Connell Court Care Home celebrates successful first year under new ownership

Andrew Brown
9 Min Read
Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Connell Court sponsored feature by Stand Up For Southport

Connell Court Care Home in Southport has marked a very successful first year under new ownership with a special celebration event enjoyed by residents, families, and staff.

The first birthday celebration took place on Friday (24th October 2025), with special guest Julie Lawson BEM, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside. Guests were treated to wonderful harp music throughout the evening, while local photographer Dave Brown captured memorable moments.

Located on Weld Road near Birkdale Village, Connell Court looked back on a busy and productive year with an evening of friendship, community, and entertainment.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Last year, Connell Court became part of the Crestview Care family, with the new owners making substantial improvements to the home’s facilities while retaining everything that makes it so loved by residents.

The event also welcomed members of the local community to come along, meet the team, see first-hand the ongoing improvements, and learn more about life at Connell Court. Anyone unable to attend is warmly invited to contact the home for more information or to arrange a visit.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Connell Court is now looking ahead to 2026, when it will celebrate its 50th anniversary since opening in 1976.

Reflections from Crestview Care

Crestview Care Director Steve Sargent said:

“We’d like to thank Julie Lawson BEM and everyone who joined us to celebrate our first anniversary at Connell Court.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already. We’ve been delighted to welcome Connell Court into our Crestview Care family. It’s everything we hoped it would be – and more.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

One of the reasons Connell Court remains such a popular place to live is the dedication and warmth of its staff. We’ve been so pleased to retain the vast majority of the team who were here when we purchased the home last year.

For us, it’s been about supporting that team while also making significant financial investment to enhance facilities and introduce new systems.

We’ve implemented new digital technology to boost efficiency, allowing staff to spend even more time with residents and less on paperwork.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

I always enjoy talking with residents and hearing their stories. One of them, Ralph, who is 97, told me that moving to Connell Court has given him a new lease of life. Instead of sitting at home alone, he’s surrounded by friends and caring staff — and he loves getting involved in the many activities we offer.”

Steve added:

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve carried out a major refurbishment programme. We wanted to get started straight away and make visible improvements that benefit residents.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

The first floor has been completely transformed, introducing our new boutique rooms, which have proven extremely popular — with only two of the new rooms now available.

So far, we’ve refurbished 14 of the home’s 37 rooms as part of our rolling improvement plan. We’ve also upgraded corridors, installed brand new televisions, and added stylish wooden flooring.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

And we’re not stopping there — our ambition is to keep improving.”

Life at Connell Court

Connell Court Business Manager Jennifer McCulloch said:

“This is such a happy home to work in. We’ve had a fantastic year with our residents — from day trips to Llandudno in the summer, to popular events like coffee mornings, cheese and wine evenings, quiz and boules nights, and boules nights, which residents and families love getting involved in.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Right now, residents are voting to choose which local charity we’ll support next year through our fundraising events — it’s all about giving choice and encouraging participation.

We also welcome lots of people for respite stays. Many come for a short break, enjoy the experience, and then return — some even choose to make Connell Court their permanent home.

People come to Connell Court because they want to be here, not because they have to be, and that makes all the difference.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

This December, we’re running a special offer — anyone staying with us for two weeks during the month can stay over Christmas Day and Boxing Day for free.

Winter can be a difficult time for older people, with colder weather and darker nights, so it’s a lovely opportunity to be among friends and enjoy the warmth and companionship of our community.”

About Connell Court

Established in 1976, Connell Court is a purpose-built, 37-bedroom residential care home with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Residents are supported to live fulfilling, independent lives with shared living and dining areas that foster a strong sense of community. The home offers a full programme of activities, outings, and events, alongside personalised care and support.

Crestview Care was founded by experienced care and housing specialists alongside family-oriented investors. Their shared vision is to deliver a compassionate, person-centred approach that strengthens the bond between residents and staff and ensures the highest standards of care.

Residents and staff at Connell Court in Southport have celebrated their first anniversary since being led by Crestview Care. Guest of honour was Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Julie Lawson BEM. Photo by David Brown Photography

Connell Court Care Home
20–22 Weld Road, Southport, PR8 2DL
Tel: 01704 560651
Website: www.connellcourt.co.uk
Email: hello@connellcourt.co.uk 

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