At Meallmore, we believe that our strength lies in our people - and in the diverse experiences, cultures, and talents they bring to our care homes every day. This belief came to life in the most vibrant way at Kynnaird House Care Home, where colleagues from five Meallmore homes across Aberdeenshire gathered to explore the flavours, colours, and traditions of the world.
The Culture and Diversity event transformed Kynnaird House into a miniature airport, complete with creative props, cheerful “cabin crew,” and “departures” bound for 11 global destinations including Cuba, Thailand, Nigeria, the Philippines - and, of course, Scotland itself!
A Feast for All Senses
Colleagues representing various cultures prepared and cooked favourite dishes, filling the air with delicious aromas and offering guests the chance to sample authentic flavours from around the globe. The care home’s communal spaces burst into life with bright decorations, flags, and colleagues dressed in traditional attire, creating a festival atmosphere that was as welcoming as it was educational.
Guests moved from “country to country,” sampling dishes, learning about cultural traditions, and sharing laughter and stories. It wasn’t just an event for the taste buds; it was a genuine opportunity for colleagues to connect, learn, and appreciate the rich diversity that makes Meallmore such a special place to work and live.
A Collaborative Effort Across Homes
The event drew enthusiastic participation from teams across the region. Colleagues from Auchtercrag Care Home in Ellon, St Modans Care Home in Fraserburgh, Bayview Care Home in Cruden Bay, and Crimond House Care Home in Crimond joined Kynnaird House in making the day a true regional celebration.
It wasn’t just colleagues who contributed; residents at Kynnaird House took an active part too. They helped decorate the home with vibrant displays of flags and even joined the Kynnaird team in icing a beautifully themed cake symbolising unity and collaboration. The involvement of residents highlighted how inclusive events like this bring joy and purpose to life in our care homes, reinforcing bonds and creating lasting memories.
Living Our Vision and Values
The Culture and Diversity event is more than just a fun day - it’s a reflection of Meallmore’s vision to create great places to live and work. It embodies our C.A.R.E. values:
- Creating welcoming environments where everyone feels they belong
- Acting with accountability in fostering respect and understanding
- Recognising colleagues for their unique contributions
- Engaging in continuous improvement through learning and collaboration
By embracing the different cultures and experiences of our teams, we’re not only supporting individual wellbeing but also strengthening our communities. Events like this promote teamwork, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of the beautiful diversity within Meallmore.
A Resounding Success
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the event as “amazing,” “fantastic,” “brilliant,” and “excellent.” The celebration has become a highlight of the year for Kynnaird House and, judging by this year’s success, looks set to continue growing.
Roselle Alberto, Care Home Manager at Kynnaird House, reflected on the experience:
“We absolutely loved planning and hosting this wonderful, inclusive, and vibrant cultural celebration for our Aberdeenshire team. A special thank you to our colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. Their contributions, insights, and willingness to share their traditions enriched our event and made it truly special. I deeply appreciate their involvement and the unique perspectives they brought to the table. I'm so grateful for everyone's hard work in making it a huge success. It wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation and dedication of each and every one of them. We’re already looking forward to next year!”
Looking Ahead
Kynnaird House’s Culture and Diversity event is a shining example of how Meallmore goes beyond delivering care - it’s about creating communities where everyone feels valued and celebrated. It’s proof that a workplace built on respect and inclusion isn’t just better for colleagues; it’s better for residents, families, and the communities we serve.
We look forward to next year’s celebration and to continuing to build a culture that reflects the richness and diversity of our Meallmore family.
