Nestled high above the River Tweed in the Northumbrian village of Norham, Birch Hill Care Centre has been providing quality care to older people in our communities since 1969.

Birch Hill is owned and operated by BEN, the UK's automotive and related industries charity, and permanent residents must have a connection to those industries either through their own work or that of a close relative. This restriction, however, does not apply to day care or respite care, both of which are currently available.

Day care allows an older person to become part of life at the centre during the day but return home in the evenings. For people living close to the centre, transport can be provided at a small cost. This can give family carers an occasional break or older people who may be living alone, the chance to enjoy some company and a nourishing home-cooked lunch!

If you require a short stay to recover from a recent hospital stay, or if your family are going on holiday, a respite break of one week to six months is easily accommodated.

Birch Hill has 24 beautifully appointed bedrooms, many of which have wonderful views of our gardens and the River Tweed. The centre also boasts a light and airy conservatory and a large TV lounge where people tend to gather for a natter throughout the day. This room is also used for an extensive activity programme in the afternoons.

Birch Hill is committed to staff training and has recently been awarded "Outstanding Employer of the Year 2010" from Northumberland County Council, for our commitment to NVQ training. This year two care staff are undertaking their NVQ level 2, six day care staff are studying for level 3 and one member of care staff is doing their level 4.

Within the beautifully maintained grounds there are ten sheltered bungalows for people aged 55 and over which are available to rent or buy. A small number are currently unoccupied, so if you would like any information on them please give us a call.

Birch Hill will be holding two open afternoons on Sunday 18th and Monday 19th July between 2pm and 4pm.

BEN's Director of Care Services, Jenny Brown, said;
"Birch Hill is a wonderful care centre and we are very proud to have such happy and fulfilled residents thanks to the care and commitment of the staff. It really is a ‘home from home' where every resident is treated with love and respect. We hope that local people will pop in for a cup of tea and a chat and see what we have to offer!"