Social ServicesAward! Tommy winsaScottish visit our websitewww.forliving.org the awardsceremonyinthisissueof The SOL Singer. Tommy butthewholeorganisation. There ismoreabout achievement, buttowinwasmagnificent,notjustfor To be nominatedforthisawardwasanamazing job’ butwhoseapproachmakesitsomuchmorethanthat.” inspiring individualwhothinksthattheyare‘justdoingtheir the organiserswerelookingfor“anunsunghero;an Tommy won‘TheUntoldStory’ category. Inthiscategory Edinburgh. an awardattheScottishSocialServices Awards in Tommy Murphy, one ofourSupportWorkers, won p6 p3 In thisissue:

THESinger SOL Tommy’s Award It’s allgoin the garden

p10 p4 Aileen takes a trip Aileen takesatrip Birthday Boys to Ireland

p11 Mersey Paradise Mersey Paradise Athena andKay for Derek p5

Issue 15 Recognising great work! It’s all go in the garden! It’s been a busy few months since the last SOL Singer. We recently caught up with Wullie and Jake to talk about the work being carried out One of the highs has been the news that one of our Support in Wullie’s garden. Workers, Tommy Murphy, won the category of ‘The Untold Story’ at The garden has been an the Scottish Social Services Awards on the 6th of June 2018. ongoing project with the I feel Tommy caught the eye of the judges because he is “just a guys building raised really nice guy”. He dedicates his time to making sure the person flower beds, a potting he supports has the best life possible. Well done and congratulations Donna Thompson shed and the area Tommy, SOL is so proud of you and the work you do. monoblocked for easier wheelchair access. However, be assured that I know there are many more SOL workers across the organisation who have a great pride in the work they do and who dedicate and commit Last year Wullie and Jake, their time to ensure people have the best lives possible. along with a few other people, grew carrots, potatoes and garlic. They also grew some pot plants The garden getting ready for this summer Building partnerships and highlighting in the potting shed! There is also a small water the good work of SOL Connect feature, next to the pergola, that’s filled with fragrant As you know, the work being carried out by the SOL Connect team is now noticed far flowers and herbs. The and wide. As well as working with some of the people supported by SOL, the team are sound of the water and the building new partnerships with other supported living providers and local authorities. smell of the flowers is a joy The team are working closely with an organisation called Fair Deal in Castlemilk. They for the senses! have been working with the Fair Deal staff members, the people they work for and their friends and families, to trial remote support after carrying out a number of risk This year they are installing assessments and reviews. So far 4 people from Fair Deal have been using SOL Connect a polytunnel, so hopefully, Get involved successfully for over 4 months with even more people wanting to try us out. the growing won’t be restricted to the summer Fair Deal’s Chief Executive, Ann Marie Docherty, commented months. “It’s been a great project to be involved with. We have been If you would like to help working in partnership with SOL Connect to redesign night Some of the fruits of last years effort! time support for some of the people we work for. The SOL Jake and Wullie in the Connect team have been brilliant to work with throughout garden, by either helping this process. They have given us a real insight into how them to prepare for the technology can enhance a person’s life.” year ahead or having a go at planting some We also worked in partnership to review all the planning and work vegetables or flowers which was then used to create the booklet called ‘Finding New then please call Jake on Ways to Achieve Positive Outcomes’. This booklet has also been 0779 596 4342 for more shared across Glasgow promoting the work of SOL Connect. information. p.2 p.3 Aileen takes a Mersey Paradise for Derek Derek and Pat recently took a four day trip to Liverpool, travelling on the bus from Hamilton as part trip to Ireland of an organised tour. Aileen recently took a much longed for day trip to The lads stayed in the Adelphi Hotel in the city centre Ireland with her Dad, Brother, Meena, and Anne. As close to the docks. No trip to Liverpool would be complete it was the first time Aileen had flown, they were all without a wee trip to the Cavern to see where it all started really looking forward to their trip and excitement for The Beatles. levels were high. One of the highlights of With the sun shining, they set off from Glasgow Airport on “The highlight of my trip was Derek’s trip was a visit to the 7.40am to Dublin with Ryanair. Aileen loved the flight, Anfield – it was magic!” Anfield, home of Liverpool and particularly enjoyed seeing the views from the plane. Aileen enjoying a Football Club, where Derek Derek on the tour By the time Aileen had finished her coffee it was nearly relaxing time in Ireland he was able to visit the of Anfield, home of time to touch down. home and away dressing rooms, touch the famous ‘This Liverpool FC Once the hire car was picked up, the gang made the is Anfield’ sign and walk down the players tunnel. He also most of their day. One of the places Aileen wanted to visit visited the press room and had a seat in the managers was the Woodenbridge Hotel in Vale Of Avoca, a place dugout and had a seat in the famous Kop. The guides that holds many happy were great and Derek absolutely loved the tour. memories for her family. “The flight was fantastic A trip to Southport was also part of the tour which the They also took a trip to the and I loved it” lads really enjoyed and the city bus tour which went down beach, where they met up a treat. Aileen with a couple of friends and had a delicious fish supper Unfortunately it was too windy to take ‘the ferry cross the from a wee hut down by the shore. Aileen was given a Mersey’ but hopefully it is something Derek can do on his lucky stone from a lovely lady that they met there. next visit! Everyone loved the beautiful Irish scenery and the city of Dublin. They certainly packed a lot into their day and they even managed to celebrate Anne’s birthday along the way. All too soon, it was time to head back home and Aileen could not wait to get back on the plane for the return Aileen boarding her journey. Roll on the next trip. flight to Ireland Your SOL Singer stories If you have any stories that you would like featured in The SOL Singer then please contact Donna Bruce on 01698 276206 or email [email protected] Derek visiting The Cavern Club, made famous by The Beatles p.4 p.5 Brian, Tommy, Teresa (Brian’s Mum), Craig and Donna at the SSSA Awards Ceremony Brian with the other guys at his local gym

Tommy’s nomination focussed on the positive impact he Tommy brings has had in the life of a young gentleman called Brian. Brian previously found social settings off putting, and at times avoided them all together. Tommy identified this and the negative impact this was having on Brian’s life back a top award! and health. He used his local contacts at a boxing gym to introduce Brian to fitness, in a group setting, where he could meet new people whilst getting fit and healthy. We’re delighted to announce that one of the organisation’s Support Workers, It’s not been a quick process, but with Tommy’s help, Tommy Murphy, has won ‘The Untold Brian is now loving the gym and meeting more and more Story’ award at the recent Scottish Social new people! Brian working hard Services Awards held on the 6th June at at the gym with Tommy Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh.

Tommy was entered into the category ‘The Untold Story’ which celebrates people who go the extra mile to make a positive difference for others in their day-to-day job or champion social services more widely. This category really focused on the positive impact an individual can make on another person’s life and how social care is truly about empowering people to believe in themselves to achieve things they never thought possible. Tommy and Brian p.6 p.7 Tommy with the other winners at the SSSA awards ceremony

further highlights the great front line staff we have in the organisation.

The steps that Tommy and Brian have taken together Tommy faced some really stiff competition in really shows what can be his category and to make it down to the final “Tommy treats Brian as an accomplished when the three was a massive achievement. The other equal. I just wish we had met person we work for is truly two nominees in the category were a Senior Tommy a lot sooner. He’s at the centre of the support Practitioner from SAMH and a Family Support honestly one in a million”. they receive.” Assistant from East Ayrshire HSCP. Brian’s Mum We have some fantastic Have a look at the Tommy commented “It’s amazing to staff in SOL, who all have be recognised in such a way for the wonderful experiences work that I do. For me it’s always all to share of making a real nomination video about the people I work for. If I can difference to the people we As part of Tommy’s nomination the SSSA help a person try new things, and it support by putting them at the partnered with the City of Glasgow College make a difference to their life, then I centre and enabling them to and produced a short film clip for his know I’ve achieved something.” achieve the life of their choice. nomination. You can view it on our social We aim to continue using the media channels and website. As highlighted by the SSSA’s judging SOL Stars feature in our staff panel, Tommy’s nomination was “A newsletter, UPD8, to highlight heart-warming and powerful story, these great pieces of work. showing the impact one worker can have on someone – sums up what this If you have a story you award is about.” would like to feature in the SOL Singer then please SOL’s Director, Donna Thompson contact Donna Bruce on 01698 276206 and you never commented “It’s brilliant for Tommy Tommy with SOL’s Director, know, it might be someone to be recognised in this way. It’s a Donna Thompson and Practice Leader, else from SOL collecting an really prestigious award that just Craig Irons award next year! p.8 p.9 Birthday boys! Athena is just There have been a couple of birthday celebrations recently. Steven celebrated his 44th birthday and John turned 60! ‘purrrrfect’ for Kay Steven celebrated with his team by going for a Chinese buffet at the Hup Lee in Kay has a new addition to her household in the shape enjoying some birthday cake of ‘Athena’ the cat. Athena was chosen from Bothwell whilst he was there. He also had a day Cat and Dog home in Hamilton last October and is a of shopping and treated himself to a new six year old Tabby. tracksuit and trainers. Kay has always been one for taking in cats to give them something to eat, so the team thought it would be a good idea if Kay had a cat of her own. When Athena first arrived she wouldn’t come down the stairs, but Kay would stand at the bottom of the stairs Steven celebrating his birthday shouting on her and gradually she came down. Her Athena settling in to favourite spot is now in front of the living room window, her surroundings! beside her scratch post, and she is quite content and clearly loves her home. The only thing Athena is scared of is Kay’s zimmer frame, which is good as it means that she is not a trip hazard for Kay.

John marking his Athena has settled very well into Kay’s home and Kay just special birthday loves her to bits (as you can see).

Kay and Athena enjoying some time together

John marked a special birthday when he turned 60. He also enjoyed a buffet at the Hup Lee, with Robin and Craig from his team, and then got stuck into some birthday cake back at his home.

Both guys had very memorable birthdays.

A huge happy birthday to both of you from all at SOL! p.10 p.11 Making plans with the Staff Council Things to try and do There’s loads going on across Central Scotland, Computer classes with a huge amount of clubs and activities to try. We thought we would showcase a few that you can go • Want to surf the web? along and try! • Keep in contact with family abroad? Guys & Dollz Drama Group • Learn more about your smartphone? Most of our North based staff will have Why not join in with some heard of the ‘drama group’. The group (Guys & Dollz) “Digital inclusion” classes meets in Motherwell every Friday. They are currently that are popping up all over looking for more people to come along and take part Motherwell. The Staff Council hard at work during their development day in the group. Please phone Frances or The group offers people who have a passion for music, Marc on 01698 404055 With the recent appointment of theatre and dance the ideal place to come together Barry Davidson as Chairperson and and enjoy these interests together, no matter what your Laura Lindsay as Vice Chairperson, ability is. Take 5 Autism it was felt that it would be an ideal Autism Take 5 is run by opportunity to review the work A lot of the people we work for have attended this group in parents and carers who undertaken by SOL’s Staff Council the past and the feedback has been excellent. support an individual or and plan new ways to engage with Contact Heather (07896 949027) individuals with autism, our staff. or Liz (07943 867602) for more information. with or without a diagnosis, In order to achieve this, the Staff in the Lanarkshire area. Council held a development day They support each other in at . During the day the Living Well With Dementia Café a safe environment, share members looked at the skills the Laura (Vice Chairperson) Centenary Suite, Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell ideas with one another and Council members have, what they have and Barry (Chairperson) The Living Well With Dementia Cafe is designed to help promote good practice. already worked on and topics they want people experiencing memory problems, or those who They always welcome new to work on in the future. provide care and support for those with a diagnosis members so please pop “The development day of dementia. They provide a friendly relaxed place along to their group and The Staff Council is a really important part of SOL as was really positive with to meet, get support, and share information about enjoy a cuppa and a chat. it gives all our staff a really meaningful voice in the lots of really good plans dementia and other memory problems. They aim to Please phone Frances or organisation. The Council have previously been consulted being put in place.” give you the opportunity to talk to people who have Marc on 01698 404055 on some major topics and will continue to carry out this Barry similar experiences and professionals who have years important role. of experience in all aspects of dementia care, treatment Please note that SOL Having looked at different ways of communicating with staff, the Staff Council will be and support. are not responsible for holding a series of drop-in sessions. If you can’t make it along to a drop-in session these events or groups. The Café meets on the 1st Friday of every month from please contact the Staff Council by emailing [email protected] They are external to the 1pm – 4pm. Contact 01698 269 649 for more info organisation. p.12 p.13 Archie’s TV and Quiz Corner Film Reviews 1 Who did Prince Harry marry in May? 2 What board game would you perhaps find Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick? Winners of the Lucky Stars lottery over the Archie reviews a couple of classic 3 Which film won the Oscar for best film at the past few months are: western movies for us, featuring Gary awards in March? December winners: Cooper and Randolph Scott. 4 Which football team’s home ground is Goodison Park? 1st prize - Margaret McIndoe They Came To Cordura 2nd prize - Margaret McIndoe 5 In which city is 0161 the dialing code for? Military drama set in Mexico in 1916 about a major January winners: What does the letters BBC stand for? branded a coward by his disgruntled commanding officer, 6 1st prize - Peter Fleming who bears a grudge because of his own failure to rise in 2nd prize - Jake Gibson the ranks. He sends the major and a party on a suicide 7 Who wrote the book ‘The adventures of Tom mission into the desert, knowing full well they are unlikely Sawyer’? February winners: to survive. Instead, the major displays his real strength, and eventually gains the respect of the seemingly Archie 10 8 Who has hosted University Challenge since 1st prize - Pat Corrigan doomed expedition. gives it: 10 1994? 2nd prize - Valerie Thorley Archie’s verdict: 9 The Dingle family appear in which well known March winners: Another all time classic. I loved the part when they are soap? 1st prize - Margaret McIndoe entering Cordura on the train track using a handcar. 10 Where would you find the Sea of Tranquility? 2nd prize - Laura Doidge

Fighting Man of the Plains 11 In “Thunderbirds”, what was Lady Penelope’s April winners: chauffeur called? 1st prize - Jan Gordon Jim Dancer (Randolph Scott) is one of Quantrill’s 2nd prize - Stephanie Anderson Raiders, staging attacks on Kansas on behalf of the 12 Which BBC music programme was broadcast weekly between 1964 and 2006? fallen Confederacy in the years following the Civil War. May winners: He killed an unarmed man he wrongly holds responsible for his brother’s death during an attack. 13 What is the world’s longest river? 1st prize - Margaret McIndoe 2nd prize - Stephanie Anderson Archie’s verdict: The answers to our quiz questions are on the Brilliant film. The best bit is when he goes undercover Archie 10 back page. To join the Lucky Stars Lottery to infiltrate a gang who are planning on stopping a gold contact Donna Bruce in the shipment. gives it: 10 Good luck in trying to get the correct answers. SOL office on 01698 276206 p.14 p.15

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