Spring 2014 Acacia Times

Central Office, Blackbrook Park Avenue,, TA1 2PX. Inside this issue Tel: (01823) 448150 • www.somersetcare.co.uk

Training Heathfield Support Celebrations and CEDA Page 2 Realise New Beginnings Meet Susan May Page 3

Community Wiltshire Staff Recognised for Going The Distance Page 4 & 5

Care Homes Harry Patch Award Winner Page 6 & 7

In other news... ‘Tell Your Story’ with Paul Cullis Page 8 Reablement – The Learning Curve On 12th March, we hosted a conference with a focus on reablement services. Christmas Tree The conference was held at Dillington House, inviting delegates to take part Competition in parallel sessions and listen to six keynote speakers, including This year, our Christmas Tree representatives from the Independent Competition was opened up to hundreds of judges after we published Living Team in Somerset, Help to the photographs on our Facebook Live at Home scheme in Wiltshire page. We would like to thank everyone that submitted photos and Hampshire React Pilot. and everyone that voted. Care Homes First Place – The Halcon Centre Second Place – Oak Trees Employer of Third Place – Sydenham House Community Services The Year and Realise Congratulations Chris We’re pleased to announce that Wiltshire Community Yeovil College presented us with Services Base Congratulations to Finance Director the ‘Employer of the Year’ (Large) and Company Secretary, Chris Wall, for Central Office Award at their 2013 Apprenticeship being awarded the Chartered Director Finance and Systems Awards in November. qualification in 2013.

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Editorial Acacia Training & Development Realise Welcome to the Spring edition of Meet Susan May… Acacia Times... Susan May receives support from the Realise team in Bournemouth and has kindly Happy New Year to you all and taken some time to let us know a little more welcome to the first edition of 2014. about her. We had some lovely Christmas events “Hi, I’m Susan May. and activities across the Group but also experienced extreme weather This is what is important to me in my life: My including floods, lightning striking bungalow, family and friends. In the past I lived one of the care homes and a fire Bournemouth’s with three other people, and in 2011, I had the at another. Luckily, we can report opportunity to live in my own bungalow. that no-one was injured throughout Festive Fundraising In February 2011, I moved in to my own the adverse weather conditions, bungalow in Kinson, I live here on my own with although it did give the Property The Bournemouth Realise 24-hour support, seven days a week. I really like Department a few additional jobs at Heathfield Support CEDA team held a small gathering my bungalow and I have settled in well, I still see my parents regularly and other the start of the year. Thank you to all Staff members from ATD Heathfield are feeling extremely pleased after raising funds to send family members and friends, which is important to me. I like cooking, knitting and of our staff that braved the weather for the people they support a group of disabled children to a show. Assistant Director, Hazel Lessiter, donated a basket of making cakes at home and at my friend, Hilary’s house, who I have known for 14 conditions and made it to work! hand-made Christmas decorations which raised a total of £60, enough for 7 children from the and asked everyone to wear years. Hilary has a cat called Martha who I like stroking. So far in 2014, we have already CEDA group to watch a performance of Mr Benn. They received a letter back from the group Christmas jumpers to raise I enjoy dancing, swimming, going out for meals and meeting up with friends for held a successful conference thanking them for the kind donation. a coffee and a chat. Life is good for me since I have had this opportunity to live in looking at reablement in care and funds for Save the Children. “The performance itself was just brilliant and had all our children engaged through it. One my own home and I’m happy. I would not be able to do all of this without good we are all looking forward to the of the children’s parents couldn’t believe he’d sat still for a whole hour. Thank you so much, The team made and decorated support staff who I like.” impending opening of the new you’ve definitely given them a day to remember. I imagine we’re going to be doing a lot of cakes to sell, as well as other Wessex House in Somerton, as well fancy dress in the coming weeks!” as many other exciting projects and activities, with over £100 Here’s a photograph of the group supporting local X Factor star Luke Friend. opportunities across the group. being raised for the charity.

Kim Wilson My Caring Rewards pick Paula Editor as Christmas Winner In November, a competition was held on our staff benefits New to You website, My Caring Rewards. The competition gave anyone who logged into the site between 1st-18th November, a chance to win £100 worth of vouchers. The lucky winner Tom Bourne, could have a choice of Asda, Sainsbury’s or Marks & Spencers Assistant vouchers as their prize, a great way to pay for Christmas dinner. Director, Paula Lacey, Training Co-ordinator at ATD Plymouth, was Realise picked at random and awarded her choice of a £100 Sainsbury’s voucher, congratulations Paula! John Supports Paul and Mary visit Central Office. Central Office staff were extremely pleased to welcome VIP judges to the first Taunton Carnival ‘Great Mince Pie Bake Off’. A number of New home-made mince pies were submitted John Hendrie used his spare time to and underwent judging To You ATD Taunton’s help with Taunton Carnival last year for presentation and taste. Congratulations to Kate from Charity of The Year with the support of Naomi, his Support HR who came first in the ATD Taunton chose St Margaret’s Worker. John dressed up for the competition on her second Hospice as their 2013 charity of the year day of working for us! and raised a total of £273.50. The team occasion and walked the route with his A number of Christmas at Taunton worked hard over the 12 collection tin, which was fit to burst as he reached activities were organised months organising fundraising activities the halfway point. John has offered to help with the by members of staff from and two adventurous members of staff Payroll and HR over the festive period building of the Carnival float ready for the season to Catherine Beedell took part in a fire walk which involved and we would like to say a huge thank walking over 800 degree coals! you for all of the hard work and planning ATD Centre start later this year. that they put in. Manager, Taunton 4 5

Community Page Thanks for Taunton “The family wanted to say thank you formally, on behalf CLUB of my mum Dot, for the all the hard work, kindness and Wiltshire Staff Congratulations to… friendship you have shown us all throughout the years that Mum spent having care. I know how hard Somerset Recognised Violet Butcher Care tried to support those needs, guided by Jackie, for Going who celebrated her 102nd Birthday to whom I am very grateful for all she did in order to the Distance with a family party obtain the additional support and equipment needed to Staff from the Bradford-on-Avon on 16th November enable Mum to continue to live at Elizabeth House, and team were awarded certificates 2013. Violet and bouquets of flowers for receives support also for the kindness shown to Mum which she greatly going the extra mile during from Sedgemoor appreciated. Thank you also to the team of carers, who the recent adverse weather. Community Services. made those last few months with you possible, working Several members of staff worked Mr Gillard so hard to give Mum the dignity and help she needed in their days off, travelled miles who celebrated out of their area and planners his 105th Birthday a professional and dedicated way. Thank you from the worked hard to communicate on 24th December Good Luck Clare bottom our hearts to you all for the wonderful work you changes and ensure that every 2013. Mr Gillard Staff from Torbay Community Services wished the former Manager, Clare Barge, do, we send our very best wishes for its continuation.” person received a visit. receives support ‘goodbye and good luck’ as she worked her last day at the base before Christmas. from Wiltshire Luckily, Clare has not gone far and has accepted a position with YourLife, our joint Community Services. venture with McCarthy & Stone. Tweet

Onwards So unbelievably Base of proud of my team and Upwards @SomersetCare Mendip’s the Month #teamBradford Vikki Rigate, Community Zumba Congratulations to Services the following teams: Manager, Surrey Class West Somerset - September, November and December Following the introduction of the new ‘Be Healthy’ campaign, Mendip Community Services have decided to hold regular exercise classes in the training “The West Somerset base are ‘LOOK’ New To You room at the base. Their first session was run by a local Zumba teacher; here’s a very proud to have achieved photo after an hour’s exercise. Keep up the good work ladies! this award on three occasions out for Chantel Jenna Murray, and for the recognition from the Community Senior Management Team in their Chantel Chant, a planner at Chard Community efforts with regards to increasing Services base, is running the 2014 Services the private market and gaining Marathon for LOOK. The charity supports parents Manager, South Sugary Treat an excellent CQC report.” and carers of children with a visual impairment, Hampshire providing support, information and activities, South Hampshire - with a view to helping them gain the best outcomes Sandra for Torbay October in life and reach their full potential. A keen runner, Robertson, Staff members at the Torbay “The base and the team were Chantel is part of Chard running club and completed Community Community Services base received delighted to have been awarded a marathon in 2012. If you would like to sponsor Services Manager, a treat after being picked by Palm ‘Base of The Month’, especially as the Chantel, please visit her fundraising page North Hampshire FM for their weekly ‘Bun Run’. team have been through some very www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChantelChant. challenging times; this award really helped to boost morale.” 6 7

New To You Care Homes

Carol Edwards If I could change just Assistant Director, one thing… Residential Services To celebrate European Week of Health & Safety, we asked you all to finish the sentence… “If I could change just one thing Onwards in my work setting to improve health, safety and well-being, it CLUB and Upwards would be…” Cheese and Congratulations to… All submitted responses were entered into a prize Croft House Receive draw and Paula Ratcliffe, Deputy Manager at Caroline Vera Gleed from Moorhaven, was announced as the winner and was Wine Treat for Generous Donation Lockwood Deputy Moorhaven who presented with a £100 voucher for Sainsbury’s. This Nurse Manager, Training Success Just before Christmas, Croft House celebrated her is the second year that the competition has run and The Priory, received an extremely generous 104th Birthday on 7th we’ve found it a highly successful way to gather Staff members at Croft House who had recently donation of £100 from Minehead Tetbury November 2013. feedback on health and safety across the Group. completed QCF qualifications, were invited Golf Club. The money has been to a cheese and wine evening to celebrate. put into the Residents’ amenities Eileen Rountree from Julia Taylor Each staff member was presented with their fund to go towards trips out, Burnworthy House Foundation Stone laid for certificate by Paul Cullis and a fun evening activities and entertainment. Deputy Manager, who celebrated her Cookson’s Court Development was had by all, congratulations everyone! Portcullis House, 100th Birthday on 20th Langport On 28th February, MP David Laws officially laid December 2013. the foundation stone for the new Cookson’s Court development. A party was held at Preston Park House, Phyllis Taylor from Georgina where staff and residents were joined by family, friends, The Priory who Rogers Manager, GPs and other local connections, for tea and cake. The celebrated her 101st Critchill Court, new home will provide nursing care to 65 residents and Birthday on 30th Frome will replace the current Preston Park House in Yeovil. December 2013.

Harry Patch Award Winner Emily Bentley from Cary Brook Sarah Woodford, Manager at Inver House, has been who celebrated her Movers announced as the 2013 Harry Patch Award Winner. Sarah 106th Birthday on was nominated for this award for her commitment to 17th January 2014. and Shakers Somerset Care and the homes on the . Over the past year, Sarah has supported Osborne Cottage Gwen Allen from Amy Yapp alongside running Polars. Sarah has now moved to Inver House, where her positive attitude and willingness Inver House who Manager, nd to help will be much appreciated by all the staff. Oh we do like to be beside the seaside… celebrated her 102 Wessex House, Birthday on Somerton Residents and staff at Milton House are delighted with the look of their new 9th November 2013. seaside themed bathroom. The mural was painted by local artist, Abbie Jackson, Rudolph’s Replacement and was paid for with the money raised at events within the home. Sarah Woodford Rudolph was very tired after a night delivering Manager, presents across the world, so on Christmas morning Inver House, he sent his friend ‘Hugo’ to Wyndham House. Staff from Portcullis House Tweet Isle of Wight Hugo spent the morning giving out presents to the Brave the Floods residents, what a lovely treat! In #Street this Can you believe this photo of Beryl Dyer, Administrator afternoon attending the at Portcullis House, wading through flood water to make Southlawns (@SomersetCare) it to work? Staff at Portcullis House were some of the Ready, Steady, Bake! team meeting. Lovely and worst affected by floods with staff staying with family, friendly staff here talking Cooks from across our care homes have been asked to take part in a cake competition. Entrants have friends and at the care home, to ensure that they made about Christmas been asked to make and decorate a cake with a ‘Spring/early Summer’ theme and will be submitting it to work. Karen Wilson, Manager at Portcullis House, their entries to judges in June, we’ll let you know the outcome in Acacia Times later this year. would like to thank all of her staff for their commitment to the home throughout the recent weather challenges. 8

New To You In Other News

Paula Gue Paul Cullis - Clinical Services Manager TELL YOUR STORY I commenced employment with Somerset County Council as a Trainee Residential Social Worker on the Ian Gunn 1st June 1974. The following year I joined the Social Health and Services Relief Team and this gave me the opportunity Safety Officer of working in all the residential provisions from day (Maternity nurseries and children’s homes to care homes for older Cover) people. I stayed on the Relief Team for nearly fifteen years relishing the variety and new challenges and always thought it was an excellent grounding for me in later life.

Following my time on the Relief Team, I took up a post as Deputy Manager at Oak Trees Movers and and subsequently moved to Frith House and eventually became Manager at a time of major redevelopment, which proved an interesting and exciting experience. My next move shakers brought me into Central Office as an Operations Manager and the opportunity to revisit many of the homes where I worked years before on the Relief Team. Heather Gibbs Workforce After almost forty years in the sector, I have seen many changes. I have seen enormous Learning and development of services and facilities which have improved beyond recognition. What Development hasn’t changed is the vast amount of dedicated skilled people delivering fantastic care every day of the year. Manager (Maternity I will miss my colleagues at Somerset Care; it is a wonderful and well respected company. Cover)/Quality Assurance I have many happy memories of service users over the years that I have had the privilege to Project Manager (Acacia meet and play a part in their care. Training & Development) I feel ready to move into the next stage of my life and I have a number of tasks and hobbies which I now hope I will have the time to enjoy.

We have been busy developing our new ‘Be Healthy’ campaign for all staff. This exciting new initiative was launched to all Managers with a ‘Be the Cracker not the Pud’ Christmas Pedometer Challenge. 47 Managers across the Somerset Care Group took up the challenge, and between them took 6,565,832.02 steps/13,210 miles and therefore walked more than half way around the world. Congratulations to Kim Dominey, Operations Manager, who won the challenge!

Staff received a launch bag, and were asked to complete a health survey to establish the full health extent of our workforce, therefore ensuring we tailor our campaign to our staff needs. During the year, the campaign will cover the following areas: Healthy Eating, Getting Active, Health Care and Emotional Well-being. Within each area we hope to provide staff with access to information, advice and support, interactive challenges, competitions, sharing employee success stories, and many more exciting things!