Registrations are now open for Championing Social Care’s flagship engagement event, Care Home Open Week (CHOW), which returns from 15 – 21 June 2026 with a brand-new World Cup football theme. The popular nationwide initiative invites care homes across the UK to open their doors, celebrate their communities and show the public that modern care is warm, welcoming and full of life.
With the World Cup kicking off on June 11th, the nation will be gripped in football fever during the week of CHOW. To join in with the excitement, Championing Social Care is encouraging care homes to showcase accessible, inclusive football-themed games that brings residents, staff, families and local communities together. There are a host of activities everyone can enjoy regardless of age or ability such as walking football, sitting football, blow football using straws, World Cup watch parties and table‑top games like Subbuteo.
Championing Social Care will again provide free resources, downloads, templates and activity ideas to make taking part as simple as possible, whatever the size or budget of the home. Every participating care home, whether they organise a large-scale football tournament or a simple World Cup viewing party, helps to challenge stereotypes and showcase the real heart of social care.
“Just like football, great care is all about teamwork, community and heart,” says Mitesh Dhanak, board member of Championing Social Care and chair of the Care Home Open Week committee. “This year we’re embracing World Cup fever to show the nation’s real heroes with dedication and passion – the people in social care. We want every care home to feel part of one big national team.”
Last year over 5,500 care services took part in Care Home Open Week opening their doors to neighbours, local businesses, community groups and MPs. With public interest in social care higher than ever, Championing Social Care hopes this year’s event will see even more homes join in.
“Care Home Open Week is a fantastic opportunity to reposition the care sector in the public’s mind,” Mitesh continues. “It’s a chance to welcome people in, build trust, strengthen relationships, and show the public the energy, creativity and compassion that define today’s care homes.”
The week also offers a timely moment for staff recognition and morale‑boosting. Homes are encouraged to use the week to celebrate team achievements, spotlight unsung heroes from carers to chefs and activities leads, and share pride in the quality of care they deliver.
The Great British Care Cycle Relay
Care Home Open Week 2026 will again be supported by Championing Social Care’s epic Great British Care Cycle Relay, which promotes community connections and the importance of care and wellbeing. This year’s relay will run from 11–15 June, immediately ahead of Care Home Open Week. The five day‑long cycle routes will call in at Edinburgh, Manchester, East Midlands, Cardiff and London to shine a light on the vital role they play in every community.
Cyclists of all abilities are invited to sign up via the Championing Social Care website, with no entry fee or fundraising target. Each leg offers another chance to celebrate care teams, meet residents and build local support in the lead‑up to the main week of activity.
Care homes can register now, access free football‑themed resources and find out more about this year’s partners – Virgin Money, Christie & Co and Howden – at the Championing Social Care website – https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-week/
