The Friends of Larchwood support the work of the home. Situated in a quiet rural location on the outskirts of Braintree, and close to the village of Bocking, Larchwood is a purpose built 64 bedded care home offering Dementia and Respite care.
The Friends aim to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives.
The Friends of Larchwood are looking to develop services on the site. We have found that this is particularly valued by some residents who through deteriorating health do not have the confidence to come out of their rooms. Alongside this we support the care homes’ activities’ coordinators by providing extra pairs of hands during organised activity sessions and outings.
Spring Garden Tidy Up

On Thursday 1st May 2025 the Friends of Larchwood organised a garden tidy up
It was a pleasure for the Friends of Larchwood to spend 5 hours weeding, tidying and planting the courtyard garden ready for the residents VE Day celebrations to following week.
Thank you to the Arnold Clark Community Fund
Friends of Larchwood are delighted to share that we have received £400 from the Arnold Clark Community Fund
The £400 will go towards the coffee mornings.
Christmas stockings for residents
Christmas stockings were delivered for 71 of the residents.
Friends of Larchwood contributed to spreading joy over the Christmas at Larchwood Care Home. The Friends were able to purchase items for stockings for 71 residents in the home. The Friends purchased items including bed socks, toiletries and playing cards. Residents and staff enjoyed receiving these gifts.
Volunteering opportunities
We know your time is valuable and any time you can spare for us will make a big difference. You could volunteer at a one off event or regularly, it is entirely up to you.
If you don’t see a volunteering opportunity to suit you then please get in touch because we could develop an opportunity just for you. If you would like to volunteer please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Befriending
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Helpful disposition with an interest in local community
When: Monday – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 1-2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Lunch Time Companion “Let’s Do Lunch”
- Patience and understanding
- A calm relaxed nature
- A friendly approachable manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
When: Monday – Sunday (Lunch Time)
How long: 1-2 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk
Trolley Shop Volunteer
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Friendly and helpful with an interest in the community
- Able to deal with challenging behaviour
- Cash handling
- Punctual and reliable
When: Monday – Sunday (AM or PM)
How long: 1 - 3 hours a week
How to apply: please download the application form and return by email to info@friendsofcarehomes.org.uk