Speaker of the House visits Astley View care home as social care returns to the national spotlight

The visit comes at a time when social care has returned to the national conversation, providing an opportunity to highlight the essential role the sector plays in supporting people, families and communities, and the highly skilled care and support delivered every day.

Sir Lindsay spent time with residents and colleagues, hearing about the difference Astley View has made to their lives. Residents spoke about the friendships they have built, the reassurance of having expert care available around the clock, enjoying activities and outings, and the comfort of being part of a community where they feel safe, valued and supported.

During the visit, Sir Lindsay also spoke to residents about his life and career, from growing up locally in Adlington to becoming Speaker of the House of Commons.

He reflected on the history of the Speaker’s role, which stretches back more than 650 years, before sharing some of his own journey in local and national politics. He spoke about becoming Chorley’s councillor at the age of 22, later serving as Mayor of Chorley and going on to become an MP and serve on a number of parliamentary committees before being elected Speaker of the House of Commons in 2019.

Speaking to residents, Sir Lindsay reflected on how remarkable that journey has been for someone who still considers himself a local lad from Chorley. He also spoke about his determination to put Chorley on the map and his continued commitment to wanting the best for the area.

Residents had their own questions for the Speaker, including how he manages to remember the names of so many MPs in the House of Commons. Sir Lindsay joked that he knows everyone, just not necessarily all at the same time.

Christina Durnan, Home Manager at Astley View Care Home, said: "We were delighted to welcome Sir Lindsay to Astley View. The visit was kept as a surprise for our residents, so it was lovely to see their reactions when he arrived.

"Sir Lindsay took the time to chat with residents and colleagues, listen to their experiences and hear what living and working at Astley View means to them and their families. It was a pleasure to welcome him into our home and share what makes Astley View such a special place."

Syd Coombes, Managing Director of Evermore Care Homes, said: "Social care touches the lives of so many people. Every day, dedicated teams across the sector provide expert care, support and reassurance, helping people continue to live fulfilling lives while giving families confidence that their loved ones are in safe hands.

"Care homes are an important part of that. They are communities where people build friendships, remain connected to the people and places that matter to them, and receive the support they need from skilled and compassionate colleagues who genuinely care.

"That is what social care is really about. It is about people, relationships and helping people live the life they want, with the right support around them. As the future of social care continues to be debated nationally, it is important that policymakers have opportunities to hear directly from the people delivering and receiving care. We were grateful to Sir Lindsay for taking the time to visit Astley View, meet our residents and colleagues, and take an interest in the work being done across the social care sector."

Astley View Care Home, located on Berry Way, Chorley PR7 6RA, provides residential, dementia, respite and end of life care for older people across Chorley and the surrounding area.