SFHT Newsletter

r e t t e l s w e N TH E STA B LE S

Spring/Summer 2015

Latest news on...

• Sheena Greenough’s 30 years with the SFHT • The SFHT Personal Development Programme • The Awards Night • Fundraising Appeal – Changing Spaces – Phase 2 • Wills and Trusts Workshop • Bournemouth Night Club

...and so much

more!

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

1

Jan Mills, CEO

WELCOME to THE STABLES Newsletter Spring/Summer 2015 I am sitting in my office looking out of the window and it is pouring with

2015 Colin wrote out to the Local Authorities who fund 11 people living in

rain and blowing a gale. Earlier the sun was shining brightly – the weather

our residential homes. He explained that we need a fee rise as it is costing

is so changeable, just as I am due to go on holiday! We will be supporting

us more to deliver the service than we are receiving in fees. This cannot

people from the residential homes on their holidays as usual this year,

continue without putting the financial viability of the Trust at risk. We

but we are going to make a few changes. Many of the people we support

wrote to all family members, so they were aware of what we were doing

love Butlins as a holiday destination – everything is on site and there is

from the start. Colin and the Service Managers have worked really hard in

entertainment all evening and into the night. Year on year these holidays

service reviews and fee negotiations. We have achieved a great success

have become increasingly expensive and some people can hardly afford a

rate; with all fees now at a reasonable level to ensure longer term financial

holiday now. For those who don’t have family or whose family are unable

viability for the Charity. We would like to thank the family members who

to support them a holiday has become unaffordable. The biggest cost is

have been so supportive of us all the way through what has been a very

staffing – we have to ensure that staff supporting people on holiday get

anxious and distressing time for them.

a break and are not having to work too many hours alone. Colin and Jo are looking at ways to have a holiday that is affordable for the people we

Another thank you to Katie-Tullett-Gomez. Katie has been working with

support that does not put unreasonable pressure on staff.

us as an external Health & Safety Consultant. She gives us a very fair Charity rate and has been doing a lot of extra work and donating gifts for

Some family members will be aware that we have been going through a

every person we support at no cost. She brings warmth, fun and technical

process of re-negotiating the fees of some people living in our residential

expertise and is a real ‘breath of fresh air’. You can read more about Katie

homes. Over the past six or more years we have continuously had our

in this Newsletter.

request for fee increases turned down by Local Authorities. We know that our fees have been low for some time and our costs have been steadily

And last, but definitely not least, another big thank you to Sheena

increasing. Our requests for fees to be reviewed, sent out in April 2014

Greenough who, on 4th May this year completed 30 years working for

were either declined or ignored. The only exception was Hampshire

the Stable Family Home Trust. What an achievement. Read more about

County Council who, in 2014, agreed a significant fee rise to bring the

Sheena’s time with the SFHT in this newsletter.

price for the service in line with the cost of delivering the service. In April

y r 2 a i 0 d 15... r u o y r o f s e Dat Saturday 5th September

The SFHT Wild West Autumn Country Fayre 2-5pm at The Stables, Bisterne (see the flyer enclosed with this newsletter)

Thursday 17th September

Wills and Trusts Workshop with Moore Blatch 6.30 – 8.30pm at The Tyrells Ford Hotel (more information in this newsletter)

What’s Coming Up?

Other events are being planned so do check regularly on our website www.sfht.org.uk for the latest updates on all that is happening at The Stable Family Home Trust.

2

THE STABLES Newsletter Spring/Summer 2015 t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

We Celebrate Sheena’s 30 Years’ Service with the SFHT It was such a privilege to meet with Sheena Greenough and talk to her about her 30 years’ service with The Stable Family Home Trust. So many changes have occurred during that 30 years and here is Sheena’s story...

Sheena described how some 10 years ago The Stables flat was totally refurbished creating 4 bathrooms, individual rooms for each resident and a large kitchen/diner making the perfect living space for the 8 residents who live there.

The Early Years - Paul, David, Andrew, Sheena & David

Sheena started working for The SFHT in May 1985 as a Care Officer for The Stables Flat. Her duties as the lone Care Officer included housework, cooking, laundry, collecting logs for the log burner, stoking the boiler (quite a tricky operation) and caring for the eight residents in The Stables Flat.

The then Director of the charity named her “Miss Flexibility”, which is exactly what she was as she also worked from time to time at two of our Southbourne homes, Harleith and Pinehaven, floating between the two as and when required. There was no end to her skills as she also undertook secretarial work and also worked in the kitchen, when required. Sheena said “Back then you would put your hand to many tasks.”

I asked Sheena how her role has changed over the years and she explained that in the early years the role was very much a caring role for the residents. As time went by that changed and so did her job title as she then became a Support Worker. As the title suggests the role evolved into not only caring for them but supporting people to lead a more independent life. Sheena explained “The main objective of my role is to support people to lead an active, independent lifestyle, within a safe and friendly environment; to encourage them to be responsible and make informed choices around their daily tasks and social activities.”

Over the last 30 years Sheena has experienced some challenging and funny moments and she explained “I remember one morning I came downstairs to go into the laundry room only to find a mass of wasps flying around the room. I, of course, closed the door and called the appropriate people to deal with the situation. Another time I opened the main door to find a herd of cows staring at me – they had broken free from the field next to the courtyard!”

Finally, I asked Sheena to tell me what had been the highlights of her 30 years with The SFHT and she responded by saying “Seeing the charity grow to the place where it is today and to see the greater independence for people with learning disabilities and the opportunities that are now open to them.”

Sheena has recently been presented with a well-deserved award for her 30 years’ service at a special Award Night here at The Stables.

What an amazing person Sheena is and what a journey she has been on with The Stable Family Home Trust. Many congratulations on your 30 years’ service Sheena! It was a pleasure to spend time with you going back over the years.

Marion Davies, Head of Fundraising

n

a with Coli

ht - Sheen

ig Awards N

She felt that the biggest changes over the years have been the use of technology in the workplace and the fact that people with a learning disability now have greater independence, of which she totally approves. Also, in the early years she was the lone Care Officer and now there are two Support Workers on duty at any one time.

I asked Sheena what advice she would give to anyone considering working with people with a learning disability and her response was – “You will need to be very caring, patient, understanding, a good listener, very adaptable, a good communicator, be flexible and always keep a promise.”

Andrew, Shee

na & Jonathan

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

3

News from the Stables Flat Joanne enjoying som

e pampering

Staff in the Stables Flat are supporting service users to try new experiences and embrace their interests. Some of the things on offer include a helicopter tour of the Jurassic coast, Exbury Gardens, Millfield in Somerset with the SNAP Club, the History Week in Burton and a tour of Ringwood Brewery along with enjoying the best that Dorset and Hampshire have to offer.

Jonathan was supported by Jean to enjoy a coach trip of the Hampshire coast followed by a roast dinner at the pub and then on to see a live production of Sister Act. Simon is supported by Matt to tour the Second World War memorials and areas Simon visiting a War Memorial

of historical interest, they still have many more to visit!

Service users have enjoyed Health and Safety sessions with H & S Advisor, Katie Tullett-Gomez. Katie talked about the importance of keeping the home clean, tidy and safe and used fun quizzes and imagery to educate all in the Flat.

The service users are now working on their posters for the competition.

Jo Gibbs, Service Manager: The Stables Flat

News

from Domiciliary Care

e

Emma, Claire &

4

drew

Three new service us ers have been welco med to Dom Care – SarahJane, Kelvin and Ja ckie. They all live in Ringwood and are settling in well.

Peop

ir ckie & Cla

Rachel, Ja

Stephen, Nick & An

THE STABLES Newsletter

Rachel

Spring/Summer 2015

le have been busy wi th outings, holiday s and activities including a fun trip to Paultons Park (w ith Ri ng wood & Fordingbridge Lions ), birthday celebrat ion s and weddings.

Jonathan Clarke ha d a very special inv itation to Dowining supported and arran Street, ged by Clive Keele (m ore on pa ge 13 ). Scott and Sarah-Jane ha ve started working at a Cattery in Pouln Ringwood and have er, near joined Trinity Chur ch, also in Ringwood .

Mandy Harris, Se

rvice Manager: Do

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

miciliary Care

VOLUNTEER GARDENERs REQUIRED

Volunteering with the SFHT We are fortunate that our Volunteer team continues to grow within the Trust. We are currently in the process of recruiting five new volunteers with a further four recently being welcomed onto the Volunteer Team.

Our Volunteers get involved in many different ways to support Day Service at Bisterne including: drama, music, independent living skills, horse-riding, yoga, singing and playing musical instruments.

Other volunteers support service users with various activities and trips. Two volunteers, Pete Thompson and Paul Kelham supported a visit to the Submarine Museum in Gosport where they spent a fascinating and enjoyable few hours.

your time Just a couple of hours of nce! will make a B ig differe

We are looking for keen Gardeners to support us here in these beautiful gardens at SFHT We offer flexibility as to attendance times at a time to suit during weekdays This voluntary role entails: supporting our head gardener and service users to help maintain and keep our gardens tidy.

If you have a particular interest in growing vegetables, there are raised beds & polytunnels growing a varied selection.

Light gardening duties are also available in our greenhouses.

Come and find out more before making a commitment, have a chat with Volunteer Manager Teresa Hunt about this opportunity call: 01425 485089 or: 07918 648518 or email: teresahunt@sfht.org.uk Volunteering for SFHT is subject to a recruitment process under which we apply for an Enhanced DBS clearance and obtain two satisfactory written references

Mark with volunteer Pete, Submarine Museum Submarine Museum visit

Day Service trip to Monkey World

Volunteer Liz Holmes helped out with the bar at a local production

by Poulner Players of “Blithe Spirit”. We were their chosen charity and benefited from funds from their front of house sales.

Colin Preston responded to our plea for help with the Friendship Club on Thursday evenings at Sopley. Mary Hindmarch, group leader, said that his help has been immense.

Finally, a group of volunteers from BT arrived at The Stables in April, having travelled from many different parts of the country, to undertake a voluntary project in the Orchard area of The Stables garden by preparing it for a Wildlife Project. The weather was fine and the team really enjoyed their time with us saying “the Stables is a truly amazing place”.

Husband and wife team Mike & Michele Board are kept busy at week-ends and evenings supporting a couple of Pinehaven residential clients with shopping trips, a visit to the pub and to a Food Festival. Next they will be supporting a group at the Larmer Tree Festival with volunteer Pete.

Volunteers Micky Chilman and Libby Bellhouse are supporting the “Bushcraft” activity, which has just commenced and takes place in the woods at the back of The Stables. It is an 8 week course which focuses on discovering the natural world and Libby and Micky both feel that this outdoor living is right up their street!

Finally, Volunteers Pete and Paul supported a Day Service trip to Monkey World in May – they are becoming the ‘magnificent duo’ and always return to The Stables laughing and joking - it is such a pleasure to see.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with The Stable Family Home Trust please contact me...

Teresa Hunt, Volunteer Manager on 01425 485089 or email: teresahunt@sfht.org.uk

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

5

News from Harleith & Abbotsford With the weather improving we have already had a few BBQs and will be looking forward to a lot more. We are now all thinking about our holidays – Butlins of course, long week-ends away on a Haven site, trips to the theatre and holidays on the Isle of Wight.

Abbotsford has had some redecoration - new carpets for Lizzie, the quiet/spare room and Matthew’s shower have been redecorated, complete with new flooring. Touching Base Club on a Thursday remains popular and we have joined up with Harleith to go to Bingo on a Wednesday evening. We are looking forward to a theatre trip to see ‘Annie’ in August; we are all going to see that show. Owen is going to a book launch with his sister in June. The book is about the Dorset Regiment in Hong Kong when his father was in command and the book is dedicated to him. Owen is going to let us borrow a copy as it sound very interesting. Lizzie, David and Sue continue to enjoy ‘Artsable’ and have recycled some great pieces of furniture and put them around both houses.

Lizzie

Richard

Matthew

Julian

Owen

Harleith has been busy getting lots of work done - Julian has recently had his room decorated and a new carpet fitted, new table and chairs for the dining room and the staff room carpet and folding bed being fitted.

A new boiler is being installed within the next few weeks so no more breakdowns and lashings of hot water! There is some money in our donations pot so we are looking at getting a patio laid with new furniture and a Gazebo.

Richard has recently been elected onto the committee at the Bournemouth People First ‘Speaking Up Group’; he attends regular meetings looking at policies and rights for people with a learning disability.

Mark Wells, Service Manager: Abbotsford & Harleith

A fabulous Open Garden Weekend with the National Garden Scheme The Stables garden was once again open in conjunction with the National Garden scheme on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June.

This year, Bisterne Manor garden was also open with us and it gave people the opportunity to see two very different gardens, which they seemed to appreciate.

The weather was kind and we enjoyed sunshine on both days, which encouraged more people to visit us. This year we were pleased to welcome over 400 visitors, which is a record. Cream teas and cakes were very popular and sales were at an all-time high this year. Craft, Pottery and Plant sales were steady throughout the week-end and people were keen to purchase mosaic work, small pottery items as well as some of the big pots.

As always, people were very generous and we also had some offers of extra support – offers of off-cuts of stained glass, tiles for Craft and one or two people interested in volunteering with the SFHT.

6

THE STABLES Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2015

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

Updates from Skillsbase@Cornerways In May service users at Skillsbase attended a Keeping Safe event in Winchester. Emergency services attended as well as local learning disability teams, health guidance and assistive technology.

Rachael Carter explains what happened “We were given questions on a sheet that we had to answer, the answers we found on all the stalls and we got certificates when we had answered all of the questions. There were lots of things on the stalls that we could have to help us keep safe at home, and lots of information available to help us, slightly embarrassing, there were pretend boobs, they were special ones for people to practice looking for lumps.”

Service users had great fun riding the ‘Smoothie Bike’. Ingredients were put into a blender at the front, the service users were invited to ride the bike and power the blender, their reward a beautiful smoothie.

A job Club has recently finished with great success, 50% of the service users already have paid employment and all are clear about their own career and development options. Some have signed up for further courses in order to improve employability skills such as Cookery and Money skills. They all enjoyed a day at Gifted recognising and researching health and safety signs, learning customer skills, PPE, display ideas and recognising security problems.

Courses which started in July •‘Safebook’ Staying safe on Facebook •Friendship and Wellbeing Group an opportunity to form new friendships and develop current ones whilst considering our own health and wellbeing, including pampering and relaxation •Job Club due to demand, we are offering another Job Club Susie Lewis, Team Leader: Domiciliary Care Skillsbase Group with social worker Lucy

Keeping Safe Event Sarah-Jayne Boyce with her certificate

We had a great team for the weekend...

Staff members: Barbara White, Wendy Wells, Suzette Knight, Julie Porter, Alison Smith, David Mowinski, Val Smith, Mary Hindmarch, James Howard, Teresa Hunt, Helen Vost.

Service Users: Simon Frigot plus Andrew Buckingham and other service users from the Stables Flat Volunteers: Michele Board, Tim Hickish, Paul Kelham, Pete Thompson, Mike Board, Jean Longley, Colin Preston, Carolyne Chapman, Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions

Thanks to Dave Brown and Alison Smith for a wonderful selection of delicious cakes – what a treat!

We raised £3,470, which is a great result but there will be expenses and a proportion of our fundraising is donated to the National Garden Scheme. The funds that we keep will be used to support the continued renovation of the garden wall.

Thank you to everyone who came along over the week-end and supported the event, it was great to see you.

Marion Davies 01425 485090 or email: mariondavies@sfht.org.uk

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

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Personal Development Programmes...

We are currently going through exciting and positive changes in the way we deliver day time activities to people.

Using our excellent resources, experienced and talented Staff teams we are in a good position to deliver our services in a very flexible and unique way, making sure that everyone who uses our services get the maximum benefit and great value for money.

lives, facilitating them to be more independent in their homes, develop new friendships, relationships and networks of informal support that enhances social and recreational events.

In addition, people will gain new skills that build confidence and prepare them for entry into work and other opportunities in their SFHT has added to its resources over the past 18 months with communities. a Skills base centre at Cornerways in Ringwood where we offer training facilities to increase independence and offer recognised We have already been encouraged by some people who are qualifications. experiencing new opportunities that have had an excellent effect on confidence and self-esteem. Of course, we believe that people The latest addition to our resources is Gifted, a high Street based need the right level of support to gain new skills and experience Garden centre in Highcliffe, that encourages excellent community new things, but we know we have made a real difference when integration as well as offering transferable retail skills. We believe people tell us that they enjoy their growing independence when that everyone who uses our services should expect to have positive doing more things with less support from us. outcomes, for some this may lead to greater independence skills, including a pathway into employment. We have been amazed at Over the years we have seen some really positive examples of the support and commitment we have received, particularly at our the people we support becoming valued members of their local Highcliffe service. communities. Supporting people to have a meaningful occupation, the chance to learn new skills, experience personal development, In the future we will see our services become even more community gain confidence and feel good about life is what we are all about. based and offer better transport links to all the activities we offer.

We will share our staff expertise and individualised skills across all Anyone using our services will have full access to all the our sites and community based venues. programmes we offer and will have control over how they use the service and what outcomes they want to see for themselves, we Overall outcomes will mean people will be able experience a will then devise a system that monitors their success and works wide variety of activities as part of our personal development towards their outcomes and ultimate aspirations. programmes. These will have a positive effect in all areas of their

Ultimately supporting increased integration into the community with valued roles and relationships is what we aim to provide.

Colin Waters, Deputy CEO

isterne •Woodwork The Stables Brni rt •Craft •Drama •Pottery •A ing lud inc ies nit re! rtu ng and activity oppo •Yoga and so much mo lea orse Riding •Keep Fit There is a wide range of •Cookery •Swimming •H •IT a ram •D ce an •D ic •Gardening •Mus

e, Steve “I like everything her ft” cra and tery pot especially

8

, Matthew says “I like pottery king pots.” especially coiling and ma

THE STABLES Newsletter

Joanna in Cookery

Spring/Summer 2015

James in IT

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

Cornerways what some of our se

rvice users have

said...

“I have recently gained a qualification in Maths thi s has been an excellent achievement for me and something I have wanted for a long time.”

“I really like coming here to learn new skills in the Kitchen, it has really helped me to become mo re independent in my ow n flat.”

“I can now use the comp uter to email my friends an d family I can even send pictures, it’s great.”

“There are so many sessio ns to choose from including how to manage your own home, relationship gro ups, managing money an d computer skills.”

Matthew learning to coo

k

The response from our customers has been great and very supportive, we have had lots of interest from people wanting to volunteer, donations of items to sell on and some really nice compliments.

“A joy to enter, great variety, and a pleasure to have Gifted in Highcliffe” “Very true. Good service, friendly, a pleasure to support” “Beautiful display of flowers on the forecourt, best ever.

Pleasure to come to the shop” “Lovely display. Looks like a proper garden centre.”

Hannah & Oli

Anjuli

Oli says: “I like looking after the plants and using the pricing gun.

It’s a really nice place.” customers, d. I use the till, serve “It’s fantastic at Gifte ng there.” rki wo e lov lly I rea help them find things.

Mark watering th

e plants

The team at Gifted

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

9

On Friday 17th July we held our first Awards night to recognise some really great achievements...

The night started off by recognising Sheena Greennough’s 30 David Mowinski then took to the Stage to award three people years of Service with SFHT. Sheena was a good sport and danced for their outstanding contribution to the latest Drama group Pantomime Performance. Awards were made to Anjali Hebbern, the night away with us.

Jane Suttle, and Katie Derham.

Katie Tullet-Gomez then awarded prizes for the Healthy and Safe poster competition which she had organised as part of her Everyone had a fantastic night in a brilliant atmosphere and educational work in Health and Safety with people we support. enjoyed the dancing, food and drink. We have plans to make the The winner was Stephen Freemantle, who received his award in awards evening an annual event as part of an annual Summer Ball. advance as he was unable to attend the Awards Night due to a A very special “thank you” to Katie Tullett-Gomez for funding the prior commitment at The Lamar Tree Festival. The runners up were gifts, awards posters and prizes, along with Teena Cook who also Anjuli Hebbern, Laura Thomas, Amy Nicholas and Joanna Jones. very generously supplied gifts for service users. ephen Overall winner St

tie & Colin

Janie, Andrew, Ka

Freemantle

e hosts

Colin & Katie - th

Katie Derham &

Jonathan with his

gift

Jo & Lucy having

Simon

fun Sheena receiving

lin

her award from Co

th Colin & Katie

Laura Thomas wi

ing!

Enjoying the danc

Anjuli with Colin

and Katie

A big “thank you” to all the staff who worked together to make the evening so very special.

Colin Waters, Deputy CEO Anjuli & Ben

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THE STABLES Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2015

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

Touching Base Club Since moving to Sopley Hall last September our Club nights have been attended by more people from Burley, Ringwood, New Milton, Southbourne, Mudeford and Bransgore.

We have found that music and dance based activities are very popular as is our version of Bingo - 2 little ducks 22 quack, quack!

Apart from Bingo we’ve had art and craft nights, a talent night, music quiz, country and western night, story-telling, skittles at the Walkford Pub and two bands namely our good and noisy old faithful Irish band Finbars Hoolie with John, Peter and Chas who really enjoy playing for us and say they have as much fun as the people who attend. There is fantastic interaction between our members and the band who have become good friends to us all.

We also met a new duo Bevois Valley, namely Antonia and Jack, who came to play Rock and roll for us and ended up playing a medley of soul and modern pop! Much dancing and fun was had by all who attended.

Bevois Valley were blown away by the happy atmosphere and the very enthusiastic audience and are returning to us for another week to play the numerous requests they couldn’t fit in on their first visit.

In August Touching Base Club will continue running throughout the month and we are always pleased to see new people. So come along and meet new friends, relax and have a drink and biscuits and join in the fun.

Mary Hindmarch - Touching Base Club Leader

Bournemouth Night Club Event at 2930 the Triangle, Bournemouth The Bournemouth Night Club Event has now entered its fifth year, being held every 2 months on a Tuesday evening throughout the year. It is run as part of the Stable Family Home Trust’s support for people with a learning disability to make and meet up with friends and is hosted by me and other staff and volunteers. People are encouraged to come and ‘let their hair down’; to have an enjoyable social evening with friends in a safe environment. We do not directly support people but we are there throughout the evening to make sure people have a great time and to help out when needed.

The event could not run without the support of the proprietor of 2930, Lynne Withers-Lancashire. She kindly donates the venue free of charge and gives her own time, along with family members and staff, to run the bar. The DJ is sourced at a favourable rate, along with the security person.

The venue is a well-established night club in the heart of Bournemouth Triangle. It launched in 2008, predominantly as a gay Club venue playing host to a wide variety of special events, theme nights and parties. It has become a firm favourite with the locals since Lynne became owner.

Lynne is very welcoming and friendly, showing great passion and commitment to these events. She lives her belief - that everyone should have the opportunity of social inclusion and citizenship; that this should be easily available to everyone; that everyone should have freedom from discrimination to experience an ordinary fun filled evening. Most of our evenings are themed: Valentine’s night, Halloween and Christmas with the club decorated to the theme. All of these ‘extras’ are provided at Lynne’s own expense. We are so grateful for her generosity.

Lynne and her team say that our club nights are the most popular night with the staff – the customers are polite and respectful to staff and each other, people behave well and they are just the greatest bunch of people to be with.

These evenings are for the sole purpose of promoting and encouraging independence and inclusion for people with or without support needs.

It gives them an ordinary life experience with extraordinary moments; here people can socialise, make new friends, build relationships and have great fun!

It is a very friendly and welcoming event and entrance costs £4.00 per person. Carers or supporting friends or family members go free. The evening begins at 7.00pm finishing at 10.00pm.

This is what the people say...

‘It’s great to have a drink and do lots of dancing’ Holly ‘I have got to see my Boyfriend James’ Kylie ‘Fantastic, I dance all night’ Grant Future Night Club dates: 11 August 2015 20 October 2015 1 December 2015 I hope to meet you there...

Katie & Oliver

Best wishes Kevin, Service Manager Pinehaven

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

11

NEWS from FUNDRAISING

Town Mayor & Marion Davies

Cheque presentation

FUNDRAISING APPEAL CHANGING SPACES PHASE 2 We are launching our Changing Spaces Phase 2 Fundraising Appeal. You may remember that Changing Spaces Phase 1 focussed on The Stables facilities. Phase 2 will concentrate on two of our homes, Pinehaven & Abbotsford – and we are already working on Phase 3, the creation of a new Arts Suite at The Stables, more news on that next time.

Pinehaven will be refurbished providing a bathroom or shower room for each resident and a completely remodelled ground floor. The refurbishment will be done in two phases, Phase 1 will see the installation of the new bathrooms and shower rooms and Phase 2 will provide an enlarged kitchen (in a new location) and dining room, with a conservatory side extension providing much needed space for residents and staff. The addition of a bedroom with ensuite facilities and centrally located office on the Ground Floor will complete the refurbishment and provide a home that is comfortable and gives dignity to the people we support.

All of this comes at a price and as I write the lowest quote we currently have is £139,000 plus and there is still the cost of the new kitchen to be added to this, plus VAT and fees, which will bring the total to approximately £200,000.

Meanwhile, Abbotsford will benefit from a new Conservatory to enlarge the lounge, providing much needed space for residents and staff to enjoy time together

12

THE STABLES Newsletter

he Spirit

- Poulner Players - Blit

NM Dec. & Fine Art Society

and a centrally located office on the Ground Floor. This will cost in the region of £55,000, including VAT and fees.

Mr. Ray Smith, the Worshipful Master of

Our third project is still at the costing stage but we hope to create a new Arts Suite at The Stables, providing four interconnecting rooms for art related activities. The huge benefit here is that the four rooms can become one large space for events and large gatherings.

recently presented me with a cheque for

I will be applying for a number of grants to fund these projects but your support is important to us and if you can help us by organising a fundraising event, make a donation or attend events that we organise that would be very much appreciated.

THANK YOU!

chose us as their charity to benefit from

We have been pleased to receive support from the New Milton Decorative & Fine Art Society who have kindly donated £500 for a printer to be used in Pottery.

The printer works with Decal paper that allows transfers to be directly printed onto the clay, which makes things a lot easier for our service users. Many thanks to this supportive group.

Thank you to Cllr. Barbara Woodifield, Town Mayor of Ringwood until May 2015, who has raised funds and provided a grant for us totalling £1,599.03. This included a £350 donation from Eberspacher, a local company whose new offices the Mayor recently opened. Above is a photograph of the Mayor presenting me with a cheque at her final Ringwood Town Council meeting in May.

Spring/Summer 2015

the Elizabethan Lodge 7262 has chosen us as his charity for a second year and he £480 that his wife, Angie, had raised at a Ladies Evening. This donation is one of several from the Masons at the Elizabethan Lodge. Many thanks to Ray and Angie.

Many thanks to Poulner Players who their production of Blithe Spirit, which ran from 27-30 May at St. John’s Church Hall, Poulner. This amateur dramatic group works so hard to produce top quality productions and has raised £000’s for local charities over the years. We were pleased to receive £503.48 being the profits from Front of House Sales and this will be match funded by Barclays Bank as one of the members has a connection with the bank and the total raised for the SFHT will be £1,006.96.

Thank you also to everyone who has supported us...

Friends, Family Members and people in the community - with either a donation, by becoming a Friend, a regular donor or helping us at events.

We could not achieve all that we do for people with a learning disability without your support.

Marion Davies tel: 01425 485090 or email: mariondavies@sfht.org.uk

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

5th September 2015 You will find two books of raffle tickets in this newsletter @ £2.50 each book Will you please support us by selling the raffle tickets or purchasing them yourself and raise £5 for the SFHT?

We have three great prizes:

1st Prize 2 Night Hotel Break for two 2nd Prize 7” Kindle Fire HD 3rd Prize £50 Cash

Please return the stubs to: Teresa Hunt, The Stable Family Home Trust, The Stables, Bisterne, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3BN or bring them with you to the Fayre on Saturday 5th September.

Thank you for your support

Jonathan’s D rea Comes True.. m .

Jonath

an’s jo

urney to

London

Jonathan Cla rk, a David Cam eron fan, final dream to visi ly realised his t No. 10 Dow lifetime n in g Street whe invitation to vi n he received sit the nation ti mely ’s most famou a service user s address. Jona with The Stabl than is e Family Hom e Trust.

“The SFHT h elps and enco urages us to life moments experience ex ”, says Jonath traordinary an , “s o can you belie excitement w ve my surprise hen I received and a letter from London for a No 10 invitin photo opport g me up to unity on those legendary st Jonathan’s gr eps?!” eat day was dr ea m ed up by the charity’ Manager, Man s Domiciliary dy Harris and Care her team care are constantly r C liv e K ee le, both of who on the lookou t for new oppo m of the charity’ rtunities to en s service user ha nc e the lives s. “This one w “and after seve as a real chal ral attempts, le ng e” sa ys Mandy, we were deligh they’d be happ ted to hear from y to fulfill Jona No 10 that than’s dream ”.

Clive Keele ac companied Jo hnathan on th and it is a prim is incredible tr e example of ip to No 10 how the SFHT disabled peop w or ks w it h le to provide learning those extraord genuinely op inary momen en up the wor ts that ld for them.

“The Stable Fa mily Home T rust is totall the very best y committed in personalise to providing d su p port for peop disabilities, a le with learn nd indeed thei ing r families as fulfillment of well” says Man our clients’ h dy. “The opes and dre as it is to them ams is as ple , and that ma asing to us kes our missi rewarding an on all the mo d exciting”. re

Well done Ma ndy and Clive in making Jo dream come nathan’s true!

Clive with

Jonathan

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

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Residents of Pinehaven Stories, News & Events...

All the residents have been very busy attending various birthday parties and local social events. People are looking forward to the refurbishment at Pinehaven and hopefully Phase 1 will start very soon. The home has purchased a new BBQ and it has already been used to celebrate several birthdays at the home.

Here are the residents stories over the last few months... t a Riot’ Parks Centre visiting is by the Kaiser Chiefs, he said his goal for next year is to win! Grant Grant says he loves in July with his Mum and brothers; he is really looking forward to this. has made some and living at Pine haven and enjoys the company of other service users

Grant has recently participated in The Stables Talent Show performing ‘Predic

great new friends.

Beverly has been enjoying the lighter evenings as she enjoys

going for walks along the seafront after dinner. She has completed two Skillsbase courses at Cornerways – relationship buildi ng and improving her cookery skills to become more independen t in the kitchen. She has also started a money management course as she would like to become more independent with her finances. Beverley says she loves it at Cornerways and is enjoying her time at The Stables.

Cathy attends The Stables five days a week; she particularly likes

arts and crafts and is currently building a ‘top secret’ sculpture. dog Molly.

She has recently gone on holiday to Dartmouth with her parents and adores. she She has recently become an auntie to her niece, Jessica, whom

Ben is always active, continues to go swimming twice a week

and attends a maths class; feedback is that he appears to be advanced for the group. Another year of success playing badminton, returning each time with a medal. Apart from Charlaine’s BBQ birthday party, he continues to successfully manage his fitness regime, havin g recently lost over a stone in weight! Well done Ben! He plans to have dinner with Anjuli and is hoping to book a day out at a theme park with his friends.

hly She skills. enjoys it as it has given her a chance to meet new friends and learn new Heroes’ and attended another service user’s birthday party; the theme was ‘Super best parties Katie dressed up as wonder woman. She reported that it was one of the own birthday she has been to and is still talking about it! Katie recently celebrated her and and she wanted a BBQ at home with her housemates. It was a great success

Katie has recently started attending The Stables one day a week. She thoroug

everyone had a great evening.

Julie continues to bake bread and cakes on a weekly basis for all of her housemates, as Julie likes to see them happy! She recently celebrated a birthday and staff and service users organised Julie a surprise party!

Julie said that she had a fantastic day!

14

THE STABLES Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2015

t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk

d a BBQ

Oliver loves his work at Kings Park Primary School in the kitchen. He has planne

with his mother. to celebrate his birthday and he attended The Stable Open Garden event to be trained Oliver is excited that he has been short listed to go to London for a chance waiting in are we Jr, and gain work experience under the watchful eye of Michel Roux anticipation to hear more!

Mark has been ecstatic with the recent Bournemouth FC win

and promotion to the Premier League, going to watch home fixtures when he can. He is an avid supporter and gets to meet the players through his work there on a Wednesday morning. Mark went to the Wheels event on Bournemouth sea front, another big passion of his is cars, returning with posters to place in Pinehaven’s summer house. Mark enjoyed his birthday BBQ at the home with his housemates and he had a special diabetic cake made for him by Yasmin.

Justin is working on improving his independent living skills and enjoys making

his

He attends shopping list and doing his food shopping independently each week. he demonstrates which skills, cookery his e Skillsbase@Cornerways once a week to improv birthday by inviting by all the new dishes he is creating at Pinehaven. Justin celebrated his and Kettle. all his friends from The Stables to join him for a meal at the Spy Glass They had a great time.

Wills & Trusts Workshop Thursday 17th September 2015

The Stable Family Home Trust is holding a Wills and Trusts Workshop on Thursday 17th September at the Tyrells Ford Hotel, Avon, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 7BH (approximately ½ a mile from the SFHT premises at Bisterne).

The workshop will run from 6.30-8.30pm and we will be offering light refreshments during the evening.

We are very fortunate to be working with Richard Wadsworth, a Senior Solicitor with Moore Blatch based in Lymington and he will lead the workshop for us. Richard will cover everything you will need to know to ensure that you have a Will or Trust that is fit purpose. A poorly written Will has the potential to create more problems for those who are meant to benefit so it is important to know what the pitfalls might be.

wish, without creating more problems at a very stressful time.

Richard will provide you with an information pack to take away with you so that you can take your time to quietly review what you have put in place for your loved ones.

We do hope that you will join us for this informative Wills and Trust Workshop and to ensure your place is reserved for you please complete the booking form enclosed in this newsletter It will be an informal evening and we hope that you will go and return it Marion Davies at The Stable Family Home Trust. away armed with all the information you need to ensure that you have a Will that provides for your loved ones as you would We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 17th September Marion Davies, Head of Fundraising tel: 01425 485090 email: mariondavies@sfht.org.uk

Supporting people with a learning disability to lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments

15

Enhance your skills and learn new ones to improve your independence and Social networks with our...

Personal Development Programme At SFHT we offer a flexible Personal development programme for individuals to meet their own aspirations and personal goals.

We can help you plan and monitor your outcomes that lead to personal development and greater independence.

Our Programmes are available in the Ringwood and Christchurch area as well as community based support Our price structure starts from just £25 per session As well as a huge choice of activities and educational sessions you will receive support from our health and welfare manager who can assist with social, emotional and health support needs to ensure you receive the right support.

ASDAN accredited Learning •Retail experience •Arts •Craft •Pottery •Drama •Music •Dance •Sport •Swimming •IT skills •Horse Riding •Gym •Cycle Rides •Horticulture •Flower Arranging •Catering •Money Skills •Relationships •Managing your own home •Money Skills •Independent travel •Job Club •Socialising •Health Issues •Fitness

Contact us for more details or a free taster session email: reception@sfht.org.uk tel: 01425 278043 www.sfht.org.uk

The Stable Family Home Trust The Stables, Bisterne, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3BN tel: 01425 478043 fax: 01425 461076 email: reception@sfht.org.uk

www.sfht.org.uk

Private company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England & Wales No. 4421606 Reg. Charity No. 1093672 Newsletter designed & produced by: The Impressive Group 01202 568561

Supporting people Newsletter with a learningSpring/Summer disability to 2015 lead ordinary lives with some extraordinary moments t: 01425 478043 www.sfht.org.uk THE STABLES