Leicester and Leicestershire Issue: May 2014 New Developments Welcome to the May 2014 Leicester edition of the East Midlands Newsletter. Do you have some news, information, ideas, resources, updates that you d like to see in the newsletter? Please do not hesitate to contact Jess Avery on jess.avery@creativesupport.co.uk Stephanie s Big Day! There was a extra special event in April for Stephanie as she got married to her now husband, Michael. The lovely day was celebrated together with family and friends, on 26th April, only one day before Stephanie s birthday! Stephanie had a wonderful day and couldn't stop smiling! Staff commented on how wonderful it was. Stephanie s proud mum, Sue also commented, It went fantastic, the sun shone, everyone loved it, I couldn't have done anything more, it was really amazing. Her dress was out of this world. As she walked down the aisle she didn't recognise anyone as she was so focused on Michael, it was very touching. Big congratulations to both Stephanie and Michael from everyone at Creative Support! We wish you both a long and happy marriage! Growing Services: Our Leicester team continues to develop our outreach services, which are growing by the day. Leicester Community Services Team Leader, Christine Rodrigues says: The services are developing a very fast pace, our staff have adapted positively to working with the new services. Social Workers are really pleased with our work and are increasing support hours. It s all been a brilliant team building process and we continue to work together to provide a good service to people we work with! New Services: In July, we will be taking on a new service supporting two individuals in their own home. Recruitment to ensure that staff matched to the client needs and wishes us already underway. 1
Melton s Summer Scheme Community Services Senior Support Worker Helen Hutchins has some great feedback from clients we support in the Melton Mowbray area. The summer scheme that has been running has been doing really well in Melton where we support two gentlemen to visit the local community to access facilities and to develop their independence in using public transport systems. The support initially started as a college term time summer scheme around two years ago and due to the positive feedback from the two gentlemen we support, our social days out moved to a more permanent basis and we now support both gentlemen all day every Thursday. Helen comments: Their stories about the fun they've been having have spread to their friends and family and as a result we have had referral for another gentleman to join in the fun on Thursday's! These photos are a sample of some of the places we've recently visited such as ten pin bowling, country park walks followed by scrummy picnics! Indoor bowling, museums, train stations, airports, theme parks, cinemas, snooker halls and recently Peterborough Truck Fest as Stephen is an avid fan of Eddie Stobart trucks. Additionally, Alex is a very keen Leicester City fan and he has a season ticket to attend too look out for the next story in the newsletter! 2
Gateway s Got Talent Winner! Turner Rise is home to some fantastic singing and dancing talents! Ronnie, whom resides at Turner Rise, won a trophy in the Gateways Got Talent Competition on Friday 23rd May 2014. Ronnie won with his trophy for his lovely rendition of 'I Love Him So from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Further to this, David also received a certificate for taking part with his favourite Abba Song, 'Dancing Queen'! Assistant Manager, Nicky Foster comments: A fun night was had by all and rehearsals will soon start ready for next years competition! Thought Jars Victoria Park Road, Cossington Road, Burnmill Road, Greenland Drive and Station Road all have thought jars for services. So, what is a thought jar? It is very simply a jar that gathers notes from people about great things that happen throughout the year, such as personal achievements, memorable dates, lovely news, great days out anything at all that makes you smile or that is important to you! Make a note, add it to the jar and then at the end of 2014 empty the jar and look back on all the events of 2014. If you do not have a jar and would like one, it s never too late, please speak to Jess Avery. 3
Inspection Update Creative Support, Leicester had a recent Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) audit from Leicester City for our Supported Living services. Auditors looked at our policies, procedures, staff and client files and paperwork, training and easy read documents as well as satisfaction questionnaires and feedback from staff and service users, professionals and stakeholders. They held staff and service user consultations which were very positive. We anticipate that we will have overall actions from this, but feel that it was a very positive process. We await the final feedback, and will share this in the next newsletter. Cossington Road Sensory Room The team at Cossington Road independently applied for a grant from East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA) and were successful! Their grant application was made so they could use some garden space to erect a sensory room for clients to use. So far, the team have worked hard to get it built, plastered and are currently looking to get it painted with an agreed theme from clients. We cant wait to see the final result! Our Pat Wins Customer Care Award! Leicester and Leicestershire s Office Coordinator, Pat Bulikowska was awarded with the Customer Care Hero Award 2013! Nominated by not one but three local Managers, everyone commented on Pat s approach, flexibility and caring nature. Pat has worked with Creative Support for a number of years now, and continues to be the heart of the team in Leicester, always willing to help and flexible to suit the needs of services and people we support. I won a 20 voucher which I plan to spend on a toastie maker! Well done Pat and thank you from the Leicester and Leicestershire team! 4
Upcoming Events In line with the corporate monthly themes, we have discussed having the following upcoming events: Swap Shop for Creative Communities month in June Sports Day in August Mental Health Awareness in October As always, our Christmas Party in December What do you think about these ideas? Drop me and email or call with your thoughts, and any other ideas you have! I d love to hear from you! Please contact me on: jess.avery@creativesupport.co.uk or 07974 107 633. Local Forums www.valonline.org.uk/event-items Great source for fun things to do in Leicestershire www.goleicestershire.com/events/ Disco Michael Withers fantastic disco is still running and welcomes anyone and everyone who loves a good time! Music, dancing and a brilliant social circle of people, please do not hesitate to contact Michael for more information or just pop along to the next one on 17th June from 6pm till 8pm bargain at only 2 per person! Dates and times vary from week to week. Do you know your local Staff Team in Leicester? Service Director Emma Knight Registered Manager Erika Lane Project Manager James Brind Business Development Manager Jess Avery Office Coordinator Pat Bulikowska 5
Comments and Complaints Do you know how to make a comment or complaint about services? Your comment or complaint can be reported verbally, by letter, email or completing a complaints form If you are unable to document a complaint, you can speak to the first member of staff available, (who will support you to document your complaint), this may be a Support Worker or Manager You can have an advocate, family member or friend support you to make your comment or complaint (interpreters can also be arranged) If you are making a complaint, everything will be documented and you will be advised throughout the process of the progress Our complaints can be resolved at any point of the three stage process The full policy is available at every Creative Support service. Other formats of the policy (i.e. audio, easy read and other languages) are available. If you would like any of these, please contact Jess Avery who will arrange these for you. New Leicester and Leicestershire Staff We have had some new starters over the last month. Three members of staff added to our relief team; Eric Cushny, Timothy Omyemachi and Gurdeep Bahia. Greenland Drive also welcome Sunny Badey. Creative Support Grants Do you know about the ongoing grants that Creative Support offer? We have had some fantastic and very strong applications made for the Gardening Grant this month. There will be a new theme coming soon, so get your thinking caps on! Not sure where to start? If you need support with making an application, please contact Jess Avery for support. Introduce a Friend Do you know anyone looking for a job in health and social care in Leicester or Leicestershire? Refer a friend, and if they are successfully employed you could receive a bonus! Please contact the Leicester Office for more details. Welcome to the team! 6