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Featured on ITV News: Why Twelve Trees Care Isn't Your Average Care Home

When ITV Calendar came to film at our Meadowbrook care home in Leeds this week, they captured something that defines who we are – a provider committed to creating extraordinary experiences for our residents.

📺 Watch Our ITV Calendar Feature

See the joy and excitement as our Meadowbrook residents experienced something truly special – supercar rides tackling loneliness through the Granborghini initiative.

▶ Watch the Full ITV News Report

Featured on ITV Calendar (North) | Friday 7th November 2025

Tackling Loneliness Through Innovation

This week, our Meadowbrook care home in Garforth, Leeds was featured on ITV Calendar when residents experienced rides in McLarens, Aston Martins, and other high-performance supercars. Through the kind heartedness of Granborghini – a Sheffield initiative tackling elderly loneliness – our residents enjoyed something genuinely extraordinary.

At Twelve Trees Care, we're always looking for innovative ways to enhance our residents' lives. This partnership with Granborghini is just one example of our commitment to going the extra mile.

A Day to Remember

Jane, Dorothy, and Jeff – all in their late 80s – each enjoyed the thrill of experiencing luxury supercars, creating memories and moments of pure joy.

Jane, a retired headteacher, experienced a £178,000 McLaren with a top speed of 215mph. As she told ITV's Rachel Townsen:

"It's hard not to smile when you're – it is actually. I got in and I've been smiling ever since. It's been lovely."
— Jane, Meadowbrook Resident

Dorothy, a former singer, reflected: "It was a lovely car and he was a really careful driver."

And Jeff, who built his career as a businessman, summed it up:

"That was just something out of the ordinary."
— Jeff, Meadowbrook Resident

Why Activities Like This Matter

Our owner, Simon Mills, explained to ITV News why we invest in experiences like Granborghini:

"I think it's stimulating, it's a looking forward, it's not just the event, it's the actual talking about it, it's the memories about it, and it might just trigger a memory of enjoying something with a husband or a loved one a number of years ago."
— Simon Mills, Owner, Twelve Trees Care

The Value of Meaningful Experiences

At Meadowbrook and across all our Twelve Trees homes, we believe care is about more than just meeting physical needs. It's about:

  • Creating moments of joy and excitement
  • Providing experiences worth talking about
  • Stimulating minds and sparking memories
  • Maintaining connections to the wider community
  • Supporting emotional wellbeing alongside physical health

The Granborghini Initiative

Granborghini was founded by Sheffield's Mark Cody after witnessing first-hand how devastating loneliness can be for elderly people during lockdown. Determined that other elderly people would experience life, not loneliness, Mark created something innovative – volunteer drivers with supercars giving free rides to combat isolation.

About Granborghini: Mark funds the initiative himself, with volunteers donating their time and vehicles to make a difference in elderly people's lives.

As Mark told ITV News:

"It's so overwhelmingly heartwarming. People have donated their time, effort, and energy and cars to be involved. But the smiles and the way they step out the car and they feel, you know, 20 years younger, they can't stop smiling. They've got something to talk about."
— Mark Cody, Founder of Granborghini

Mark's message resonated with us:

"Put down your phone, go have a brew with a neighbour who you've not spoken to ever, maybe. And believe me, that would make their day."
— Mark Cody

When Mark approached us about bringing Granborghini to Meadowbrook, we were delighted to partner with such an innovative initiative that aligns perfectly with our values of person-centred care and community connection.

Our Approach to Activities and Wellbeing

At Twelve Trees Care, we're committed to providing diverse, engaging activities that enhance quality of life:

Community Partnerships

We actively seek partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, and initiatives like Granborghini that bring unique experiences to our residents.

Individual Attention

We recognize that each resident is unique, with different interests, abilities, and preferences. Our activities reflect this diversity.

Meaningful Engagement

From traditional activities to innovative experiences, we focus on creating moments that stimulate, engage, and bring joy.

Going the Extra Mile

We're always looking for new ways to enrich our residents' lives, whether through special partnerships, outings, or in-home experiences.

As one of our Meadowbrook residents observed:

"It's just good for your brain, I think. You know, you don't just want to be doing the same thing over and over again."
— Meadowbrook Resident

The Psychology of Novel Experiences

The Granborghini experience demonstrates several key principles of person-centred care:

Anticipation Creates Joy

From the moment residents knew about the supercars, excitement built. Having something special to look forward to enhances mood and wellbeing.

Novel Experiences Stimulate

New experiences keep minds active and engaged. The sensory experience of a supercar creates powerful cognitive stimulation.

Connection Matters

Mark Cody noted that in the confined space of a car, residents open up and share things they might not otherwise express.

Memories Trigger Memories

As Simon Mills explained, these experiences can trigger positive memories from earlier in life – adventures, excitement, and special moments with loved ones.

Stories Create Identity

Having experiences worth talking about helps residents maintain their sense of self and share their lives with others.

Challenging Assumptions About Age

One of the most striking aspects of the ITV coverage was seeing our residents' enthusiasm for the full supercar experience.

£178,000 Value of McLaren
215 mph Top Speed
Late 80s Ages of Our Residents
Priceless The Smiles

Our residents have rich, full lives behind them: They've driven cars, travelled the world, built careers, raised families, and pursued their passions. That adventurous spirit doesn't disappear with age – it simply needs the right opportunities and support to flourish.

Addressing Elderly Loneliness

The issue of loneliness among elderly people has become increasingly recognized as a serious health concern, particularly following the pandemic.

Understanding Elderly Loneliness

  • Research shows loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
  • The pandemic significantly worsened isolation for many elderly people
  • Even in care settings, residents can experience feelings of loneliness
  • Meaningful activities and social connections are essential for wellbeing

Initiatives like Granborghini, combined with comprehensive care approaches, help address this important issue by creating genuine connections and memorable experiences.

Daily Life at Meadowbrook

While the Granborghini partnership represents a special occasion, our commitment to resident wellbeing is evident every day at Meadowbrook:

Regular Activities

A varied programme of activities catering to different interests, abilities, and preferences.

Community Connections

Links with local schools, groups, and organizations that bring the wider community into our home.

Individual Support

One-to-one time for residents to pursue personal interests and maintain important relationships.

Beautiful Environment

Well-maintained gardens and comfortable spaces where residents can relax, socialize, or enjoy quiet time.

Specialist Care

Expert support for residents with dementia, Parkinson's, and other conditions, delivered with compassion and dignity.

Family Involvement

We welcome family participation in care and activities, recognizing the importance of these relationships.

About Meadowbrook Care Home

Our beautifully refurbished Meadowbrook care home in Garforth, Leeds provides:

✓ Modern, comfortable facilities with en-suite rooms and well-maintained grounds

✓ Experienced care teams trained in person-centred approaches and specialist care

✓ Diverse activity programmes supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing

✓ Community integration through partnerships and local connections

✓ Individual care plans tailored to each resident's needs and preferences

✓ CQC Good rated maintaining high standards of care and safety

Our Care Services

At Twelve Trees Care, we offer comprehensive care services across our Yorkshire homes:

Residential Care

  • 24/7 professional care and support
  • Comfortable, well-maintained accommodation
  • Nutritious home-cooked meals
  • Varied activities and social opportunities
  • Support with all aspects of daily living

Specialist Dementia Care

  • Person-centred dementia care from trained staff
  • Memory-stimulating activities and therapies
  • Safe, supportive environments
  • Family support and guidance

Respite Care

  • Short-term respite care for family carers
  • Planned breaks or emergency cover
  • Seamless integration into our community
  • Professional care giving families peace of mind

Live-in Care

  • Nationwide live-in care services
  • 24/7 support in your own home
  • Dedicated professional carers
  • Maintaining independence and familiarity

Experience Meadowbrook Care Home

If you're looking for a care home that prioritizes resident wellbeing, offers diverse activities, and maintains high standards of professional care, we'd be delighted to welcome you to Meadowbrook.

Visit Meadowbrook Care Home, Leeds

Our beautifully refurbished Garforth home offers quality care in comfortable surroundings.

📍 Address: 147-149 Wakefield Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1NE
📞 Call: 0113 232 0054

Visit Our Sheffield Care Home

Our Nether Edge home provides quality care in a warm, welcoming environment.

📍 Address: 17 Priory Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S7 1LW
📞 Call: 0114 255 5155

Nationwide Live-in Care

We also provide live-in care services across the UK, enabling people to remain at home with professional support.

📞 Call our central team: 0330 1649 900

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Get in touch: Contact us online

CQC Good rated • Serving Yorkshire families since 1996 • Free consultations • No obligations

📺 Watch & Share Our ITV News Feature

See the full story of how Granborghini is helping tackle elderly loneliness through innovative community partnerships.

▶ Watch on ITV

Twelve Trees Care

Going the extra mile for our residents, every single day.

About Twelve Trees Ltd

At Twelve Trees Care, we believe great care starts with real connection. Since 1996, we’ve been supporting families across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire with high-quality, CQC-regulated care services — always delivered with heart, respect, and a personal touch.

admin@twelvetreescare.co.uk

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