The first Antokol Home was established in 1951 to care for elderly Polish people who had been unable to return to Poland after World War II. Most of our residents have lived in England for 60 or more years, but many of them have found it difficult to integrate fully into British society. Although playing their part in the public and economic life of Britain, they have lovingly maintained their separate cultural and religious identity in their home and private life. Today they still need a Polish home for ease of communication as well as for the continued celebration of Polish traditions and participation in religious services, so that the autumn of their lives can lived in dignity, security and peace.
Our aim is to be a 'home from home' for all elderly people with a Polish connection living in the UK.
Sometimes, elderly people come to have a holiday with us taking advantage of the nearby woodland walks and the access to town centres just a short bus-ride away. Others come for periods of reconvalescence after operations or illness, or for respite stays when their families go off on their own holidays. All of them enjoy the Polish cuisine and relaxed family environment.

Antokol now accepts residents with varying degrees of care need, from those who are still quite active and independent right through to those who are completely dependent on us for all aspects of their personal care. We do our best to care for all our residents to the end, but occasionally they are transferred to hospital or to nursing homes, if a serious illness occurs or nursing intervention beomes an imperative.
There are 33 bedrooms with hot and cold running water, some of which are large enough for married couples. There is a private chapel with daily services and the visiting Polish chaplain says Holy Mass on Sundays, Fridays and Holy Days. Other communal rooms include a TV room with Polish satellite programmes and a quiet sitting room. Sunday and daily polish papers are available in the well-stocked library. Traditional
Polish meals are served in the large dining room, but a variety of favourite tastes and special diets can be catered for on request.