Salvation Army opens state-of-the-art care home for older people in Lewisham

Glebe Court, which provides residential care for up to 40 frail older people, has undergone an extensive £9m refurbishment project fully funded by The Salvation Army.  

The Salvation Army’s care home Glebe Court in Lewisham, south east London has been officially reopened by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill.  

Glebe Court residents and staff moved out of the property in Blackheath Rise, renting another nearby empty care home, to allow the building works to take place.  The completely refurbished and modernised Glebe Court now provides a bright, modern, fully-accessible environment in welcoming dementia-friendly surroundings. It has been generously funded through legacies gifted for older people's work, the sale of properties and land and a generous grant from the Bradbury Foundation.  

Currently 27 older people, many of whom are living with dementia, are living at Glebe Court which has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.  

Attending the official opening celebrations led by The Salvation Army’s leaders in the UK Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill and the organisation’s Director for Older People’s Service Elaine Cobb, were residents and staff, friends, relatives and neighbours as well as local commissioners and specialist contractors involved in the refurbishment works.   Everyone gathered in the lounge overlooking the garden joining together in popular hymns and songs accompanied by a small band of Salvation Army musicians.  There was also a very special performance by residents of ‘Bless this house’ played on Angklung, Indonesian bamboo percussion instruments. 

Before cutting a ribbon to mark the official reopening of the home, Commissioner Anthony spoke about the origin of the word ‘Glebe’ meaning a place of growth or cultivation and said his prayer was that all those at Glebe Court would grow and know God’s love in their new home.  

Hilary Upjohn, Glebe Court Manager, said: “The amazing environment that has been created means we are able to provide the best possible care for older people in Lewisham.  The opening celebration was simply wonderful and marked the culmination of a long journey to design, create and move back to our home.

“All the residents have coped extremely well with the move.  The home is just so calming which has helped put everyone at ease.  

“We want everyone at Glebe Court to feel safe and cared for and also to feel loved.  Since moving back in, feedback from residents and relatives has been overwhelmingly positive.  We always aim to provide the best possible care and with the facilities the new building provides, we know we are equipped to continue to do so.”