Belonging at ExtraCare

Building an inclusive community to live and work in

At ExtraCare, we want everyone to be their authentic self, embrace diversity and include everyone.

Our Belonging at ExtraCare strategy (2025–2028) is all about creating a culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels they truly belong.

To us, this is more than just a policy, it’s a promise to listen, grow, and build stronger, more inclusive communities together.

Take a look at this short film to see our communities in action — residents, colleagues, and volunteers coming together to celebrate what makes our locations welcoming and diverse.

Ambition 1

We will create an inclusive and supportive environment

Why: Everyone should feel included and respected. They should feel like they belong.

Ambition 2

We will attract and recruit diverse residents, staff and volunteers

Why: This will attract diverse individuals that reflect the communities we operate in.

Ambition 3

We will enhance policy and process

Why: This is essential for trust and quality services. Clear, easy to use processes create a supportive environment where rights are respected.

Ambition 4

We will strengthen communication and engagement

Why: This will build trust and create a more connected, supportive community.

Ambition 5

We will provide equitable career development and training

Why: This will help staff feel valued and contribute to success and quality of service.

“If I had another life where I wasn’t doing what I do now, I would want to work there!”

– Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis on working at an ExtraCare Village when filming for the BBC’s Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks

“This shop has brought me out of my shell. I didn’t used to speak to strangers, now I can’t shut up!”

– A charity shop volunteer who is autistic tells us about how volunteering for ExtraCare has given them confidence

“As a gay man, who is getting older, I do fear for my future, as many of my peers do… to see a care provider stand up and be part of my community and say we’ve got you, helps.”

– An ExtraCare Care Manager who attended Birmingham Pride 2025

“It’s perfect for David as an amputee who is low in vision. Life is very good, which it wasn’t before and that’s the reason for us moving in.”

– Resident June shares how life has improved since she and her husband made the move to ExtraCare, following his leg amputation

Celebrating life, connection and community

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Meet resident Sue Egleton!

It’s quite a big thing to take on you know, we’re trying to actually get better at it and go further with it, but trying new things at any age, particularly at this age can be hard. At this age life has it’s mundanities and to change that day-to-day mundaneness shall we say, it’s a really good thing. I think it’s really healthy.

March 18, 2025

High Wycombe Retirees Celebrate BSL Graduation After Starring in BBC Sign Language Documentary

Residents of Hughenden Gardens Village marked an emotional milestone last Friday as they graduated with their Level 1 British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications months after taking part in a BBC One documentary on sign language.

October 13, 2025

Meet resident Pam Cole!

Whatever age it’s important as a country as a whole we take this up, I’m 82 but it’s vital that children learn BSL from an early age. At this age learning and expanding on my skillset is valuable and helps keep my brain active. I made my graduation speech to my family, I wanted to prove to them that I wasn’t too old to do something new. We are never too old to learn.

March 18, 2025

Meet staff member Helen Brown!

With me learning, if I keep up with it I can teach other people, it’s a ripple effect. If I’m in a shop in the future and someone needs assistance I could now assist them.

March 18, 2025

ExtraCare and Citizen Join Forces this Christmas with Food Bank Donations

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust has worked alongside Citizen this festive season to collect food bank donations in support of people who may have experienced homelessness in Coventry.

December 23, 2025

ExtraCare joins Women in Retirement Living (WiRL) as its newest member

ExtraCare is delighted to join Women in Retirement Living (WiRL), as its latest Premium Corporate member. WiRL is an organisation dedicated to inclusiveness in the retirement living sector, seeking to grow the sector through diversity and encouraging talent.

July 18, 2025

Finding Belonging, Respect, and Healing at Work

Governance and Risk Manager Julie discusses finding belonging, respect and healing at work.

September 9, 2025

John – Wixams

For someone living with dementia, being here is so much better than trying to manage out in the wider community. The care team know me and understand what I need, and they offer support in a respectful, low-key way.

August 7, 2025

Bedford Retirees and Staff Come Together to Support KidsOut Giving Tree

Residents and staff at ExtraCare’s Wixams Retirement Village have come together to spread festive kindness by supporting the KidsOut Giving Tree, a charity initiative helping children affected by domestic abuse.

December 18, 2025

Northampton Physiotherapy Students Leave Lasting Impact on Milton Keynes Retirement Village

Three physiotherapy students from the University of Northampton have made an emotional impact during their placement at Lovat Fields Retirement Village in Milton Keynes, earning praise from both residents and staff.

September 30, 2025

ExtraCare joins thousands at Birmingham Pride

Thousands of people took to the streets of Birmingham over the Bank Holiday weekend for the city’s annual Pride parade, with ExtraCare joining the celebrations to highlight the importance of Pride across every generation.

May 27, 2026

Meet resident Keith!

This has been really positive for me, I wanted to give something back to the deaf community. It made me think about how I communicate with people. Seeing my fellow students improve so much and watching the joy they got from improving was brilliant.

March 19, 2025

Signing Café Brings Deaf-Inclusive Community Together in High Wycombe

A new Signing Café event has successfully brought together members of the local deaf community and village residents at Hughenden Gardens Village.

February 24, 2026

ExtraCare Volunteer Honoured at King’s Garden Party

A dedicated volunteer from ExtraCare’s Bournville Gardens Village recently attended the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a prestigious event that celebrates individuals who selflessly give their time to support others.

July 18, 2025

From One Generation to Another: Mildred and Candace talk life, love and retirement

Resident Mildred and granddaughter, Candace have been at each others side throughout the process of Mildred’s transition into retirement living. Here they discuss the decision and how they’ve both adjusted to Mildred’s new life and busy social calendar.

October 8, 2025

Retirement residents, children and Gloucester Cathedral unite for intergenerational Candlemas celebration

Residents at St Oswald’s Retirement Village joined forces with Gloucester Cathedral to deliver a moving and memorable Shining Together service in celebration of Candlemas.

February 12, 2026

How British Sign Language Helped Tina Rebuild Her Voice After Traumatic Brain Injury

After a traumatic brain injury left her unable to speak, Tina discovered BSL and rebuilt her confidence one sign at a time. Now she’s inspiring a whole community at Hughenden Gardens to embrace inclusive communication.

March 6, 2026

Staff and Volunteers honoured for outstanding contributions to ExtraCare

ExtraCare honoured staff and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the organization at this year’s Liz Taylor Awards.

November 5, 2025

At ExtraCare, we believe that everyone has a role to play in creating vibrant, caring communities.

Whether you’re looking for a rewarding career, a meaningful volunteer opportunity, or a student placement to kick-start your journey, there’s a place for you here.

1. Vacancies

Whether you’re supporting residents directly or helping behind the scenes, every role plays a part in creating communities where older people can thrive. If you’re ready for a job that’s rewarding, purposeful and people focused — take a look at our current vacancies here.

2. Volunteer positions

Whether it’s having a chat over a cup of tea, helping with activities, or offering a skill, your time can make a real difference to our residents. Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and a great way to feel part of the ExtraCare community. Apply to volunteer with us here.

3. Student placements

Our student placements give you hands-on experience supporting older people to live well in later life. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a friendly, person centred environment, whilst learning and growing. Find out more here.

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Belonging at ExtraCare

Building an inclusive community to live and work in

Ambition 1

Ambition 2

Ambition 3

Ambition 4

Ambition 5

Celebrating life, connection and community

Join us!

At ExtraCare, we believe that everyone has a role to play in creating vibrant, caring communities.

Whether you’re looking for a rewarding career, a meaningful volunteer opportunity, or a student placement to kick-start your journey, there’s a place for you here.

1. Vacancies

2. Volunteer positions

3. Student placements

Request a brochure

Request a call