Celebrating 20 Years of Home Instead UK - And a National Win for Swindon & Vale of White Horse!

On 13th February 2026, teams from across the country came together at Grosvenor House in London to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 20 years of Home Instead UK. It was an evening filled with pride, reflection, and celebration. From powerful stories to shared successes, the event recognised two decades of dedication to raising the standard of care across the UK.

The Home Instead Virtus Care Group – representing our offices in Oxford, Swindon & Vale of White Horse, and Thornbury, Yate & Dursley – were proud to be part of such a special occasion. But for one of our offices, the night held an unforgettable surprise…

A National ‘Community Contribution’ Award

Each year, Home Instead recognises offices across the network for their achievements, impact, and innovation. So you can imagine our shock and delight when our Swindon & Vale of White Horse office was announced as the national winner of the Community Contribution Award.

This award recognises meaningful, measurable impact within the local community – and we couldn’t be prouder of what our team has achieved.

While this award belongs to the entire office, there is one person whose dedication, creativity, and relentless commitment has been the driving force behind so much of this success: Cat Attewell, our Community Engagement Officer.

Our Community Driving Force

Cat has worked tirelessly to combat loneliness and isolation among older people locally, while also ensuring families feel informed and supported when navigating care. Her passion for connection and community is evident in every initiative she leads. Some of the incredible projects she has developed and continues to run include:

A twice-monthly Friendship and Memories Café in Faringdon, funded by Home Instead Charities
A monthly Seniors Friendship Café at Roves Farm, also funded by Home Instead Charities
A weekly drop-in session for family carers, offering guidance on how care works, funding advice, and signposting to relevant organisations
The hugely successful annual Be a Santa to a Senior (BASTAS) Campaign, with the 2025 campaign supporting Great Western Hospital
The continued growth of the Tech Café, supporting older people with technology queries alongside two incredible volunteers
Ongoing support for established groups such as the Cricklade Memory Café
The expansion of the widely used WOW (What’s On When) Guide, now a rooted and valued document across Swindon
Serving as Co-Deputy Chair of the Swindon Dementia Action Alliance
Building strong partnerships with local charities including Parkie’s Pals and Dementia Oxfordshire
Delivering informative talks to local groups and sheltered living accommodation about available services and community support

And truthfully – these are only some examples. The list could go on and on!

The Impact in People’s Own Words

The true measure of community work is the difference it makes to real people. Over the past year, Cat has received heartfelt feedback that speaks volumes about her impact:

“Cat does an amazing job hosting and organising memory café groups. She is always caring and cheerful and takes great note of each individual’s needs and preferences. She’s greatly appreciated by those who attend.”
“Cat is wonderful and a real asset to Home Instead.”
“Cat Attewell has provided exceptional collaboration with Wiltshire Council. This has enabled shared events and activities to take place in the RWB&C community.”
“Cat and the team actively reach out and engage with voluntary, statutory and non-statutory organisations. The level of networking and peer support is exemplary.”

These words reflect what we see every day – genuine care, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference.

Winning the national Community Contribution Award at such a significant 20-year milestone makes this recognition even more special. It reinforces what we have always believed: community matters. Connection matters. Showing up matters.

Cat – your passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to supporting older people and families in our local area does not go unnoticed. You are the heart behind so much of what we do in the community, and this award is a testament to your incredible work.

From all of us at Home Instead Virtus Care Group – thank you!

Here’s to 20 years of care, community, and connection – and to many more milestones ahead.