YO U R T W ICE Y E A R LY M AG A Z IN E F RO M FA MILY MOSA IC
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
inting a p n e be You've TACK
AU T U M N 2015
sing sociali
TEA E G A T ESTS N F I VI N I M T RTIES, STLING A A T P R A WRE OFFICE D N A ting n g e n i m i n r e pe gard N, and ex W A L GREAT ILE E M H O T M D CA RS AN OFF TO ORS, E V O E MAK HENS UTDO ORGANISED O Y HAPP TTING NING E G ing LEAR K D M travell N R A A OR EF H W T E L O D T E NE TAKING THE CANAL AIR, ON RIS AHOY AND PA
2
editorial
A CHEERFUL REMINDER OF YOUR SUMMER Welcome to this edition of Reachout magazine, bringing you the latest news about events and projects that took place over the last six months in London, Essex and the south east. As winter approaches, how lovely to have a reminder of summer in all the garden projects right across the regions, bringing together customers, staff and volunteers to work on something that will enhance the daily lives of many people. It’s also nice to get an update on your many activities, trips and workshops. Personally I’d have chosen Paris over Stubbers – not up for extreme activity these days! I was touched by the sense of support common to all the articles in this edition. It is so important that our services have a strong sense of community and that people who use our services and their neighbours come together for fun and to provide friendship to those who are lonely or vulnerable. I know many of our staff help you to organise and get funding for events so a big thank you to them as well. When I drove through Colchester last night I was shocked to see that some shops were already decorated for Christmas. It sent me into a bit of a panic if I’m honest, but it also made me think about events that were held last year to bring together people who were lonely during the holiday season. I expect more events are now being planned and look forward to pictures and stories in the summer edition of Reachout. The word on the street is that we can expect bad weather over this winter. Please make sure that you are prepared. Our staff will be able to help you by giving information and advice. Best wishes MOIRA GRIFFITHS, GROUP CARE AND SUPPORT DIRECTOR
MONEY FOR GOOD WORKS Each year the Family Mosaic Community Fund sets aside a pot of money to pay for activities and events that it agrees will do good for you and our other customers. If you have an idea for an activity or event like this and would like to apply for some money to help pay for it, please talk to your support worker. Many of the activities covered in this issue of Reachout were very kindly paid for by the Family Mosaic Community Fund.
contacts
painting
ESSEX REGION
BORING OFFICE GETS A FRIENDLY ART ATTACK!
General enquiries q 01268 498 500 Visiting support services Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, and Rayleigh q 0800 288 8883 Southend q 01702 445 870 Haveringq 01708 776 770 LONDON REGION
Our Southampton office has been turned into a bright, cheerful and welcoming space with paintings done by customers from all our teams
General enquiries q 020 7089 1000 Visiting support services Hackney, Islington q 020 7241 7940 Hammersmith & Fulham q 0800 123 1991 Redbridge q 0800 970 8401 Kensington & Chelsea q 020 7351 2522 SOUTH REGION General enquiries q 01273 468 010 enquiries@familymosaic.co.uk www.fmcareandsupport.co.uk
Are you 65 or over? If you feel like you’re getting a cough or a cold, get advice from your pharmacist Good outcomes: beforethe it Maisee gets Sheed Trust Fund has paid more serious.
for lots of activities that do good for you and others like you
nhs.uk/staywell
3
Leyla Hannbeck, Pharmacist
Inspired by their visits to Southampton’s City Art Gallery, customers spent a day a week over two months using our office as an art studio, painting people or places that mean a lot to them.
Professional finish
When they finished, staff picked those best suited to an office then had them professionally framed. The art project was our answer to complaints from customers who found our office too formal. It didn’t feel like ‘their’ space, they said.
That’s all changed thanks to our art group. And it’s helped members of the group too. They have all learnt different techniques for painting and everyone who took part has been given paints and canvases so they can carry on painting in their own home. ‘I enjoyed being in the group and didn’t want it to end,’ said Lyndsey York. Hampshire and West Sussex area manager Steve Curtis said: 'It's great seeing the art in the office every day and I am very keen to see what our customers do next!'
Wash of blue: Aimee Harris
Turbulent seas: Vince Hambrook Seascape: Lyndsey York
4
gardening
5
THE CAMOMILE LAWN
XMAS WREATH MAKING: back by popular demand!
“
It's already a lovely garden and this will make it look even nicer. It will look so much better than the pots there now. - youth volunteer Gav
dwarf camomile plants to add a lovely apple smell to the garden and make it look even better. Camomile is often used instead of grass in gardens where it’s really important to have things that smell and feel nice.
Martlet House had a party in September to celebrate our garden project’s first year
's first to the garden Toast: here's elba punch all round m year - peach
GARDENS OF DELIGHT AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
So get into the festive spirit by making something special with natural materials foraged outdoors, like evergreens, holly and pine cones.
To book your place at one of the workshops or find out a bit more call Greening Communities officer Pippa on q07508 875 200.
Digging deep
SALT-RESISTANT GARDEN THRIVES The garden has bloomed this year thanks to the arrival of a sturdy fence to help keep out strong salty winds blowing in from the sea off Saltdean. Salt is terrible for plants. We also had to pick plants that would survive in shallow, chalky soil. We first met Emma Reeves from Greening Communities in October 2013.
THERE WILL BE TWO FREE WORKSHOPS FROM 10AM TO 12.30PM ON TUESDAY 15 AND TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER.
Customers at Flaxmean Court in Felpham and Churchill Court in Barnham have been helping make their gardens nicer, and even the ducks have a new house at Flaxmean.
Customers from across north Essex turned up to Beridge Road in Halstead, near Colchester, to plant a sweet-smelling camomile lawn this summer The care scheme won the ‘Halstead in Bloom’ award last year, which is tough going in a town full of very keen gardeners. To keep the standards high, Greening Communities project worker Ella Dixon ordered 300
Christmas wreath-making workshops are coming back to the Brookside office in Southampton in December.
Since then, with help from Emma and a local contractor, all the gardens around Martlet House have been looking much better. We’re looking forward to seeing what springs brings. Thanks to the social inclusion team for the chocolatedipped strawberries that made our party extra sweet!
Residents helped plant a raised bed at Barnham in July and the garden has been getting new lawns and will get close to 100 new shrubs this autumn. Flaxmean also had a planting day and bedded in lettuce, radishes, herbs, flowers and bulbs over August. Some new garden furniture and a memorial bench were skillfully put together by Doreen, Alex, Anne and co. The council is giving the garden a makeover and Doreen says it now looks so nice they were tempted to camp out in summer. Thanks to Arun District Council and Greening Communities for their help with the gardens.
Tenants at the Old Dairy in Tunbridge Wells have been on a chicken-keeping course to learn more about caring for the hens in their garden. Allan James Winstanley reports For the past three years we have kept free-range chickens. We all help pay for bedding and feed. Bernie, our support worker, clips the wings and we help clean out their house. Bernie arranged for us to go on the course at Commonwork Farm in Chiddingstone in Kent. We learnt the basics of health, common ailments and how to handle chickens correctly. We also had a tour of the beehives. A journalist from the BBC’s Good Food magazine was also on the course. Our chickens lay eggs every day. It is lovely having fresh eggs. I prefer my eggs boiled and I also like to make pancakes with them.
6
travelling
7
GARDENERS' BIG DAY OUT Essex customers who like gardening had a day out with our Greening Communities team in summer First stop was the community gardens at Colchester’s High Woods Country Park, where one of our mums accidentally dug up a toad instead of a potato. The group later voted this the best part of the day! Gardener Wayne took our group on a tour of the ‘Big Garden Project’, set up on wasteland nine years ago. Local people use the garden to learn to grow fruit and veg and volunteer with garden tasks.
One of our group, who lives nearby and regularly visits the country park, signed up as a weekly volunteer. Next stop was the world famous Beth Chatto gardens. The dry garden was inspiring and the ponds filled with water lilies and ducks were lovely. Last port of call for the day was the café for ice cream.
Hunt the spud: Four year old Lily in pink with mum Laura Thomas in red, and - in the blue top - Robert from South Close
FLYING HIGH OVER THE COWS, SHEEP AND ER... WALLABIES
BRIGHTON BELLES Four south London learning disabilities customers spent a sunny day in Brighton in August. Bridget, Ena, Florence and Alicia, who use our floating support, met us at London Bridge station to catch the Brighton train. After a fish and chip lunch in the sun we walked down to the beach and had a birthday cake to celebrate (just a bit late) Bridget's birthday. Alicia, Florence and Bridget paddled in the sea and took selfies. ce n re lo After two hours on the beach we walked along the pier &F t, Ena, Alicia Sunny: Bridge and enjoyed the buskers and entertainers. ‘It was fantastic and I had a lovely day,’ Alicia said.
“
Had so much fun and the food was nice
Meerkats, otters, birds of prey, wallabies, and many different farm animals greeted children from The Pastures on a two-day trip to Hobbledown Farm in Epsom
Barrow boy: Jermaine Thomas picks the easy way to tour the Big Garden Project.
'Finding the birds in the book and the sandwich in the park.' Lily, age 4, telling us very clearly and loudly which bits of the day were her favourites
ALL ABOARD!
Animal farm: meeting the barn owl
The farm also has lots of exciting outdoor activities for children, giving them a chance to show off all kinds of talent, with lots of the (slightly) older children completing a highwire course. One young girl stood out, holding her arms wide as she came down the zip wire singing: ‘I believe I can fly.’ Every child on the trip took home a certificate, with their photo, stating what staff thought they did best. Their mums are so pleased they’ve been showing the certificates to visiting education staff. The Pastures is a gypsy and traveller site where we have been giving support to the residents for five years.
Customer Martin Matthews made a flyer to interest others in his idea of a get together for people with learning disabilities who use our floating support in Hackney. The result was half a day floating along the canal to Victoria Park in two narrowboats, learning how to travel on a canal. Each boat carried 12 passengers and the trips were fantastic. Those who went have made new friends and are now planning more activities together.
PARIS MINI-BREAK A group who use our London learning disabilities services headed across the channel for a three-day mini-break in Paris ‘We got on Eurostar and, my Seeing the si heavens, was the train fast!’ ghts: touring Paris said Robert Miller. ‘Within 40 minutes we got to the Channel Tunnel and whizzed through Tower on foot and went the French countryside to Paris.' shopping for souvenirs. For some, it was their first trip ‘I had never been on a overseas. They took a bus tour bateau-mouche and loved it, of Paris, had lunch on a boat and the buffet,' said Robert. sailing down the river Seine, 'It rained all day but never mind explored sights like the Eiffel and I spoke French all the time.’
8
socialising
9
CELEBRATING SENIORITY West Sussex clients so enjoyed last year’s health and wellbeing festival they asked for one every year. So for Older People’s Day we held a mini version About 100 guest turned up to the sports and social club at Middleton on Sea for a vintage tea, dancing to old classics, lots of healthy activities and a chance to pick up new skills.
An invitation to a vintage tea party at Cranbury Towers in summer drew in older customers from Hamwic House and many more who use our floating support in Southampton
Lots to interest trie Some guests
ied Even more tr
rcises d seating exe
rcises! the eating exe
There was a woodwork display, free books, plants to pot and flowers to arrange and, at the art stall, guests learnt how to start a creative project. Guess the weight of the cake and the tombola were very popular. So too were the ‘hair and nails’ makeovers and relaxing Reiki massages. Freebies for guests included fresh fruit to encourage healthy eating. Everyone enjoyed themselves and a lovely day was had by all.
Free hairdos went down well
The suggestion of a festival came from the focus group for Here to Help, the visiting support service for older people in West Sussex.
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
“
It was a wonderful event and Family Mosaic must be thanked for its organisation. The staff were most helpful and all involved had a fantastic time.
CUPCAKES SERVED UP WITH BINGO IN SOUTHAMPTON
A huge crowd turned up for our summer garden party at Postern Court and Biddlesgate Court in Southampton. A grand total of 76 guests from five of our schemes for older people came with family and friends to enjoy a hog roast followed by ice cream and strawberries and cream. Guests sang along with ukelele band Uke Box Glory and a special charity raffle raised £130 for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire Air Ambulance.
Guests sipped tea from lovely cups and saucers specially lent to us for the occasion and there were sandwiches and fresh fruit to add a healthier touch, along with the cupcakes. We also held a class in cake decorating. Lunch was followed by bingo, which was loved by the guests who had never before played it especially when they won. Twenty had such a good time they stayed right to the end. We now have a new group of bingo devotees! ‘The food was excellent with lots to choose,’ said one guest. ‘The china tea cups and saucers were lovely, and it was decorated nicely.’
Sugar coating: older customers try their hand at icing cupcakes
WWE ALIVE AND KICKING WWE wrestling fans Thomas and Alfie were over the moon when staff at their supported living scheme in Douglas Road, Colchester, offered to take them to see the WWE live tour at London’s O2 arena.
Best seats
Staff helped them book really good seats to watch their heroes John Cena, Randy Orton and Paige. Support workers Marc and Neil went with them to see the show. Both Thomas and Alfie are still talking about their great evening seeing the WWE live.
Souvenirs: Thomas and Alfie have added WWE T-shirts and baseball caps to their wrestling collection
10
experimenting
ter brave the wa to y d a re : p m Ski-ju
protecting
STUBBERS ACTIVITY DAY
KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD
In August a group from five young people’s schemes in Essex visited Stubbers activity centre in Upminster. Alfie Wood reports
For some time now Family Mosaic has been proud to be called a safeguarding organisation. When we talk about safeguarding, what we mean is protecting people from harm or damage
We were escorted to the meeting point in hut number one, divided into groups of six and told what we would be doing during the day and how long we would get on each activity.
Our Don’t Walk On By campaign helped staff and customers recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and learn what to do if you know or think someone is being abused. In recent years types of abuse have changed. More cases are being reported and new problems revealed. One is modern slavery. Another is people being coached into terrorism by extreme radicals. Neither is new but we want you to know about these growing risks and understand how and where they happen.
Packed agenda
group arrive Going in: our
at Stubbers
The activities were jet skiing, 4x4 driving, rifle shooting and abseiling. Most were activities we’d never done before. We would get 1.5 hours on each, with 15-minute breaks.
I think the day was a great success. I experienced new things and met new people. I was also proud that I faced my fears. The 4 by 4 driving was something I've always wanted to do and I enjoyed it. I would like to do it again. On behalf of Anne Knight House and myself, thank you very much to Samantha Hampshire at Bramble Court for organising the day and to the Family Mosaic Community Foundation for funding it.
NEVER MISS ANOTHER DATE Personal activity boards are helping everyone keep up with their meetings, shopping trips, housework duties and other important dates at Lloyd House in Stanford le Hope. All our customers have busy weekly schedules and the old paper planner we were using wasn’t up to the job. So we agreed that everyone should have their own board. After a lot of looking for the right pictures, cutting them out, getting them laminated, and fighting with gridding tape and velcro, each customer now has their own board that they can change and update when they want.
11
Ready when you are: Lloyd House customers Jeffrey Thompson, Martin Dunleavy and Martin Cutts show off their new activity boards
MODERN SLAVERY Modern slavery is the way we describe human trafficking, forced labour and people being forced to work unpaid in other people’s homes. All these people are forced by traffickers or slave masters to work for no money. They often live in terrible conditions and are treated very badly. We know the problem is growing every year but it is impossible to know exactly how many people are affected because the victims are usually kept hidden away. If you think someone you have met may be a victim of modern slavery please contact the police immediately.
EXTREMIST RADICALS
FORCED MARRIAGE
Terrorist groups encourage other people to join them by turning people into ‘radicals’. Radicalisation is someone developing an extreme political, social or religious view that makes them a danger to other people. The government has strategies to help stop terrorist attacks and stop people becoming or supporting terrorists. For further information and advice on how you can identify the signs or respond to concerns about someone's views, please look at www. preventtradgedies.co.uk
A forced marriage is where one or both people getting married did not want to marry each other but were forced to do so because of pressure or abuse from other people. In the UK this is seen as violence against both women and men and a serious abuse of their human rights. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, advice and support can be provided by emailing fmuoutreach@fco.gov.uk
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION FGM (female genital mutilation) is a painful and traumatic procedure, removing or injuring all or part of the outside genitalia on a very young girl. There is no medical reason for doing it and it can cause terrible medical problems. It is also illegal in the UK but is still done secretly in some communities. If you or someone you know is at risk of FGM you can find advice, guidance and support at www.forwarduk.org.uk
If you have any questions or worries about any of these things, please talk about it to one of our staff.
GOOD LUCK DANIEL! Goodbye to Daniel Hood, one of our editorial panel members, whose support is moving to another organisation. We would like to thank him for all his contributions to Reachout and wish him well for the future – good luck Daniel!
A STITCH IN TIME
MUSTN'T DWELL
Sarah, who lived at Pathways for two years, explains how she made her quilt (pictured)
by John Presley
I started making the quilt last year after dreaming of doing it for years but never having the confidence or ability. I told Kate Poyser, the manager at Pathways in Bexhill-On-Sea, about my dream and she said I was in luck – patchwork quilting was her hobby.
We decided on a light pink and blue colour scheme and over the year we were able to produce this lovely quilt. At Bexhill's sewing shop Kate showed me the best width of ribbon and ric-rac to use. At Pathways she showed me how to use bondaweb, do different stitches and use the sewing machine. But what really boosted my confidence was Kate telling me ‘imperfections make a hand-made patchwork quilt’.
PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS ON PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES ✆ 01502 725 832
Sarah is autistic and finds change stressful. She does voluntary work in a charity shop and enjoys crafts.
WANTED: SEWING TUTORS If you’re skilled with a sewing machine or a dab hand at patchwork, would you be interested in teaching others? Learning dress-making skills is one idea that has come from talks we’ve had with women at The Pastures, a gypsy and travellers site in Sutton. The women are keen to find ways to earn a living from home. As well as making clothes, they could turn their hand to making curtains and patchworks. Learning how to measure and cost the work could also help their reading and maths skills. So they are keen on the idea and we run a café nearby that can host the classes. We now have eight women interested in attending fortnightly classes and one of our staff is looking for funds for sewing machines and materials. What we need are teachers. If you are good at dressmaking or patchwork could you donate a morning of your time? Please email Jacqui Clack at the Sutton floating support service at Jacqui.clack@familymosaic.co.uk
Mustn’t dwell Think – of Good – things I’ll play There we are – uncoil the tight – spring inside of me No – one here listening Lets play That’s a lot better. My Music and song A relief My stories for everyone – parables in themselves As one went prayed – Prayest – and pray Thy creatures and creations – children – Thy people’s Lord God One world – one peace Thinking of Good things – make good of the bad A little sun-loving Toriclity My girl and all With a heart full of love – as the song – goes Always look on the bright – side of life – as the song goes That’s right – keep the home Hearing the children happy and playing – what are you doing – You should be praying That’s right – keep the home – fires burning – As the song goes I still have and can play my music. Some morning physically – sick with the heartache and pain. Sit – shaking Sit and can hardly – move. My Logo and Aims – Aches and Pains. Do one's best, Mustn’t grumble. Guitars – clothes – documents – tapes – even Bible stolen/smashed/ mis-appropriated.