North Herts LD Day Service Newsletter November 2014 Issue. * Service User STORY *POPPY PICNIC. * Ability Counts * Staff News * VOLUNTEERING

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1 North Herts LD Day Service Newsletter November 2014 Issue * Service User STORY *POPPY PICNIC * Ability Counts * Staff News * VOLUNTEERING * General News *Hawaiian musical afternoon * men s group * CANAL Trip POPPY PICNIC On the 3 rd of October a Poppy Picnic was held at the Free Church, Letchworth to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. Carers, staff and service users enjoyed a fun afternoon which included games in the garden, tombola, buffet and table top sale. We would like to thank everyone for their kind donations which helped to make the afternoon so successful. A special thank you to Mrs Jeffs for donating the fabulous poppy cake and also to Julie for organising the event was raised 1

2 General News Easy Riders Cycling at Stanbourgh Park. Inclusive cycling seeks to give anyone the chance to cycle, no matter their limitations. The sessions provide the opportunity for adults with disabilities to cycle in a safe environment, using routes specific to the needs of the person or group. There are a wide range of disability cycles that suit people with a variety of learning and physical disabilities, as well as health issues. Jo told us the sessions will improve people's health and wellbeing by giving them something active they can do regularly and enjoy. If this sounds like something you'd like to trycontact Jo from the Free Church, Letchworth for more information. Music for a Generation Tutor Penni Walker from Hertfordshire music services has been running music and singing sessions at the Free Church in Letchworth for 5 weeks with a group of service users who will be putting on a small concert in the Free Church Hall on Thursday 27 th November at am. It would be wonderful to see you and its free!!! Please come along and bring your singing voice. 2

3 Men s Group The Men s Group has been running for a couple of years now and deals with many different kinds of issues relevant to men. It takes place at the Free Church on Thursday afternoons, from 1:30 to 3.00pm. There are a number of men who attend the group each week. It s good Explains Greg, one of the regular attendees. Mark also added that we talk about many issues such as health and things that affect us. Paul also noted, We also talk about the headlines in the news. Canal Trip In September service users and staff from Nightingale House enjoyed a relaxing day on the canal. The weather was wonderful and everyone was given the opportunity to steer the boat and awarded a certificate for their efforts. The crew were very friendly and helpful and made the trip really enjoyable, with their humour and support. I liked having a cup of tea on the boat and looking at the water and the birds. We saw a Kingfisher. I did some steering and got a certificate Maria. 3

4 Hawaiian Musical Afternoon On a sunny afternoon in August a musical event was held at Greyslates with a Hawaiian theme. Live entertainment was provided by Mick and his band who were a resounding hit. Hula skirts and garlands were supplied and a good time was had by all. A big thank you to Ellen, who organised the event! Ability Counts A few words from Jo. Hitchin Town Ability Counts Manager Our B/C Squad wrote a new chapter in the history of the Bramingham Festival of Football, when we became the first club to be crowned champions in both leagues in this year s competition. The ever improving C team went through the competition with 100% record, beating New Horizon (Luton) in the final 2.1. An outstanding performance from all the squad, with Paul C being named player of the tournament. B squad came up against the very impressive Weatherfield College, who we had drawn with in the early rounds in the final, with the results 1.1 at the final whistle. We were treated to a nail biting penalty shootout with our keeper Tim being the hero of the day, with a wonder save to give us the victory. 4

5 Service User Story Gillian. I work at the Tuesday Café in Hitchin. I wait on the tables serving people drinks and cakes. I go to the Free Church in Letchworth and travel there by bus. On Thursday morning I go to Jackie s Drop In where I meet friends. I like to knit and go to a knitting club on a Tuesday night I m making a scarf. I like to see my best friend and I enjoy her to coming for tea. I sometimes help with the cooking at home. Volunteering Volunteering at the Tuesday Cafe Church House Hitchin by Lynda I started volunteering at the Tuesday cafe after I took my son there for coffee and noticed they could do with more help, 3yrs later I'm still there! I've enjoyed watching the service users build in confidence over the years. I get a lot of satisfaction seeing how the service users work together waiting on the tables and clearing away. If anyone is thinking about volunteering, I would say "do it" as it is very rewarding. Do you enjoy being with people? Are you looking to get involved in your community? Can you spare some of your time to share your skills and experience? Then why not come and volunteer for us at North Herts LD Day Service. If you are interested contact Caroline at North Herts LD Day Service on

6 New Sport Kit for the Ability Counts Football Teams Playing as a team you want to be recognised as such, and wear your shirt with pride. Following a successful bid to the sports fund, we are in the process of buying new track suits, kitbags and other sports equipment for our Ability Counts Football Teams, part of North Herts LD Day Services. Taking the teams into the 21 st century with personalised sports wear and equipment. Staff News In September we welcomed Tracy S support officer in our Greyslates office. Following a successful apprenticeship Chloe has been promoted to DSSW at Greyslates, we wish her well in her new role. We welcome Nicole to Greyslates in her role as modern apprentice. Josie has joined the service as part of the trainee scheme. Following maternity leave Sonia returned to Nightingale House in August. Congratulations to Charlotte who is leaving the service to join the Welwyn and Hatfield OPPD Team, as a Community Support Officer. Day Service Social Media Steering Group HCC Day Services have been thinking about how they communicate with people. Web- pages, local newsletters, Easy Read information are being improved. Facebook sites have been set up to share good news stories. We need people to meet with us every 3 months to help make our social media site as good as it can be This will be the Steering Group. How to get involved - Phone or Phone North Herts LD Day Services on and ask for Liam. 6