical experience. So tickets are on sale now, to get yours go to https://santas-village.co.uk/

“Care isn’t just a business,” Amanda added. “It’s about sharing with the whole community where we can.”

Coverage Care is proud to celebrate this initiative, which reflects the true spirit of care — one that extends beyond services and into the heart of the community.
santas-village.co.uk/

Bring the whole family to Santa’s Christmas Village in Oswestry! Meet Santa, explore his workshop, and make unforgettable memories

03/11/2025

Meet Steph Rippard - Chartered HR Manager, Coverage Care Services

As Steph Rippard approaches her 10-year anniversary with Coverage Care this December, she reflects on a journey filled with growth, grit, and genuine connection. From her first role as a Development and Training Administrator to becoming a Chartered HR Manager, Steph’s story is one of determination and heart.

A Career Built on Commitment

Steph joined Coverage Care with a passion for people and a drive to make a difference. In 2018, she stepped into the role of HR Officer—a move that marked the beginning of her ascent in the world of human resources. While working full-time, Steph pursued her CIPD Level 5 qualification in Human Resources, supported by her then-line manager Debbie Price and current manager Samantha Woosnam. Their encouragement helped fuel her ambition.

Learning, Leading, and Juggling Life

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Steph went on to study towards her master’s degree in strategic People Management and Human Resources along with the continued support of her line manager Sam Woosnam. For two years, she balanced work, university studies one day a week and—during the final stretch—maternity leave. Completing her dissertation while caring for a newborn was no small feat, but Steph powered through with resilience and grace.

Upon returning to work, Steph successfully applied for an internal vacancy as HR Manager. She then upgraded her CIPD membership to Chartered status, which meant more studying and a rigorous exam—another challenge she met head-on.

A People Person Through and Through

Steph thrives on the variety her role offers and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. She’s known for her ability to connect with people across the organisation, offering support, guidance, and a listening ear. Her warmth and authenticity make her a trusted figure in Coverage Care’s HR team.

Balancing It All

Steph often jokes that she’s survived it all while working full-time with a two-year-old—and it’s true. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and a strong support network.

31/10/2025

Join Our Team as a Night Shift Team Leader!

We’re looking for an experienced, dedicated Night Shift Team Leader to join our friendly team at Woodcroft Residential Care Home in Market Drayton.

Hours: 24.5 per week
Shift: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM (plus a 15-minute handover)
Pay Rate: £15.99 per hour

If you’re passionate about providing exceptional care and leading a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
Location: Woodcroft Care Home, Market Drayton

Apply today and make a real difference in the lives of our residents.

To Apply: https://candidate.coveragecareers.co.uk/ra/292276COV
Must be working towards Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care.

29/10/2025

Are you a visionary leader passionate about shaping the future of social care?

Partners in care are looking for a Chief Officer

Location: Office based Annscroft, Shrewsbury, Shropshire/ hybrid working

Click on the link to find out more

Partners in Care is a not-for-profit membership organisation offering a wide range of services for adult social care providers in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

27/10/2025

Meet Dawn Sutton

Quality and Systems Lead, Coverage Care Services

With over eight years of dedicated service at Coverage Care, Dawn Sutton is a driving force behind our commitment to excellence. Her journey into care began with a nursing qualification and a degree in Education, which laid the foundation for a career rich in both clinical expertise and teaching acumen. Before joining Coverage Care, Dawn worked in hospital settings and successfully ran a nursing home, while also teaching NVQ levels 2 to 5—bringing a wealth of experience to every role she’s taken on.

From Audits to Innovation

Dawn’s initial role focused on quality audits, but her natural leadership and problem-solving skills quickly expanded her remit. She supported the development of staff inductions and training systems and soon became the go-to expert for risk assessments and policy development. Her ability to translate complex standards into practical, actionable systems has made her an invaluable asset across the organisation.

Championing Digital Transformation

Dawn has played a pivotal role in rolling out new digital systems across Coverage Care, managing both technical and staff-related challenges with clarity and compassion. She was instrumental in launching the “What’s New Wednesday” communication initiative, ensuring staff are informed, engaged, and aligned with best practices.

Infection Control & Cleanliness Standards

Leading on infection control and national cleanliness monitoring, Dawn ensures our homes meet—and exceed—regulatory standards. Her work with ENID training led to the revision of infection control modules, demonstrating her commitment to continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.

Collaboration Across Departments

Dawn thrives on collaboration. She liaises with nearly every department, from catering—where she’s developed picture menus to support resident choice—to digital sustainability, where she explores innovative ways to enhance care delivery. Her work with Care Vision and Access has strengthened training and support systems, making learning more accessible and effective and improving care plan information.

Leading Projects That Matter

Dawn has recently contributed to a comprehensive 18-month initiative led by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), aimed at enhancing early identification of patient deterioration to reduce hospital admissions and ambulance callouts. This initiative also enhances the evidential support for our homes in enabling individuals to die in their preferred place of care. Dawn worked in close collaboration with the Quality Lead for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin throughout the programme.

She continues to collaborate with external partners, including the local IPC team, to support the completion of audit forms and drive continuous improvement in cleanliness across our care homes.

Passion for Progress

What Dawn loves most about her role is the variety and the challenge of staying ahead. She’s a lifelong learner, always investigating new ways to improve systems and share best practices. Whether she’s auditing a service, mentoring staff, or refining a digital tool, Dawn brings energy, insight, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does.

24/10/2025

🌟 We love seeing our staff thrive — and today we’re celebrating one of our stars! 🌟

Huge congratulations to Eloise Batson, Day Shift Leader at Stone House! 🎉 Eloise has achieved a Merit in her Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care — a fantastic accomplishment that reflects her dedication, compassion, and professionalism.

Well done, Eloise! We're so proud of you and grateful for the incredible care you bring to the team and residents every day 💙

23/10/2025

😊 Happy National Smile Day from Stone House! 😊

Today we celebrate the power of a smile — and our amazing residents at Stone House lit up the day with theirs as they celebrate Happy National Smile Day! From joyful grins to contagious laughter, Stone House was filled with warmth, happiness, and plenty of picture-perfect moments 📸✨

Swipe through to see the beautiful smiles that made today so special. Because every day is brighter when shared with a smile 💛

20/10/2025

Meet Lea Fretwell – A Journey of Purpose and Passion in Care

Lea Fretwell didn’t begin her career in care—but caring has always been at the heart of who she is. For more than 20 years, she was a proud military wife, supporting her husband’s career and raising their wonderful children while relocating across the UK and overseas every few years. Through all the changes, Lea’s strength, adaptability, and deep compassion remained unwavering.

Everything changed when Lea’s parents became unwell. One received excellent care; the other, sadly, did not. That stark contrast lit a fire in her. Lea knew that care could—and should—be better.

She was determined to be part of that change. She wanted to make a real difference. When the time came for a new chapter, her husband and children wholeheartedly supported her decision to transition into the care sector, believing fully in her passion and commitment to making a difference.

Lea joined Coverage Care’s Innage Grange home in Bridgnorth and within just months, Home Manager Claire Childs recognised her potential and invited Lea to step into the role of Assistant Manager—a position where she quickly thrived.

Then came COVID.

Amid the uncertainty and fear, Lea saw something remarkable—Coverage Care staff coming together in extraordinary ways. It was a defining moment. She knew without a doubt: care was where she belonged, and Coverage Care was where she was meant to be.

She transitioned into a Development and Support role, travelling to homes across Shropshire. From working hands-on shifts to delivering Shift Leader training for Assistant Managers, welcoming new staff, support with training apprentices and supporting those transitioning from overseas. Lea dedicated herself to lifting others up and ensuring high standards of care were upheld across the organisation.

Having completed qualifications in training and education and coaching and mentoring, Lea now delivers training sessions at corporate induction. “The care and support our residents receive is what matters most—we must get it right. I’m proud to support my colleagues in making that happen every single day.”

Promoted once again—this time to Development and Support Manager—Lea discovered her true calling: dementia care. She led the creation of all Coverage Care’s dementia training modules, transformed mealtime experiences to better support residents, and became a passionate advocate for ensuring people living with dementia are truly seen, heard, and valued. All while managing a dedicated team, Lea continues to drive positive change across the organisation, championing dignity, understanding and compassion at every step.

“Dementia care is more than support—it’s about dignity, connection, and creating moments that matter. At its heart, it’s seeing the person, not just the disease.” Lea is dedicated to supporting the Alzheimer’s Society through fundraising and encouraging Dementia Friends.

This year, taking on a skydive to raise awareness and funds and volunteering at various events.

Today, Lea remains as committed and passionate as ever. She continues to pour her heart into everything she does, always with one goal in mind: to make a real difference.

‘’I count myself lucky that every day, I get to make a difference—that’s a gift. I can’t imagine a more meaningful path than the one I’m on. I’ve never looked back. Being part of something bigger, helping others— this is where I’m meant to be” she says with a smile.

14/10/2025

Coverage Care Celebrates £11,600 Raised for Alzheimer’s Society in Honour of 30th Anniversary

As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Coverage Care Services proudly came together yesterday to honour a remarkable fundraising achievement: £11,600 raised for the Alzheimer’s Society. The total was the result of a series of daring and inspiring challenges, including skydives and a 100-mile cycle ride, all in support of those affected by dementia.

“This was more than just a fundraiser—it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,” said Lea Fretwell, Development and Support Manager. “Skydiving was terrifying—but it’s nothing compared to the fear and confusion faced daily by people living with dementia. I jumped to honour their courage, and to show that we see them.”

Lea was joined in the skydiving challenge by Sarah Evans, Home Manager at Briarfields; Jess Bennett, Shift Leader at Greenfields; Jojo Mejia, Nurse at New Fairholme. Each participant brought personal passion and professional insight to the cause.

“I chose to do a skydive because the cause is very close to my heart,” shared Jojo Mejia. “I’ve seen the impact of Alzheimer’s on my loved ones and through my work in care. Supporting the Alzheimer’s Society means helping families face fewer challenges alone.”

Sarah Evans echoed the sentiment: “The experience was both exhilarating and humbling. It gave me a sense of purpose, knowing the funds we raised will make a real difference.”

Jess Bennett added with a smile, “It’s important to support those who need it. I’m in awe of how much we raised—and besides, a skydive? Why not!”

The team’s efforts were further amplified by Peter Bentley, a dedicated colleague from Greenfield’s in Whitchurch, who cycled 100 miles to contribute to the fundraising total. Together, their motto became: “Choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid at the exact same time.”

Coverage Care’s commitment extends beyond fundraising. Through its Dementia Friends initiative, 814 employees—83.9% of its workforce across 11 homes—have become Dementia Friends, wearing their badges with pride and fostering inclusive, compassionate care environments.

Lea Fretwell and Helen Stoneman personally wrote thank you notes to go with the dementia friends badges to all 814 staff that signed up to the initiative.

Rachel Ford, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful that Coverage Care Services have chosen to support Alzheimer’s Society. Each hour people generously give to fundraise for us, every event they take part in, every pound they donate, they’re making a life-changing difference to people living with dementia.

10/10/2025

The Coverage Care Blog

Our new blog is your window into the heart of our mission: to support individuals, families, and communities with expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical guidance on health and social care.

Each month, we shine a light on the people, practices, and passions that make our care homes so special. This month, we’re stepping into the shoes of one of our incredible Activity Coordinators. Read the story here https://www.coveragecareservices.co.uk/blogs/146-a-day-in-the-life-of-caroline-fellows-activities-co-ordinator-at-montgomery-house