Care is all about people. At Altogether Care, that begins with the people who bring compassion, skill and commitment to the individuals and families we support every day.
As National Inclusion Week takes place from 14–20 September and Global Workplace Culture Day falls on 18 September, we are reflecting on the importance of creating a workplace where colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported to thrive. National Inclusion Week’s 2026 theme, ‘Build Trust. Navigate Change’, is a timely reminder that inclusion is built through everyday actions: listening well, treating people fairly and making space for every voice.
At Altogether Care, building trust and supporting wellbeing go hand in hand. We know that colleagues who feel valued, connected and supported are better able to thrive both personally and professionally. Throughout the year, we invest in colleague wellbeing, mental health awareness and opportunities for teams to connect, recognising that a positive workplace culture is essential for both our people and the individuals we support.
More than a job
A career in care can be hugely rewarding, but we also understand and recognise that it can be demanding. Our colleagues support people through important moments in their lives, often providing both practical help and reassurance. That is why creating a positive, connected workplace culture matters so much.
Across our Care Homes and Care at Home services, we aim to build teams where people feel part of the Altogether Care family from day one. We support colleagues to learn, develop and grow in their roles, whether they are starting their first job in care, returning to work, moving into a new area of expertise or developing their career in leadership.
Our colleagues work across Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire, bringing a wide range of life experiences, skills, cultures and perspectives to the team. This diversity is a strength. It helps us reflect the communities we serve and provide care that is thoughtful, respectful and personal to each individual.
Wellbeing in everyday life
Looking after others starts with looking after ourselves. Supporting good mental health and wellbeing is an important part of life at Altogether Care. Our wellbeing activities are designed to give colleagues opportunities to pause, connect and focus on their own health in ways that feel enjoyable, accessible and meaningful.
Every branch has trained mental health champions, who also act as local social champions who organise opportunities for colleagues to get together. Their understanding of their teams, local communities and the challenges colleagues can face helps them create opportunities for connection, support and wellbeing throughout the year. These events are shaped locally, giving teams the chance to connect outside their usual working routines, meet colleagues and enjoy time together.
We are also proud to work alongside Total Wellbeing Matters, totalwellbeingmatters whose expertise helps us further strengthen awareness, understanding and conversations around mental wellbeing. Together, we continue to promote a culture where colleagues feel comfortable seeking support and where mental health is recognised as being just as important as physical health.
Our wellbeing and social activities are shaped by local teams and reflect the interests of colleagues across the regions we serve. Our recent activities have included a ‘beach walk and talk’ event with our Blandford team, making the most of the coast, fresh air and conversation. Our West Moors colleagues marked the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 with a community wellbeing walk on Saturday 16 May.
At our Christchurch branch, colleagues also enjoyed a ‘bowling’ event in July: a simple opportunity to have fun, catch up and strengthen the connections that make a team feel supported.
Recent activities have included a ‘Beach Walk and Talk’ event with our Blandford team, making the most of the coast, fresh air and conversation, while colleagues in West Moors marked Mental Health Awareness Week with a community wellbeing walk.
In Yeovil, our colleagues came together to celebrate Sri Lankan New Year, recognising and sharing an important cultural tradition within our diverse workforce. These celebrations help strengthen understanding, inclusion and a sense of belonging across teams.
Other activities planned are team paella evenings, sea swimming – incredibly good for mental health, and other outdoor activities or informal social events, these opportunities help colleagues build connections beyond their everyday working roles and form part of our wider commitment to creating opportunities for colleagues to prioritise their wellbeing and take time out from the demands of daily life.
Taking time to reset
We have also been pleased to offer wellbeing sessions in natural surroundings. Our team recently spent time at Thorncombe Woods with Sian from The Budding Minds, budding minds, taking part in gentle yoga-inspired movement, sound bath, stretching, breathing techniques and guided meditation in nature.
Surrounded by trees and sunshine, colleagues had the chance to slow down, notice the natural world and reset. Further wellbeing events took place at Thorncombe Woods in August, giving more colleagues an opportunity to take time for themselves.
These moments do not remove the pressures of daily life, but they can offer something valuable: time to breathe, talk, move, reflect, and feel connected to others.
Inclusion that reflects communities
Inclusion means recognising that every person has something to contribute. We want Altogether Care to be a place where colleagues from all walks of life feel respected for who they are, supported in their role and able to bring their full selves to work.
The people we support come from diverse backgrounds, have different life stories, values, routines and care needs. Having a workforce with varied experiences and perspectives helps us better understand what matters to the individuals, families and communities we serve.
For us, an inclusive culture is not just about policies. It is about the everyday experience of working here: being listened to, having access to development, feeling comfortable asking for help, and knowing that your contribution matters.
Join the Altogether Care family
Our supportive culture is strengthened by the small things colleagues do for one another every day: checking in after a busy shift, sharing knowledge, celebrating successes, and making time to listen.
We are always looking for caring, committed people to join our teams. If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference while being supported to learn, develop and belong – explore a career with Altogether Care.
