Leaders from across the care sector gathered on Monday 15th June to mark the start of Care Home Open Week 2026.
Wandsworth Common, part of Avery Healthcare, welcomed almost 100 guests to a reception that has become the traditional curtain-raiser to Care Home Open Week. Guests and residents could join in with a range of football-related activities in addition to the usual reception-fare as Care Home Open Week this year has taken on a World Cup theme.
The event also saw the arrival of riders on the concluding leg of the year’s Great British Care Cycle Relay. The Relay attracted record numbers of participants as it once again covered around 500km in different parts of the country, visiting 24 care homes en route.
Mitesh Dhanak, chair of the Care Home Open Week committee welcomed guests to the home: “Firstly, my sincere thanks to our funding partners, Virgin Money, Christie & Co and Howden Insurance and our hosts Avery Healthcare this evening for bringing us all together.
“Over the years, CHOW has grown from a small, largely virtual initiative during the COVID pandemic into a truly national movement—opening the doors of care homes and connecting them with communities across the country.”
A series of events in the run-up to Care Home Open Week kicked off at Hendon Hall and marked an important milestone. The Hall is now a care home but, back in 1966 it was the England Football Team’s base for the World Cup. The event- which brought together a number of people who had been involved in the historic World Cup final of that year – was featured on BBC TVs Breakfast programme, giving Care Home Open Week national TV exposure for the first time. A significant moment, helping to shift perceptions and bring the reality of social care into homes across the UK.
Mitesh added: “Over the past 12 months, the social care landscape has continued to evolve. Providers are navigating financial pressures, workforce challenges, and rising expectations—but just like in football, it’s the strength of the team that carries us through.
“Running a care home is no different. It takes teamwork, trust, communication, and a shared purpose. From our frontline carers to managers, nurses, support staff, families, and partners—everyone plays a vital role. Just like a great football team, success comes when everyone works together, supports each other, and strives towards a common goal.”
Care Home Open Week 2026 once again sees thousands of homes across the country taking part with their own events aimed at connecting with their local communities. An astonishing variety of events sees homes welcome children to make football games together with residents; care teams host football matches; reminiscence sessions; and many more.
Guests at the Care Home Open Week Launch Event also heard from Dr Luke Evans MP, Shadow Care Minister and Jeremy Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Avery Healthcare, who said: “Avery is incredibly proud to be hosting this event and to be kicking off Care Home Open Week here at Wandsworth Common. A huge thank you to Championing Social Care for giving us the chance to play a part in what promises to be a fantastic week of celebrations across the country.
“This year’s theme is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, communities and connections that make the care industry so special. Inspired by the spirit of the World Cup, it highlights the importance of teamwork, inclusion and bringing people together, values that are at the heart of great care every day. Care Home Open Week allows us to open our doors, welcome people in, and showcase the extraordinary work that takes place in care homes every single day.”
Vishal Shah, chair of Championing Social Care who led the Cycle Relay along its entire route, said: “Care homes are not just places of care—they are vibrant community hubs. They break down barriers, challenge perceptions, and showcase the very best of humanity.
“This week is about celebrating that, opening our doors, and inspiring others to be part of our sector.
“Together, let’s shine a light so bright that the whole country sees the true heart of social care—full of warmth, dignity, and hope.”
