As part of this commitment, we partnered with NEFirst Credit Union to introduce a new employee benefit for all staff. Launched in May, the Payroll Savings Scheme provides a simple and secure way to save directly from salary, helping our team build healthy financial habits through regular contributions. The scheme encourages accessibility to financial support, which can give employees a way to save and plan for the future.

NEFirst Credit Union has supported more than 20,000 members across the North East with safe, ethical savings and financial services. To introduce the scheme, representatives visited our care homes to speak with our team, explain the benefits of membership, and answer any questions about the support available. This face-to-face approach during work time ensured everyone had the opportunity to understand how the scheme could work for them.

Providing great care starts with looking after the people who deliver it. Alongside the range of wellbeing initiatives already available to our team, this partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive workplace where colleagues feel valued, empowered and equipped with practical tools that can make a positive difference to their everyday lives.