Founded by Lucy and Patrick Atkinson in 2005, Church Farm Care has grown from a single home into a respected group with five locations across the region: Church Farm at Cotgrave, Field House, Skylarks, Rusticus and most recently Wren Hall. Building on its success, the group is now preparing to develop a sixth site, its first ever new build project.
From Humble Beginnings to a Trusted Name in Care
It all began at Church Farm at Cotgrave, where many of the original staff remain part of the team today. Among them are Maria Atkinson, Patrick’s sister and current Deputy Manager at Skylarks, and her husband John Spollin, who managed the first home.
Several long serving members have devoted decades to the group’s mission. Anne Benke, Head Chef at Cotgrave, celebrates 28 years of service; Jane Hernandez, now House Leader at Rusticus, has been with Church Farm for 24 years; and Cassie Qevani, who joined at just 15, is now House Leader at the same home.
Others include Janet Maiella, a nurse at Cotgrave for nearly 40 years, and Wynne Williams, who has served the group for over 36 years. At Field House, Debbie Croucher continues a family connection spanning more than four decades, dating back to when Lucy’s parents owned the home.
Reimagining Care Through the Butterfly Approach
Over the last two decades, Church Farm Care has built a strong reputation for innovative, person centred care, particularly for those living with dementia. From the outset, the group embraced the Butterfly Approach, a model that moves away from traditional care routines and focuses on creating warm, engaging and home like environments.
“Our anniversary is a chance to celebrate our team, our growth and the families who have trusted us with their care,” said Lucy Atkinson, co founder and director. “We are proud of how far we have come, from buying our first home to now employing 480 staff and 68 nurses, each making a real difference every day. Our focus remains on delivering the best care possible and building on our reputation for excellence.”
Patrick Atkinson added: “Our success has come from consistency, strong values and a great team. The loyalty of our staff speaks volumes, and we are proud to have grown while staying true to our principles.”
Rooted in the Community
Community connection remains central to Church Farm Care’s philosophy. All homes regularly welcome local schools, community groups and performers, ensuring residents remain engaged and connected to the world around them.
That trust extends beyond the community, with GPs and social workers often choosing to place their own relatives in Church Farm homes, a testament to the group’s reputation for quality and compassion.
The group’s work has also been widely recognised, including winning Care Home of the Year at the National Care Awards in 2021, reflecting two decades of dedication to dignity, empathy and innovation in care.
As Church Farm Care looks to the future, one thing remains clear: its heart lies not just in the homes it runs, but in the people, staff, residents and families, who make its story possible.
