Over the past few days households across the region have faced significant disruption following the latest water issues affecting Tunbridge Wells. As reported widely in BBC News coverage, thousands of residents have found themselves unexpectedly without running water – creating stress, uncertainty, and real challenges for everyday living. For many of our customers, especially older adults and those living with health conditions, even a short disruption can have a big impact. And that’s exactly why Tunbridge Wells water crisis support matters. When essential services falter, community care becomes more important than ever.
At Braeburn Care, we knew immediately that waiting simply wasn’t an option. From the moment families started contacting us about the water shortage, our team mobilised quickly – sourcing bottled water, delivering essentials, checking on wellbeing, and making sure no customer was left without the support they needed.
Understanding the Challenges Behind the Tunbridge Wells Water Crisis
The water issues in Tunbridge Wells have affected large parts of the local community. With households experiencing low pressure or complete loss of supply, everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing, taking medication or simply staying hydrated have become immensely difficult.
For vulnerable adults, the impact is far greater:
- Dehydration risks increase
- Medication routines can be disrupted
- Hygiene support becomes more complex
- Anxiety and distress can heighten quickly
This is where strong community response is essential. And it’s why we prioritised water crisis support from the very first moment.
Our Response: Delivering Water, Comfort and Reassurance
With the crisis unfolding, our care management team coordinated a response plan across West Kent:
1. Sourcing Bottled Water Locally and Regionally – Shops across the area quickly ran low on bottled water, so our team travelled further afield to source enough supplies for our customers – ensuring no one went without.
2. Delivering Water Directly to Customers’ Homes – Care Professionals and office staff worked together to deliver bottled water directly to doorsteps, prioritising customers with:
- High hydration needs
- Complex health conditions
- Limited mobility
- No immediate family support nearby
3. Checking Welfare and Adjusting Care Plans – We carried out welfare checks, adapted care plans, and ensured customers had enough water for hydration, medication and essential hygiene needs.
4. Supporting NOKs and Families – Communication remained open and frequent, providing reassurance to families living both locally and further afield.
Ensuring Continuity of Care – Despite the logistical challenges, every care visit was completed – with staff going above and beyond to maintain normality and comfort.
Practical help, emotional reassurance, and a team that refuses to let circumstances compromise care.
Why Our Team’s Response Matters
Crises reveal the strength of a community and the dedication of the people within it. The compassion, adaptability and sheer determination shown by our team has been extraordinary.
They have:
- Carried water into homes
- Reassured anxious customers
- Stayed beyond scheduled times
- Taken extra journeys to collect additional supplies
- Stepped in wherever they were most needed
Their actions show what it truly means to care and we could not be more proud. Supporting people through moments like these is more than a service; it’s a responsibility we take to heart.
Community Care in Action: More Than Just Bottled Water
While water delivery was the immediate need, water crisis support goes much deeper.
Our team provided:
- Extra hydration reminders
- Warm conversations and emotional comfort
- Help preparing meals that require minimal water
- Support with washing and hygiene adjustments
- Safety monitoring for signs of dehydration or confusion
For customers living alone, the value of human connection during a crisis cannot be overstated. Something as simple as a familiar face arriving with water and reassurance can transform worry into calm.
A Thank You to Our Team
To every member of our team who stepped up to offer water crisis support: thank you.
Your commitment reflects everything we stand for at Braeburn Care. You showed initiative, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to the people who rely on us and it makes a real difference.
