Avante News Summer 2011 by Avante Care & Support

Avante News Summer 2011 www.avantepartnership.org.uk

Stepahead Support away day trip

Residents and staff all celebrate the Royal Wedding

Honeyfield Glitz and Glamour

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New business team across your organisation. On behalf of Karen and Lyndsay, can I apologise to everyone who challenges sent in a story The financial or photographs and authority we’ve not faced by our local been able to share them partners in particular with the keep arereadership. significant,Please and we them coming the in though, and understand need for hopefully we’ll get them us to play our part in in the next edition. about supporting themWhat to meet atheir 30 page newsletter Karen cost reduction targets. and Lyndsay? At the same time, we

Cedric Frederick - Chief Executive

As a charity, Avante Partnership is ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside of politics, working for the benefit of our Cedric Frederick - Chief Executive service users with whichever political party is in control at a national, regional Welcome or local level.to this bumper

edition News t is not for of the Avantecountry’s first coalition organisation or any

had to laugh the other day individual within it to when my PA Karen who have a view on the edits our newsletter with results of the General Lyndsay our Marketing Election on May 6th and Manager, were bemoaning the momentous events that the fact that they had so many have taken place since, great stories from around the with the formation of the organisation submitted for

government in 70 years.

this edition, that they were However, like almost every struggling to agree which part of our society, Avante ones to take forward and Partnership is feeling the which ones to leave out. I effects of the coalition thought, in between chuckling, government’s key policies what a great place to be, and their efforts to reduce to have too many stories the deficit. that show what’s going on

aylea Jemmett joined Avante Partnership in April 2010 as part of a scheme called ‘The future jobs fund’ through Kent County Council. She started her role as a Trainee Administrator working with the team in the Community Support department, which she found very interesting.

Members of: • National Housing Federation • The National Care Forum • Kent Community Care Association • IAHSA

Working with:

totally Iremain hope you havecommitted been to ensuring that we notpart following and/or taking only provideand in ourcontinue journey totodevelop the highest services embed a newquality Philosophy of possible, strive of to the Care in thebut delivery improve the people quality we of care almost 1000 ourand services. to for supportIninorder our 16 achieve this Our we are asking care homes. Philosophy ourselves tough on questions of Care is based the Eden about whatapproach we do, how Alternative and we do and whether we each of itour homes are making can do itinmore efficiently. progress achieving a formal Eden Alternative We remain very Accreditation ambitious to that the service forevidence the organisation, the we provide of the people we is care for highest and quality I was supportand andstandards. our wonderful delighted hearsorecently staff who towork hard tothat our Honeyfield and Court achieve the results and Regis care homes now outcomes that wehave want. reached standard and Yes, we that make mistakes can saynot thatget they are andnow we do it right fully every‘Edenised’. time, but This whenreally things isdon’t greatgo news for everybody as well as we involved in these twoquick homes. would like, we are to acknowledge our mistake

Right now, not a day goes and commit to learning by without some part of the lessons and working hard organisation or other being to ensure get it right subject to athat losswe of income in athe future. inThat being or reduction funding. said, I am very pleased to These are truly challenging say that we get right much times for our localit authority more often we get it partners, andthan we understand wrong. that they cannot find all of the

savings they need from within their organisations. How do we respond positively to these changing times whilst For many, the highlight ensuring that weshould maintain of the summer the integrity of our services? have been England We work harder and smarter returning from the World and squeezethat efficiencies Cupwe clutching gold out of every partknow, of ourit trophy. As we organisation, whilst at the didn’t quite work out like same time not losing sight of that. The team didn’t gel what people really want and and too many players need from us.

under performed. Perhaps Fabio Capello should have At the end of March, taken Mills, a leafKent out of the Oliver County Avante Partnership Council’s Managing book Director and popped Amherst responsible forinto adult services, Court, on ourafter newest moved many112 years of bed residential home sterling service. Icare would like to in Chatham for some use my introduction to say a advice about teamwork, huge ‘thank you’ to Oliver for commitment excellence all the work hetodid to support andorganisation achieving the our andgoals wish him well he goes on you in setwhatever for yourself. Fabio to do had in thea future. only squad of 23 footballers to think about, Iwhilst hope my as you read thisTracey colleagues newsletter you get a sense Jones and Geoff Ward led that Avante Partnership is a team of literally hundreds an organisation heading in of people to achieve what the right direction and our is a fantastic result. fantastic staff are making ‘a positive difference every day Congratulations and ‘thank to the lives of the people we you’ to everybody who has care for and support’.

worked so hard to deliver a greatnext newtime. care home. Until As ever, I hope you enjoy reading this new look edition of Avante News.

Cedric Frederick Chief CedricExecutive Frederick Chief Executive

The End offoraseveral years before moving back to Kent to Beautiful Friendship start a family. In 2008, we received a phone call out of the Once returning to work blue from The M Foundation, founded after having her by son Mike Diane continued her HR and Juliette Moody.

fter a successful career in the City, ers that he Rog Diane Mike decided Manager HR nal ratio Ope wanted to give something back to Kent communities and having the Diane washeard born about in Kent organisation’s work with some and after college moved to ofLondon the mostwhere vulnerable people she started inher theHR community hethe wanted career in hotel toand establish a relationship hospitality industry with Avante Partnership. What followed from that phone call went beyond what anyone could have expected! In just over 2 years since that phone call, The M Foundation arranged for over 1100 of our residents and service users to attend over 90 concerts and events in a VIP suite at the O2 arena in London. Residents from our care homes and Supported tt been Bartle Gary Living services have ager n Man latio Reguto able attend performances

Gary was born in London and spent his primary school years in Australia.

A Company Limited by Guarantee (Registration No. 2565021, England) A Registered Charity (Registered No.1002727)

Registered office: De Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD Tel: 01795 597400 Fax: 01795 597419 Email: enquiries@avantepartnership.org.uk Website: www.avantepartnership.org.uk

people from our Stepahead

Support services able Diane’s hobbieswere include to sing andDIY, dance along -at cooking, reading performances by Lady GaGa, and shopping!!! Britney Spears and Westlife. Through the generosity of the M Foundation, residents and service users had the time of care sector. Indeed, their lives in VIP splendour.

he worked as a Care Our time with the M Assistant at Barnetts Foundation when it wasrecently ownedcame and to an end and by way of a operated by Kent County small ‘thank Mike and Council andyou’, which now, Juliette popped intoofour Head of course, is one our Office Avante homes!where AfterCedric, a varied Partnership Chief Executive, career which included was able in to KCC’s present area them with working a token of ourcontracting appreciation. finance and sections, Gary became an Inspector with Inspection and Registration in 2000 and regulated care services throughout the various incarnations of NCSC, CSCI and CQC.

Janys Ness HR Manager

Having left school at sixteen Janys followed family tradition and went into banking and joined Nat West in the West End of London.

where she worked as Group Marketing Manger for Highlands and Islands Airports Caroline is reacquainting herself with marketing colleagues within the area.

Caroline Williams Marketing Manager

Most of his working life has been in the

Her previous marketing roles have included working for Eurotunnel, P&O Ferries, Leukaemia Research Fund and DMB and B advertising agency.

Caroline has joined Avante Partnership’s Property and Business Development Team A warm welcome is Caroline is married, and as Marketing Manager. extended to Richard enjoys anything to do with travel, motor sports, historical Having just moved back Macintyre, Operations sites and walking. to Kent from Scotland, Manager Practice

Practice Development Department

Development.

and Malling Housing Association. In more recent years she has worked as a Registered Residential Home Manager and Area Manager Residential for a private sector company.

More recently Kaylea has been working alongside the Chief Executive’s PA, Karen Flynn, where she has been learning about the organisation as a whole. One of Kaylea’s many tasks was to help with this edition of Avante News which she has really enjoyed.

Established 1990. Avante Partnership

career in private sector by El Divo, Katherine Jenkins companies before moving and the performances by into thelive public sector which the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, included Kent Police for 6 ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘X years and prior to joining Factor’ contestants to name Avante Partnership, Kent but a&few. Hundreds of young Fire Rescue Service.

Janys quickly realised this was far too stuffy a career path for her and left to join Tesco. After a brief stint in the cash office to use those bank skills, she was given the opportunity to train in HR and that was the start of her 24 year career in HR. This has included roles with other retailers, both high street and independent, to the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industry and more recently in supported living for adults with learning disabilities.

Belinda Watson Operations Manager

Belinda began her career in the care industry 15 years ago as a relief Sheltered Scheme Manager for Tonbridge

Belinda has an NVQ 4 in both Health and Social Care and the Registered Manager Award. She would like to study for a Diploma in Dementia, an area that is close to her heart.

Carmel Stevenson Operational Manager

Lyn was born in Buckinghamshire and moved to Essex when she was 8 years old to complete her education.

On leaving school ichard joins this she married and had 5 directorate to support children. When her Jacqueline Morris,3rd the child reached 6 months departments Director, on the old she workedand as delivery an implementation Auxiliary at her3-year of Avante Nurse Partnership’s local NHSstrategy, hospital. dementia Avante Lyn went from there to a Partnership’s philosophy private domiciliary of care based on the care Eden provider asquality a carer and Alternative, assurance worked her systems, ISO way 9001through and the ranks to become a Avante Partnership’s in-house registered manager at a quality assurance framework. Kent branch. She was Jacqueline Richard are then lucky and enough to be supported by Frances Lake offered a new challenge PA, Philip MooreManager Community as Operations at Engagement with Avante CareOfficer, and Support. Darren Carrett, and Sam Potter, as the teams Quality Assurance Administrators.

3 3

What’s Happening in Community Engagement? Taking a further step forward in the partnership between Avante and the Orchard Academy in Swanley, ‘Artist in Residence’, Sharad Bawdeker, is to present two of his paintings to Honeyfield Care Home in Hextable, following on from one given to Northbourne Court in neighbouring Sidcup. At a meeting between Honeyfield and Orchard Academy staff, chaired by Philip Moore, Avante Partnership Community Engagement Manager, plans

were made to involve students from the Academy in the life at Honeyfield through music, art and mutual visits where possible – watch this space.

Providing for the spiritual needs of our service users is no less important than catering for the physical.

he Calypso Café at Amherst Court was the scene for an enthusiastic encounter between Acting General Manager, Steve Rowley, Philip Moore and the Reverend Alan Smith, Vicar of the local Anglican Parish Church, St. Stephen’s Chatham, with lay minister Barry Wallington. St Stephen’s is already involved in providing regular services within the home but a broader partnership is developing to

include the church and local community using Amherst’s state-of-the-art Day Centre facility, the Calypso Café itself, as well as inviting more able residents to be taken to church services and events. Pastoral care is offered to residents, staff and family members, a dementia carers’ group; staff training in bereavement and end of life experience may be developed too, as well as deeper links to the Diocese of Rochester.

Holmesdale Technical College in Snodland is to consider pathways into involvement with Avante Partnership Pilgrims View Care Home just a few streets away.

Celebrating Success

Philip Moore, Avante Partnership’s Community Engagement Manager, has been successful in achieving:

Avante Partnership has offered to support ‘Common Purpose’ in its ‘Young Million’ Campaign. What can we do? Young Million? We are heading for a staggering statistic in the UK - one million unemployed young people. Many are desperately looking for jobs (and there are plenty of schemes designed to help them do so), but what about the leadership development opportunities they would have received if they were currently in employment? They are our future leaders, but without these opportunities we risk a “lost generation”.

Common Purpose wants to do its part and offer 18-25 year olds the leadership development they would receive if they were employed. Avante Partnership would like to donate some time and money by offering to help run the courses that will broaden their networks, experience and self confidence. Just £100 will fund a young person to take part, whilst speakers or hosts for the courses themselves are also needed.

ates Construction, with two large projects currently in Canterbury, is to send a group of 20 volunteers from their staff for a day to construct a substantial new fence for the safety of the residents, a children’s play

area and a picnic area in the grounds of The New Close Care Home at Bridge. Not only are they donating the manpower but supplying all the materials and equipment too. This is part of the company’s Community Involvement policy.

Volunteers are very important to Avante Partnership work, and another phase of recruitment is under way.

If you know of anyone, yourself included, who might volunteer to enhance the lives of our services users, young and old, then just let: Philip Moore know at De Gelsey House on: 01795 975 453

• First prize in the Kent & Medway Sustainability Project at Canterbury Christ Church University for his Report on expanding the involvement of volunteers in care homes.

Philip received his prize and certificates, with others, at a special ceremony held at the historic St. Martin’s Priory at Canterbury Christ Church University.

• Special recognition for outstanding voluntary work in Strategic Development – Kent & Medway Sustainability Project at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Our congratulations go to Philip for his hard work and to recognise his success.

A team from a large UK company, Wates Construction, is sending a volunteer team of 20.

tie

Carolyn McVit

Job Title: d Suppor t ector Stepahea Managing Dir

1st

Second Interview

Owl or lark? Owl

Favourite meal? Spaghetti Bolognese

Alarm set for? 6.25am

Evening unwind? A bath and glass of wine

Tea or coffee? Tea

Favourite music/artist? Robbie Williams

Smart, casual or scruffy? Casual

Favourite holiday destination? Egypt

Highlight of week ahead (work)? A children and young peoples conference in London

Favourite hobby? Rugby

Highlight of week ahead (my time)? The rugby end of season dinner

Favourite flower? Agapanthus (look it up!) My luxury treat? Manicure

Achievement Awards Avante Partnership recognises that throughout each year individual members of staff reach a milestone, or achieve success that is worthy of special recognition.

ith this in mind Avante Partnership invited those staff members that had achieved long service or a work related qualification, to celebrate that success together on May 16th at The Bridgewood Manor Hotel in Chatham, at which 49 members of staff were invited to attend. Those staff members that were able to attend received certificates of their achievement from Trustees, Bob Bushell, Molly de Courcy, Amanda Cottrell, Michelle Gardener and Richard Bond. We were also pleased to have Brian Munday, Chairman, in attendance at the event. Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive, was delighted to welcome staff members to the second event of this kind, and gave his personal thanks for their contribution to the success of the organisation and positive difference to the lives of the people we care for and support.

NAME Sue Gibbs Geraldine Rose Claire Hyde Jennifer Chilcott Yvonne Munn Marcus Reeves-Smith Anne-Marie Malyon Catherine Earl Elizabeth Edimo Eddie Hall Janice Hildreth Kim Petherick Jennifer Owen Kim Leach Nkechi Onyemaraeme Princess Amadi Angela Sutton Belinda Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Dianne Cavender Shirley Broughton Naomi Maxim Philomena Cooling Nicola Price Liezida Bowels David Stewart Gertrude Quaye Florence Asante Alan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Gladys Agor Josie Ortiz Nina Nicholas David Henderson Sylvia Olcha Jill Jones Rosario Concepion Michelle Dunn Melissa Roberts Lesley Entwistle Eugenie McDowell Philip Moore

CATEGORY Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 30 years NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Housekeeping NVQ Level 2 Prevention and Control of Infection Level NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medication NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 4 Leadership and Management in Care Services NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 5 Volunteer Management

SERVICE Weybourne Northbourne Court Amherst Court Community Support Barton Court Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Weybourne Honeyfield Hevercourt Hevercourt Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Barton Court Weybourne Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Weybourne Honeyfield Honeyfield Barton Court Community Support Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Amherst Court Honeyfield Head Office

Grand opening of

Dementia Cafe

Whiteoak Court, Swanley On 8th April, Jeanette Ponton & Dawn Dwyer were privileged to be invited to the Grand Opening of the Dementia Café in Whiteoak Court, Swanley, in which the Mayoress and local MP’s were also there to join in the celebrations.

hiteoak Court is a sheltered housing scheme for 54 Residents. Jeanette took over the scheme in 2009 from KCC and now supports 25 Residents. Dawn is now Branch Manager for Dartford/ Swanley and also manages the Staff in Whiteoak Court. Jeanette has taken on a new role as Branch Manager for Greenwich. It was a great afternoon; all the residents were invited and had a great time.

A Royal Feast At Maryville Court Supported Living the Royal wedding was celebrated with a meal whilst watching the wedding on the new TV in the lounge.

The Dementia Café was set up by the Volunteers Group in Swanley and will be held once a month. This is to get people in the Community who are unfortunate to have dementia together, so that they can meet and talk about their experiences and feelings. Family and Friends are also invited.

Residents had knitted dolls of Wills and Kate and guests and these were taken to the local school for the children to enjoy.

The photograph’s show Residents Norman Beniot and Alice Kitchener with the Mayoress and Dawn.

Fashion through the Ages

ome of the residents at Hanover Way Sheltered Housing Scheme were joined one afternoon a week for two months, during February and March, by 6th Form Girls from Townley Road School and the Community Police, where they carried out a project on fashion, past and present.

On Friday evening 18th March the residents involved were invited to Townley Road School for a wonderful

presentation night, where they showed off their artwork and a beautiful crochet dress made by one of the residents when she was younger. The girls and Community Police laid on a super array of food and refreshments, and a good time was had by all. The residents were joined by their Support Officers Ann and Diane.

”Can we Fix it? Yes we can! ”

On 8th April Stepahead Support held a much needed Away Day. Stepahead Support had been through the most difficult period in its history in regards to uncertainty and loss of funding as the sector faces unprecedented funding cuts from the Government. Throughout this time what has shone through, and indeed continues to shine, is the dedication, passion and commitment of the team who continue to provide the best possible support to young people and families receiving our services.

he title of the Away Day a 10ft height. Not one egg was “Can we Fix it? broke! Pretty good if we do Yes we can!” The day say so ourselves! Everyone provided an opportunity to who attended participated acknowledge our current enthusiastically and shared position, discuss burning their ideas, thoughts and issues, air concerns and look suggestions, for now and the to the future. We also took future – no matter how off the opportunity to learn more the wall they were! The day about our Person Centred provided the opportunity to Philosophy. Faye Geary and spend quality time together Virginia Cornwell lead a and highlighted the desire we very interesting and insightful all have to make Stepahead workshop about the Person Support the success it Centred Approach, and deserves to be and how all during the day we used of us have a part to play in Solution Circles (a person achieving it. “Can we Fix It? centred tool) to Together we find solutions to I have always known believe our problems. we can!”

there is a real passion within our service to deliver the best support possible

It has to be mentioned that we also discovered new talents within the team. In groups we invented raw egg protectors in all different shapes and sizes, then dropped the eggs from

Carolyn McVittie, Managing Director, said “I really enjoyed our Away Day and hope everyone else did too. It was so good to listen to the great discussions and debates

going on throughout the day and even more pleasing to hear so much laughter as well. I have always known there is a real passion within our service to deliver the best support possible to the many and varied young people and families we come in contact with, and this came out so strongly at the Away Day”. Virginia Cornwell, Keyworker Tonbridge, said “I enjoyed the day, particularly I appreciated the fact that management emphasised that we are a team and encouraged our participation by asking for our thoughts and ideas on how to improve and move forward the business, aware that we are the people on the front line and so may have a different perspective”. “I think the Away Day was a very positive and much needed day for everyone following a difficult time. I

think it is therapeutic and encouraging for all of us to get together and exchange ideas, suggestions, ask questions, try to find answers to some of those questions and generally spend quality time with like-minded colleagues. Sometimes, especially through the difficult times, it is not always easy to stay motivated and passionate about what we do, but after our away day, I felt re-ignited, passionate and optimistic about the future of Stepahead” said Faye Geary, Keyworker, Swanley and Sevenoaks. Jenny Bedding, Keyworker in Thanet, said “I just wanted to say that the Away day was probably one of the best I have been to. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and entertaining. The bonus was being able to be outside in the sunshine. A really nice day. Thank you”.

Pick ‘n’ Paint a Pot workshop

hen I went to the Pick ‘n Paint a Pot studio in Margate I was amazed with the variety of pottery options available. I chose to do a Fernando Torres plate and it came out well when it was painted, glazed and fired in the kiln. It took two hours to design and complete the plate, which included a tutorial introduction at the start of the workshop. The owners of the studio, Teresa and Stuart, are lovely people and accommodated me and the rest of the group.

A smashing time at pottery W

hen I went to the pottery workshop I thought to myself what would it be like? I was quite excited as I had never done pottery before. The Pick ‘n’ Paint a Pot studio in Margate is a welcoming atmosphere run by a lovely couple who own it. It was very colourful and bright with pots and plates on display. We all sat together at a table and if you wanted you could have a tea or a coffee. We

were given a demonstration and we made our own plates using skyscraper designs and sunsets, all with coloured paints. I decided I would go for an orangey-yellow sunset design for my plate with my name on it. We all had a lovely experience full of chat and laughter. I was very pleased to collect my pottery plate the following week. I am more than happy to go again because I had a wonderful time.

Goal!

When I first went to Ramsgate sports centre, I had such a great time. I got to meet other young people and started talking to them and playing football. It is great when we go into the sports hall because it is such a big playing surface with two football nets at each end. It is great when you play a match because

Stepahead Service User

you have to communicate with everyone and you need to pass the ball or defend to get the ball back. The best thing is getting a hat trick or a goal or two! I personally would not be a goalkeeper because I’m not particularly good at it, it’s very tiring but it keeps you fit and active and is a worth while experience.

Strike! When I went to Bugsy’s bowling alley in Margate one afternoon I got a real sense of enjoyment. I felt happy to mix with other people and staff as well, because you can have a laugh with them. I knew the bowling shoes looked cool because I’ve played before! We chose a lane and picked our bowling ball. I tend to go for the lighter bowling balls because I prefer

Michael Clarke

those. I still don’t know why the bowling ball rolls to the left and right - I think there is a magnet underneath the lane floors! The best thing was getting a strike as it is such a great feeling. It can become competitive and we all encouraged each other, but also put each other off playing sometimes, but it is only a bit of fun and I cannot wait to go bowling again!

Mark Seddon

Stepahead Service User

Youth Forum Lunch When we meet up at the Harvester in Broadstairs for the Youth Forum, we sit at the table and order some drinks of our choice, eat as much salad as we wish and order a meal of our choice. The idea of going to the Youth Forum is to have your say about Stepahead Support, for example, what concerns me, what I would like to see improved, as well as acquiring additional support in my flat and around the local area. Plus there is also the opportunity to think of some new activities/ workshops that we would like to do in the future. I feel more respected going to the restaurant to express my opinion.

On the 20th April Stepahead Support from Margate and Canterbury organised a market stall in Margate High Street.

e requested donations from work colleagues and families we support as well as our own. We were very fortunate with the amount of items we received. We carefully priced each item and on the 20th April staff and young people started to move all the items from the office to our allocated spot. Up went the tables which quickly became full with goodies and alongside the tables we had clothes rails and boxes. The sun was shinning and within minutes our first item sold. We had young people from Canterbury and Margate helping, along with a parent. It was really exciting, all who took part during the day enjoyed it. The young people took over with the selling, and the more they sold the more they wanted to sell. As the day was coming to an end we were all guessing how much we took. WOW £215.

A BIG THANK YOU to all who attended and donated items. Donations would be greatly received again, as yes we are doing another one soon! The day after Stepahead’s fantastic market stall the young people at Community Impact had a ‘Cook and Eat’ day which involved the young people making pizza as well as egg decorating and lots of other fun and entertainment. You can see from the pictures a lot of fun was had by all with plenty of pizzas baked for everyone to eat!

Corrina Collins Senior Keyworker

Maddison House News

Last time you heard from Maddison House we were celebrating Christmas at The London Dungeon. This time around, we are pleased to report that we have housed all five of our residents in their very own one bedroom flats.

s you can see by the photos of Jake Matthews and Aaron Asbury, two of our participation volunteers, we have some very happy ex-residents! This would not have been made possible without the help and support of Gravesham Borough Council, who housed four of our residents in great locations. Gravesham Church Housing have been housing our homeless service users for a long time, and are a huge asset to the Gravesham community – we would like to give a big shout out to Dominic Norvell the Estates Manager, who always gave 100% and was easy to approach, even when we had rent arrears! Thanks to Dominic also for arranging for us to keep all our furniture in our rooms otherwise we would be living in empty flats!

Residents and staff would like to say a huge thank you to both these organisations for making it happen! Last but certainly not least, residents and staff would like to say thank you to the Salvation Army, who saved the day and helped move three of our residents, as well as donated furniture, curtains and bedding. Some of the residents have agreed to chip in and buy the volunteers, Emma and Mandy, a thank you gift.

The Maddison House keyworkers would like to say thank you for all the cards

and wish Resident’s every success in the future. We are really pleased that we have received funding to continue working with our ex-residents. On a sad note, due to cutbacks, our drop-in service at Gravesend has had to say farewell to Shelter, who used to provide a surgery there, three hours a week. All the staff would like to say thank you for helping us through the minefield of housing legislation. The service was well-used by local people, and Paul Barr often had to work longer than the designated period in order to see everyone. It must be said, however, that they still continue to do an amazing job and are always there at the end of the phone. Please, if you can spare some of your time, sign their petition and campaign for better housing on www.shelter.org.uk I know that they would really appreciate this. Jake Matthews would like to say thank you to the Tenant Participation Team at Gravesham Borough Council, who offer free training courses to the Gravesham community. Jake said “My Keyworker and I both went on a Fire Safety course. It was brilliant, especially when we dealt with a chip pan fire, as you can see from the photo! Thankfully we didn’t get burnt, as we were wearing protective clothing. I will not be having a chip pan in my flat - I think I’ll stick to oven chips!” Co written by our participation volunteers

Jake Matthews and Aaron Asbury

The Royal Wedding

A Trip Down Memory Lane

In the army in1948 I spent two years in glorious Wiltshire then I was back home in 1950 to a job in the city, in a Lloyds Underwriting Brokers. 1957 saw me move to a larger Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Alex Howden & Company.

Naming Competition

Plans for the “Indoor Street Party” at Northbourne Court started many weeks before the actual day. By the 29th April the home was decked in red, white and blue, from the reception area to the Piazza and each lounge and dining room, to get everyone in good spirits. On the 28th April Keats’s Suite even held a hen party in Katherine Middleton’s honour!

he Piazza was beautifully decorated with bunting, balloons, banners and posters of the happy couple. The tables were dressed in union jack table cloths and flower decorations made by Eddie (Suite Manager).

The residents who chose to join in had a wonderful day. We all enjoyed much flag waving whilst watching the wedding on the large screen. An amazing buffet lunch was served by the kitchen staff, including some

traditional favourites, jam or spam sandwiches; they were demolished before the prawn ones! Jelly and ice cream and cup cakes followed. Everyone thought the wedding was wonderful, with a beautiful Bride and a handsome Groom. The lovely day was completed with some traditional entertainment donated generously by Keith. There is nothing like a good rendition of “I’m getting married in the morning.”

hilst Riverdale Court was under construction it was decided by Avante Partnership that we would hold a naming competition for the new home and its four suites. So with great enthusiasm from residents, relatives and staff we received a sack load of entries. It was vital that we found a name that linked in with the area where the new home is situated; so with the River Dale running through Welling it only seemed right that we chose Terry Kirks wonderful suggestion of Riverdale Court. All we had to do now was decide what to call the four

suites at the home. Riverdale Court boasts beautiful gardens surrounding the home, with various different trees planted, so Julie Rowe very cleverly put forward that the suites should be named after trees, and so Maple Suite, Willow Suite, Cherry Suite and Rowan Suite were born! On the 17th February to thank both Terry Kirk and Julie Rowe, Terry Heslington, Care Manager, presented them both with three bottles of Champagne each and a certificate to thank them for the fantastic names, for both the home and the suites; they truly are great names, so well done to you both.

Charitable Donation

generous cash donation of £500 to Pilgrims View was received from Members of Paddlesworth Masonic Lodge on Friday 25th March. Rod Butler, who is a member of the Snodland based Lodge, presented the donation to Pilgrims View Home Manager, Jane Wiltshire.

Jane had arranged for food and drink to be enjoyed during the presentation and for residents to participate, by topping up refreshments and giving out plates of home made food. The presentation was a huge success with the members of the Masonic Lodge being made to feel very welcome during their stay.

was called back into the army on 26th April 1952 – of all days it was the Cup Final Day. Arsenal were playing Newcastle and lost 1–0.

down a very steep hill, where I nearly came a cropper. My brakes would not work, and so I crashed into a hedge and saved myself from disaster.

Four of us, me included, did not go to Korea. In 1956 myself and my friend Peter used to cycle, when the days were lighter, from North London to various villages in Kent. We used to cycle and take a turning just a few miles from Sevenoaks, on the road to Westerham, the birthplace of General Wolfe. Sometimes we took a left turning on the Westerham Road to Toys Hill, where we would buy beautiful strawberries.

We proceeded along the coast road to Severn Sisters Hill, where we took photos of each other. We had a fine fish lunch at Brighton, where we had a lazy afternoon in the sun. We proceeded to Purley, making our way then to Elephant & Castle and back home on Easter Sunday at 8am.

In 1960 we had a day trip on the Royal Soveren boat to Southend and back, from Tower Pier. I looked over Deptford Reach and thought that I would live there. In 1968 I moved into a to Deptford Reach and lived there until 1999.

I crashed In 1957 we commended hedge and saved a bike ride to myself from I found Greenwich Canterbury fantastic. So much to on Maundy disaster see. The Cutty Sark, the Thursday. In beautiful Chapel (Royal). our young days we did not I took walks around Cutty Sark think that Shooters Hill was a on a path along the edge of hard hill to climb. Progressing the Thames. The Gypsy Moth through many villages we at Greenwich, the beautiful arrived at Canterbury. The Greenwich park with its rose Cathedral was very awe gardens and I walked through inspiring. I thought it must flower gardens to Blackheath. have taken many years to Such glorious views in all build it. directions. The beautiful From Canterbury we had a restful ride to a youth hostel at Dover. From there we proceeded to Folkestone, where we followed the miniature railway line. We then arrived at Rye, a very nice village where we stayed at a National Cyclist Union accommodation. The next day we passed by Hastings, going

walk down the hill to Lewisham market.

The view at night between Greenwich and Maze Hill was amazing. The lights at night gave a fairytale sight. Good to be alive!!!

Leonard Bulaitis, Service User at Perrygrove

Life at Honeyfield Eden Alternative The Eden Alternative is based on the core belief that ageing should be a continued stage of development and growth, rather than a period of decline.

Easter at Riverdale

oneyfield recently invested in a push along lawn mower for the residents and on a warm sunny day one of our resident’s started to mow the lawn. The joy and satisfaction of this ‘normal’ activity meant so much to him. With Sam our Scheme dog, he never misses coming to one of the residents at tea time, to get his cup of tea

that she gives him. You can set your watch by Sam, just before the tea arrives Sam comes and sits at the resident’s feet. Honeyfield has really concentrated on making residents feel as though they live in their own home. A resident takes it upon herself to wash the floors. Isn’t that what life is about, doing chores and having fun.

n Friday 18th was decided, the Academy February Sue Gibbs, held an Advent Charity 2010, Home Manager of with a target of £6000 to be Weybourne, was invited to a raised – and this was done surprise gathering at so within 19 St Pauls Academy days, which also St Pauls Academy, not knowing what handed over a included two bouts was in store for of snow thrown in her. Sue attended a cheque for £2000 for good measure presentation about for Weybourne too! St Pauls Academy Care home Fundrasing and what work events included they had achieved so far on a fun run, Christmas fayre, their community fundraising raffles, cake sales etc. Avante project, and to Sue’s surprise Partnership would like to say St Pauls Academy handed a huge thank you to St Pauls over a cheque for £2000 for Academy for such a generous Weybourne Care home. donation to Weybourne. St Pauls Academy chose three charities that they would like to raise funds for and after this

Studies show that the implementation of The Eden Alternative is a powerful tool for improving quality of life and quality of care for those living in care homes. Also, homes that have adopted Eden as an organisationalwide philosophy have found there is improved helping to that staff satisfaction The Eden support a and retention and Alternative is about meaningful life significant decreases changing the culture in medication. Most of care and support services. importantly, service users The departmentalised, tasksupported by their caregivers, orientation of the current can once again direct their institutional model has created own daily lives. a culture that is characterised Honeyfield, our care home by pessimism, cynicism and stinginess. By moving in Hextable, for those with Dementia type conditions is away from the top-down bureaucratic approach to the first of two care homes, to management and moving be accredited with the Eden Alternative Certification. The decision making closer to other care home within Avante service users. Edenising Partnership to be accredited is organisations is helping to Court Regis in Sittingbourne. support a meaningful life for their service users. he Eden Alternative is seeking to remake the experience of ageing around the world. The bulk of our work to date has been in de-institutionalising the culture and environment of Avante Partnership care homes, day centres and community support services.

These are just some of the residents living at Riverdale Court enjoying our first Easter celebration. The eggs, baskets and cakes were made by the residents and were very much appreciated by their fellow residents. Very well done ladies

The Royal Wedding

ike millions of people throughout the whole world, here are some of our residents at Riverdale Court, enjoying the fun and celebrations around the Royal Wedding. During the morning we were all glued to the TV commenting on the outfits and outrageous hats, but then came the real thrill of seeing the happy couple. There was a genuine feeling of being part of the Wedding

Ceremony. It was very moving to see tears of joy flowing for the happy couple. There had been much planning to get the ‘Street Party’ looking the way our residents remembered the parties that were held to celebrate the Queens own Wedding in 1952. A special menu had been prepared and enjoyed.

Beryl Richards General Manager

Congratulations and Celebrations Not so long ago Homeleigh had the pleasure of two young people on work experience with them. With the Royal Wedding coming up, it was suggested that they make some cards. So armed with coloured card, glue and peel-offs, they made some lovely creations for William and Kate. These were sent to the palace for the happy couple with good wishes for their future happiness.

Court Regis Community Involvement Court Regis is lucky as it is situated within a small village setting with all local amenities close by. A short walk into the village and you come to a local greengrocers, shop, museum and wine bar.

Day Care D

ay Care at Northbourne Court celebrated St Patrick’s Day. Clients are always involved in decorating the room, some by just telling Dawn, Activities Co-ordinator, where they would like the decorations to be placed. There is much discussion and laughter can be heard as Dawn gets it all wrong! Dawn will take the opportunity to celebrate any event that will give the clients a different view of life or occasion, for fun and laughter and results in them all chatting about what they used to do.

This year the room was decorated with old and new decorations, many made

by the clients themselves. The dining-room table was decorated in green, gold and white and the serviettes positioned so they looked like the Irish flag. The gentlemen had Guinness to drink while everyone had decorated cakes to accompany their afternoon cup of tea. During the morning they had all joined in a sing-song and tried to do an “Irish Jig”, resulting in much laughter. Dawn had even managed to find a bunch of “real” Shamrock for one or two clients to wear. I am sure everyone went home tired but had had an enjoyable time.

ne rather rainy day support as it would be for a member of staff, a very local charity. Since returning with a then, more and more residents couple of residents from a have gone to have a coffee hospital appointment took the or cheeky half in the bar, to residents to the wine bar for chat with the local people and a couple of drinks. Our staff once again feel part of the member got chatting to the community. The people who landlady who took an interest use the bar are now aware of in her new customers and the who they are supporting when member of staff they donate money strengthening the to the charity talked about how the home is always local community events that are put fundraising and on on throughout the this particular occasion, for a year, and a nice relationship new minibus. is being formed as a result, strengthening the local The landlady offered to community. hold charity nights at her bar to help raise money for The same has happened with the home, as her customers a local hairdresser only a two would be keen to donate and minute drive from the home.

Several ladies have been keen to use them, to again maintain their position in the local community (and have a bit of a gossip). They also fully support us in all of our fundraising and help advertise local events etc. We at Court Regis are keen to maintain this relationship that we have with the local community and to build on it throughout the years, as we believe that it helps our residents to maintain their lifestyle as much as possible.

And speaking of visits to the hairdresser….. One of our residents had not been out of the home for nearly two years. She occasionally receives visits from her family, but generally is a very private person and likes to keep her own company. Despite staff’s

efforts to encourage her to go out on trips and socialise within the home she has always declined and kept herself to herself. However, when she heard that we were making appointments to see a local hairdresser she showed a small interest. Over the months we built up a more trusting relationship based on this interest and eventually she agreed to travel to the hairdressers. Since then she has gone several times and even made a visit to the local garden centre to help choose plants for the home’s garden. She has also been socialising a lot more and taking part in events that have been going on within the home recently (fundraising, royal wedding party, etc) which is a vast improvement on what she was like several months ago. Just goes to show what the smallest of ideas can lead to.

Residents enjoy a

Glitz and Glamour Evening

Colouring the Community In October 2010 Weybourne residential care home entered themselves into the Dulux decorator ‘Colouring the Community’ competition, where £1000 worth of paints and products from Dulux could be won.

Honeyfield care home wowed its residents by taking them for a limousine drive during a ‘Glitz and Glamour’ evening.

he event was held on Wednesday April 26, and included a day centre being transformed into a restaurant for the evening, complete with waitresses and butlers. There were 12 service users who were at the ‘invitation only’ event and before enjoying a three-course meal, they took an exclusive trip around Swanley, Dartford and Farningham. Activity co-ordinator, Diane Walker, said: “It was just absolutely unbelievable.

meal of either steak and chips They all received a hand or chicken with Wensleydale written invitation and some cheese wrapped in bacon of them were asking if the Queen was going to be there. and for dessert they had scones with strawberries They had wine galore and and cream, and they really enjoyed it, some of them are It was just Irish coffee to follow. still talking about absolutely One volunteer and it now.” unbelievable five staff members, including the home’s Upon entering manager, Julie Ayres, waited the ‘restaurant’ they were on the residents and helped greeted with huge flower to transform their evening into arrangements, pot plants and something special. posters of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. The idea for the event came about as a wish from a The meal included a starter resident who is always asking of melon with orange, a main

for steak and chips, so instead of giving him just his meal, the home went a little bit further. Two local businesses helped to make the event the success it was. Ashley Flowers kindly donated the flower arrangements, while Stephen Gay Funeral Parlour provided the limousine.

olouring the Community is a scheme run by Dulux Decorator Centres which aims to give a helping hand to local community groups and charities, by donating paint and materials to help them restore their premises, community centres and surrounding areas. So with this in mind Weybourne approached their good friends at St Pauls Academy - based just around the corner from the residential care home – to see if they would be keen to help ‘paint a difference’ within the home. St Pauls Academy jumped at the chance and offered some of their students to paint murals and scenery for the residents to admire and enjoy, so with that the entry form to Dulux was posted! After lots of votes and support from staff, family and friends, it was with great excitement that Weybourne was announced the winner of the Colouring the Community competition in February this year.

The next job was to choose what paint and products Weybourne needed. So on a sunny February morning, Jan Stevens from St Pauls Academy, Sue Gibbs, Home Manager from Weybourne, Lyndsay Hopper, Marketing Manager and Adam French from Perrygrove, (who also very kindly drove the Perrygrove minibus for us to collect the paint), all headed to the Dulux store in Beckenham to pick out what colours and equipment were required. Since then the colour has been flowing throughout Weybourne, with many beautiful scenes and murals being painted for the enjoyment of the residents. Attached are a few examples of just some of the work taking place at Weybourne with St Pauls Academy. Thank you St Pauls Academy for all your hard work and well done Weybourne, it’s looking good!

A Fishy Day Out! It appears the residents at Court Regis quite fancied a spot of seafood, so seafood is exactly what they got, with a little sunshine thrown in at Herne Bay! It’s great to see the residents at Court Regis making the most of the sunshine.

Homeleigh vets its visitors very carefully!

presents:

“An Evening with Dementia” Written and performed by Trevor T Smith “An Evening with Dementia” is a new play which dares to deal in depth with an issue theatre often ignores

he one hour play takes its audience on an illuminating, and at times humurous, adventure into the wilds of the mind of an old actor who has been cut loose from society by a fading memory. It brings new insights to this poignant condition which affects nearly a million people in the UK, but which is little understood. The causes of dementia remain a mystery. Science seeks a cure for it with research into its physicality, but Trevor T. Smith achieves in his play a different understanding to this heart-rending problem. At last year’s Edinburgh Festival the play was given five stars by The British Theatre Guide which hailed it as “...one of the most essential pieces of theatre to come out of the Fringe”.

“An Evening with Dementia” will be playing at the Arden Theatre, Faversham on the 30th June and 1st July 2011, 7.30pm

Tickets £8 For more information or to book tickets please call 01795 597417 or email lhopper@avantepartnership.org.uk

www.avantepartnership.org.uk

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