Who We Are - Brendoncare

Who We Are

Brendoncare has nearly 40 years experience in providing excellent care for older people through its age-friendly spaces and services.

https://www.brendoncare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8763-041-scaled.jpg
Painting of Brendon House the original Brendoncare Care Home

Our History

In the 1950s, philanthropist Phoebe Bacon gathered ageing friends to live with her at her home, “Brendon”. Inspired by her vision, Sir Ronald Gibson, a Winchester GP, founded The Brendoncare Foundation in 1984.

Convinced people were often let down by the institutions looking after them, he believed that people should never have to move should their health fail or mobility deteriorate. He pioneered the idea of tailoring a full range of care to fit the changing needs of people, always offering care with discretion, respect and dignity.

These principles continue to guide our work today.

Who we are now

Building on the pioneering work of our founders, we continue to care and support people in different stages of later life. Our community services help those living in their own homes to always feel welcomed and connected at one of our in person or online clubs, or offer a friendly voice over the phone. Extra Care Housing, also known as assisted living, offers independent living for older people in their own property but with the reassurance of help being close by if needed. For those needing more support, we offer residential, nursing, dementia, and end of life care at our care homes.

Otterbourne Mews Extra Care Housing and Garden
HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh attending Brendoncare club with older members

Our Patron

Brendoncare is thrilled to have HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh as its Patron.  The Duchess became Patron of Brendoncare in 2003 after the death of HM The Queen Mother, who was our first Royal Patron.

Our values:

Every Brendoncare service is supported by colleagues and volunteers who work together to create an organisation of which we are all proud. Our values unite us:

We are kind

Carer activities with resident.

We are respectful and warm-hearted

We take the time to understand what matters to others

We seek to do the kind thing, to genuinely make a difference through actions

We are empowering

Meadway resident and carer enjoying the sunshine

We help people feel supported to make the best choice for them

We support, train and develop our people to feel confident in their decisions

We motivate ourselves and others to achieve their goals

We are dedicated

Otterbourne Hill carer and resident

We are dedicated to making a difference every day

We go the extra mile for others

We strive to be the best we can be, supporting others to live the best they can

We are forward thinking

Froxfield resident smiling with carer

We continue our founders’ pioneering approach to care

We challenge ourselves to keep seeking better ways of doing things

We are a force for good, building conversations that change perceptions of later life

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the loving care your team and volunteers give to my Mum and people like her.
You are an exceptional organisation.

Daughter of Brendoncare Community Services Member

Senior Leadership Team

Marianne Wanstall - Chief Executive

“I love being part of the Brendoncare family. Every colleague and volunteer contributes brilliantly to our happy, vibrant communities that support people every step of the way. Growing in age should never limit your opportunities or how you spend your time: we aim to empower people to live life to the fullest potential, where and how they choose.”

Contact Marianne

Michael Crutchley - Director of Care and Wellbeing

“I am driven by high quality care services that are innovative and meet the changing needs of those we care and support.  My aim is to ensure that every Brendoncare interaction is empathetic, kind and compassionate, making demonstrable changes to people’s lives.”

Email Michael

Aileen Ohlson - Director of People and Culture

“I am passionate about people and I recognise our colleagues are at the heart of what makes Brendoncare a success. I want everyone who works or volunteers for Brendoncare to feel valued, be able to be their true self and have the opportunity to develop their career and learn new skills, in doing so feel empowered to make a difference to everyone who comes into the Brendoncare family.”

Email Aileen

Samantha Agnew - Director of Charitable Impact and Community Services

Brendoncare staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing fantastic opportunities for people to remain active, make new friendships and be involved in their community. My aim is to support the development of those opportunities, be clear about our charitable impact and ensure we attract support for the future of our services.”

Email Samantha

Emma Digance - Director of Brand and Customer Experience

“I am passionate about people in later life receiving the best possible care and support, at exactly the right time for them and their family. We are always thrilled to welcome new people to the Brendoncare family!“

Email Emma

Board of Trustees

Phil Dowson - Chair of Trustees

Dr Jane Williams - Vice-Chair

David Parfitt

Dr Sarah Hobhouse

Gordon Tillett

Professor Helen Roberts

Ian Jacobs

Professor Lee-Ann Fenge - Chair of Brendoncare Clubs

Phillip Sykes

Richard Turner

Kathy Christie

Fay Gillott