Autumn Update 2017
Quest
Thanks to you, we’re transforming lives
How you support Anita and Evie Page 6
The Hawthornes walk the walk – page 12
Home sweet home – page 8
Building brighter futures – page 4
Quest Autumn 2017
Thank you for transforming lives. Your generous support meant we were able to make this summer a holiday to remember for more than 1020 children and young people. I’m Elizabeth Logan and I’m part of a team working with vulnerable children to help them cope with the big step from nursery to primary school. Your support gave children and families time away from the pressures of everyday life to enjoy experiences they may not have had otherwise, such as going to the beach and the zoo, and having picnics in the park. Children like Mya (pictured here), who I work with regularly, are now facing school with more confidence and happy stories to tell.
Elizabeth Logan Early Years Support Worker
Update: Cameron’s an Olympian! Many of you sent a good luck message to Cameron, who featured in the last issue, for his personal challenge of swimming at the Special Olympics after conquering his fear of water. We’re so happy to report the inspirational news that Cameron took part in the Special Olympics in August as the youngest member of the Dumfries and Galloway team. He swam his heart out and achieved personal bests in the 50 metres backstroke and the 25 metres race.
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“I have enjoyed my experience at the games and have liked meeting new friends and other swimmers,” said Cameron. “I hope to be back at the next games.”
Quest Autumn 2017
What you care about Thank you to everyone who filled in our survey to tell us about your interest in Quarriers.
You say
W
e have some great feedback to take on board, and lots of ideas for updates that we know interest you. It was lovely to know that many of you are interested in hearing about ‘anyone that needs extra care’, and this issue of Quest is full of those stories. Many of you have a keen interest in William Quarrier’s history and focus on community, and Selena’s story on page 8 shows how we are upholding our founder’s approach today. We are also encouraged to see that we are getting it right in terms of the content and frequency of information we send you. Significantly, nearly 80% of you thought we sent just enough information and many of you appreciate the updates we do send.
As an elderly disabled pensioner, I have no money to waste so I only support charities like Quarriers that I trust to make the most of every pound. And you do!
Please keep telling us what you’d like to hear about. We promise to keep working to get our communications with you right, including sending only information that you have agreed you want to receive. You can update this any time by getting in touch. Quest is packed with comments and feedback throughout, showing that you all care so much about the people we support, whatever their age or need.
You do a great job in giving people opportunities in life. 3
Quest Autumn 2017
Support to unlock a brighter future 300 young people who have experienced care will get the chance to pursue their ambitions, thanks to Quarriers Coaching for Life Service expanding in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk. Louise is one of the new life coaches, and she and 17-year-old Garry talk about how access to the service has given him a new focus. “I want a job and my own house, and that’s it,” says Garry. It’s something that Louise hears often. “It’s what young people usually tell me about their long-term dreams – just like anyone else with their future ahead of them,” she says. “Anyone could need a little help to get there, but they have all had experience of being in care and they might not have many people in their lives who can fight their corner or give them advice on how to get there. That’s what I’m here for. “Garry’s driven for a 17-year-old. He wants to succeed in life, but he’s had a couple of different foster placements and a hard time since his mum passed away. He was lost about what to do next – he needed some direction and support. “Reaching goals means different things for everyone, and we take it a step at a time.
For Garry, it meant moving towards finding a job that he loves and can find success in.
Here’s where life coaching is different from other kinds of support: I have a focus on helping young people reach real, practical goals.
- Louise
“When we first chatted Garry didn’t think he had any skills to offer an employer, but I said ‘okay, tell me about the last time you did something you really enjoyed’. He realised he’s practical and creative. He hit on the idea of working in a bakery, and we organised a day of work experience to try it out.”
You help young people, who are our future, have a future themselves. 4
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Garry:
Garry’s decorated cake
“I went in and did a 10-4 shift at the bakery. I got to decorate the cakes and learned how to make sugar flowers, and the baker was asking my opinion on the cakes she was decorating. It was a good day. It went really fast because I enjoyed it so much.” Louise: “When he came out, he was glowing. He was covered in flour and had a big smile on his face. The Coaching for Life programme is linked in with lots of other organisations, and I have access to lots of good placement,
employment and training opportunities. I’ve got Garry onto an employability programme which will get him a work placement in a bakery. We can support the young people for as long as they need us, so I will keep on helping Garry with things like mock interviews and advice on applications for jobs.” Garry: “You need qualifications to get into things so this next course will give me qualifications for college or work. I think I need to be thinking about moving out from my foster carer’s, so I want to work. “I think if I hadn’t have come to Coaching for Life I might still be sitting in the house. Now, I’ve got a better idea of what I want to do and I’ve got something to work on, and a focus.” 5
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Quest Autumn 2017
I love the job I do to help care for a child with complex needs Anita, 60, was a nurse for 32 years. In her retirement, she decided to take on a new role as a foster carer with Quarriers. She has fostered three children with complex needs on a short-break basis in the last eight years, and tells us why it’s such a rewarding role. “I love what I do,” says Anita. Anita is fostering nine-year-old Evie, a bright girl who has autism, challenging behaviour and struggles with some everyday activities. “I didn’t know much about autism before looking after Evie, but I do now. I’m so glad I can support and help Evie’s mum who is working and copes with a lot. My care allows her a break and a chance to be supported. “Evie likes being outside so we go on nature rambles searching for red squirrels, or go to the park or the beach. Much of Evie’s world is so confusing and I like to see her relax and enjoy her surroundings.” Evie has become part of Anita’s network of family and friends. On finding out about Anita’s new role as foster carer, her niece said “I’ve got a foster cousin.” Evie has been able to fit into Anita’s life. Although most short-break foster carers support a child for 29 overnights per year, Anita provides up to 52, which reflects the additional help that Evie’s mum needs with caring for her daughter.
Anita says “The training is very comprehensive and doesn’t pull any punches. You need to know and understand everything about a child or young person’s life to then be a meaningful part of it.” Anita is supported by Alana Perry, her supervising Social Worker at Quarriers. “Anita is very capable and practical and nothing seems to faze her,” says Alana. “She does admit that foster caring can be challenging and we are here to make sure she is supported and help her understand and cope with the way that Evie sees the world. Anita has a busy life and we are glad she has found time in it to offer her insight and guidance to a family who needs it.”
If there is an award for Foster Carer of the Year, then Anita deserves to receive this.
- Alana, Social Worker
I love hearing about the different projects.
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Quest Autumn 2017
Learning all the time – the benefits of fostering a child with complex needs Quarriers provides fostering services in Glasgow on a permanent basis. Carers supported by Quarriers talk here about what fostering means to them. Linzie and Marc are laughing as they share another story of their life with Christopher*, age 11. “He just loves slapstick humour, and finds it hilarious when things go wrong,” says Linzie. “You’ve Been Framed is his favourite TV show, and when I bumped my head once helping him with his personal care, he doubled up with laughter.”
The couple discovered he really likes the spicy food they enjoy, and that his favourite treat is a caramel sundae. They both laugh as they recall how he eats it with his hands, face and mouth.
Both Linzie and Marc have supported family members with additional needs, so they made a choice to foster a child in a similar situation. Christopher has a learning disability as well as incredibly complex physical needs. “We have discovered so much on our journey with Christopher so far,” says Marc. “It’s best to not focus on the barriers, but just keep offering him new things to learn and understand.”
- Linzie
This approach means that Christopher, who uses a specially adapted wheelchair, is now weight bearing and moving with a walker for short periods of time. Linzie says “Just because Christopher has learning disabilities doesn’t mean you can’t continue to learn new things and discover more about the world.”
There is fun to be had everywhere.
“Christopher is part of our family and has also fitted in with our friends,” says Linzie. “We were at a party recently and I had a dance with him. It was so special and I’ll never forget it.”
He constantly surprises us with what he can do. I want to make sure we can take him as far as he wants to go. He is just an amazing boy.
You help everyone from children to adults with all sorts of problems. 8
- Marc
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Linzie and Marc watching a video of Christopher tucking into his much loved sundae.
We love being carers. It’s just the best job and we couldn’t imagine life without Christopher. - Linzie “The support from Quarriers is amazing,” says Linzie. “There is no end to their care. One of the managers was up at the hospital with me at midnight once when there was a medical issue and I needed reassurance.
They really care and are there when you need them. I couldn’t do it without them.” Quarriers Fostering Service based in Glasgow achieved at grade of ‘excellent’ for its care and support from the Care Inspectorate.
*Child’s name changed to protect his identity.
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Home sweet home How you make it possible for people to have a home they can call their own. Quarriers Fife Supported Living Service continues the legacy our founder William Quarrier started when he chose to provide a home for some of the most vulnerable people in society. In 1871, that meant orphaned children; today, it means making it possible for adults who have spent a lifetime in institutional care to live an independent life in their own home. Selena is a bubbly 42-year-old who likes a good joke, shoe shopping and visiting the perfume counter in Debenhams. Selena spent almost 20 years in a locked unit in hospital. Her difficult childhood, along with diagnoses of mild autism, learning disability and epilepsy, mean she has struggled with her mental health. She needs a bit of extra support, but it doesn’t mean she needs to be under lock and key.
Selena’s sense of pride in her home is obvious: the house is immaculate and full of the soft furnishings and textures she finds calming. She has as much company and support from staff as she wants and says “It’s really good to have people to talk to.” She can also go out whenever she wants and after so many years when she didn’t have that choice, it’s clear than Selena’s freedom and independence are important to her.
I have my own key now. I like my home, but the best thing is going out. - Selena
Years ago, someone like Selena would have remained in a hospital environment excluded from the community and from making her own choices in her daily life. Thankfully, the way we care for people like Selena has changed and Quarriers Fife Supported Living Service provides adults who have been in long-term hospital care with a home of their own, and the opportunity to be part of the community.
Selena in one of her favourite spots
Keep up the good work that William Quarrier started many years ago. 10
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Quarriers people –
a chat with
Angela Francis Team Leader, Quarriers Fife Supported Living Service Angela, right, with resident Selena. Selena says “Angela’s the best. I love to talk to her.”
Tell us about the service. There are six cottages, including a staff base so there’s someone here for residents all the time. The residents have all come from long term hospital care but assessments have shown they could live in the community with the right support and that’s what we’re here for. How has being in hospital for such a long time affected people? We have a lady here who has been in an institution of one sort or another since she was eight, and she’s 51 now. When she came here, what did she have to compare it to? It was scary. Now, she goes shopping and loves buying her own clothes. One day she came back with a new top, gave it to me, and said “I’ll get it in a few weeks because you have to put the label on it” - they label all the clothes in the hospital. When I said, “No, it doesn’t need a label – it’s yours,” you should have seen the joy on her face.
What difference does having her own home make for someone like Selena? I see such a change in Selena. I spent some time on the ward with her to help her make the move here, and she would fidget with rubber bands all the time. She was so anxious, but that’s completely stopped. More importantly, the feeling that Selena had of being in hospital was that somebody had put her there – it wasn’t where she wanted to be. Now, it’s little things that can make a huge big difference, like choosing the colour of her own front door or popping next door for a cup of tea with her friend. What difference does your support make? I wanted to be part of something where you could see people’s dreams and goals fulfilled, and that’s what I’m seeing. Selena doesn’t want to be in a hospital. What Selena wanted, and what’s she’s got, is a home, and that’s lovely to be part of. 11
Quest Autumn 2017
Stepping out together for good causes Eddie Hawthorne, Chief Executive and Managing Director at Arnold Clark, turned fundraising into a family affair by taking part in the Kiltwalk with his wife Margaret and daughter Beth, and raised an amazing £8424.50 for Quarriers. “The great thing about the Kiltwalk is that you can pick the charity you want – or do it for more than one” says Eddie. “We chose to raise funds for The Beatson and Quarriers. My wife is a Quarriers supporter because it’s local, and you help the kids and folk who just need a bit of extra help. And when you’re struggling at mile 20, it’s the good cause that keeps you going.”
see how the organisation provides support for adults, children and families.’ For more information visit www.quarriers. org.uk/events/the-kiltwalk-edinburgh/
Eddie presents a cheque to our Senior Events and Community Fundraiser Shona Ferguson at Arnold Clark HQ
Margaret Hawthorne adds “I have been supporting Quarriers and the work they do for a number of years and I am really pleased we have raised so much from taking part in the Kiltwalk. Quarriers is a great cause and, as a parent, it is encouraging to
What gets you through is the 7,500 people, all walking for their own charity with friends. It’s a great laugh, - Eddie and there’s such a sense of community. 12
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It’s the lunch that keeps on giving Our event attendees make vital contributions to our services. The Noel Lunch, the biggest event in our fundraising calendar, raised over £70,000 last year. This money was raised in support of our Dementia Befriending Service. The Noel Lunch, now in its 24th year, is the perfect diary date for people who would prefer to support Quarriers by attending a Christmas event.
Sportsman’s Dinner Friday 6 October 2017, 7pm Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor For a night of great food and top-of-theleague laughs, Quarriers Sportman’s dinner is the perfect occasion for sports fans. Entertaining the home crowd will be host Peter Martin, a star player in sports broadcasting for over 20 years.
Jock
Before his dementia diagnosis, Jock used to be able to play snooker. His daughter Linda really wanted him to have some independence and be able to play again. “Quarriers Dementia Befriending Service is invaluable for my dad,” she says. “He really looks forward to his befriender coming. When he comes home, he is really happy, and his befriender tells me he does a wee dance when he pots a ball.” Quarriers Dementia Befriender Service is currently funded by the Life Changes Trust. Money raised at the Noel Lunch secured the future of the service and enabled it to expand.
Peter Brown’s golfing humour will have you laughing all the way to the 18th hole, and footballer Des McKeown will join the squad with stories from his time playing for Celtic, Airdrieonians and Queen of the South. For details and tickets, contact Events on 01505 606054 or visit www.quarriers.org.uk/events/sportsmansdinner-2017/.
Next Noel Lunch Friday 1 December 2017, Glasgow Marriott Hotel For details and tickets, contact Events on 01505 606054 or visit www.quarriers.org.uk/noellunch
The Noel Lunch is a great chance to contribute to Quarriers’ invaluable work in the year ahead.
You say
- Neil, Event Attendee 13
Your support is incredible It means Quarriers can attract funding to develop new services like intandem Volunteer Mentoring. intandem recruits and trains mentors to provide positive role models for care-experienced young people aged 8 – 14. Mentors help to encourage these young people and support them to reach their full potential. We are working in partnership with Inspiring Scotland and The Scottish Government, and with everyone’s support intandem is transforming lives.
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Visit quarriers.org.uk or call us on 01505 690875 Thank you again for your support.
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