Care home in the running for major cash boost

A WARRINGTON care home is bidding to bag a massive cash boost through a national initiative – and needs the votes of local people.
Padgate House has been shortlisted for the “Bags of Help” initiative sponsored by supermarket chain Tesco.
The supermarket has teamed up with community charity Groundwork to offer £12.5 million to local groups, split into grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000.
Grants are being awarded to environmental and greenspace projects – and it’s all raised from the 5p bag charge. Three groups in each of Tesco’s 416 regions have been shortlisted.
By reaching the shortlist, Padgate House is already guaranteed to receive £8,000. The care home is now competing with two other projects in the North West to try to get the £10,000 or £12,000 prize.
Shoppers are being invited to vote for who they think should take away the top grant. Local people can help Padgate House scoop the top prize by making sure they vote next time they are doing their weekly shop.
Cllr Pat Wright, the borough council’s lead member for adult social care, said: “Padgate House plays a really important role for vulnerable people and winning the top prize would make a massive difference to the dedicated team and all of the people they care for.
“If we are lucky enough to win the extra funding, we plan to create ‘Padgate’s Paradise’ – an accessible garden area in the grounds of the home for elderly patients to enjoy on their road to recovery. Help us make this a reality by voting for us!”
Padgate House provides intermediate care and nursing support for up to 31 people and a further four people requiring neuro rehabilitation. Short term support is provided for up to six weeks in a residential setting to help people regain daily living skills and independence. The service is jointly run by Warrington Borough Council and Bridgewater Community Healthcare.
Christine Harrison, activity co-ordinator at Padgate House, said: “I am passionate about creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients. In the spring and summer months we would like to be able to get our patients outside to enjoy the sunshine.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have already won £8,000 and to be on a shortlist for a higher award. If we are successful, we will be able to make our paradise gardens a reality, which many of our patients will be able to benefit from. If we are lucky enough to qualify for the top grant, that will be an amazing bonus.  We really need those votes!”
Voting has opened and continues until November 13.