Zest - Summer 2020

For everyone at Voyage Care Summer 2020

Grea t

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tog et

to

d

her

P lus!

exclusive!

Check out our latest Outstanding services

Page 18

60 seconds with Jonny Loverance, Loverance helping out at Saxon Lodge!

Read more on Page 14

How our services are having fun, staying safe and keeping positive during lockdown‌

together All in this

2

Inside

8 VEA nominations open soon!

8

Sunday lunch at Saxon Lodge

15

A day in the life of Malcolm

16

David makes a wish

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Answer s: 1: A 2: D 3: C 4: A

s This issue’s helper Some of the stories in this magazine came from...

Louise Deputy Manager at Lynwood House A big thank you to everyone who has sent in good news stories for this issue of Zest.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Our cover star this issue is Roger from Lynwood House, along with duck Leah.

Social

Welcome

...to the Summer 2020 edition of Zest!

I hope you enjoyed our special bite-size edition, which shared some incredible stories and in spiration around how to stay happ y, active and safe at home. We’re delighted to be able to bring you ev en wonderful examples in th more is issue.

Whilst there’s no denyin g these are uncertain times, I ha ve been absolutely blown away by the creativity and invention of our teams – you are all supe rheroes and I am hugely proud an d grateful for your efforts and the grea t care and support you are deliverin g!

I hope you enjoy readin g how others are responding to the ch allenges of social distancing – take so me inspiration and get involve d. We love seeing your photos and stories – you can check out our Face page for even more uplift book ing ideas.

Remember, we love to he ar what you think, so get in touc h with communications@voya gecare.com Enjoy!

Jayne Chief Operating Officer

3

corner

Our social feeds have been full of all the amazing, positive things you have been getting up to recently!

From outdoor games and activities to arts and crafts – you’ve all been very busy!

Remember to take a look at our social pages, so you can keep up to date on what is happening across the country.

Send in your updates and news to

communications@voyagecare.com

Heather Ho us been outsid e have e their garde in n Swingball playing rked

16 e92House Lane wo Mil reate this

oc together t nner a colourful b

Why not give us a follow, if you don’t already?

Click here to see more on

hive

This logo means you can find out more on Hive, so keep a lookout for it while you’re reading!

@VoyageCareLtd

@VoyageCare

Voyage Care Ltd

Get involved and be social!

4

News flash Hot off the press, here are our exciting news stories from the past few months...

Peel House becomes Café Peel!

The people we support at Peel House love going out for a coffee.

As they couldn’t go out, the team brought the coffee shop to them.

Support workers changed into baristas, and they all enjoyed coffee and cake together.

They even used Monopoly money to pay for their drinks!

Lucy is re cake in ady for coffe the pop e -up café and !

Hearts from St Marks!

Kathryn, from St Marks Road, and her support worker Diane have been knitting matching hearts for people at Royal Derby Hospital. One is for the patient in hospital and one is for their loved one, to connect them whilst they cannot see each other.

“I am so happy I can help some people who feel poorly,” says Kathryn. d njoye ave e h e n d Dia gether. rn an Kathy g hearts to knittin

5

Around the world with Northfield House

Question 1: What is the capital of America?

A: Washington DC B: New York C: LA D: Miami

Northfield House has been on the 'Voyage of a lifetime', from the USA to the sunshine of the Caribbean!

They started by making American flags and an American feast. After lunch, everyone dressed up for Click here to a cruise across the see more on Caribbean to Jamaica, enjoying an afternoon of reggae music and sunshine in the garden!

Somewhere over the rainbow…

You’ve all been getting creative over the last few weeks and we’ve loved seeing the rainbows you’ve made.

You can view them all on Hive.

Click here to see more on

hive

Recruitment n

ews

The recru itment te am have very busy been over the last coup months. le of The over 2,30 y have complete d 9 intervie ws, made 1,021 job offers an d welcom 384 new ed employe e s! We are always lo ok caring pe ing for kind and ople to jo in Take a lo ok at our our team.

Refer a F scheme o riend n Hive.

Click here to see more on

Sonnet Court head to the circus!

The team at Sonnet Court thought it was time to head outside in the sunshine and use their time in lockdown to learn a new skill. They’ve been learning circus skills, from plate spinning and juggling to diablo. Have a go at your own circus skills!

hive

Steven and the team learn circus skills in the sunshine.

hive

6

An open letter to the

Voyage Care fam y Care famil e g a y o V e To th hallenging c t s o m e en th . ks have be e e w ear history w y fe 0 t 3 s a r p u o e Th d in re has face a en C e g a y o V UK has be e h t s s o r sed ms ac f personali of our tea o k r s o le w p m le a ib x uld The incred The heartwarming e and we co , g in m o l. c a eep p to inspiration love just k standing u d ll n a a e y r it a iv u it o ay y care, pos d of the w u o r p e r o not be m nge. the challe ation will ic d e d is h t you, rry about r some of o fo w t a d h n t a e s r ave shown l sacrifice h a We’re awa u n o o y s r e m p s li with iona ept he profess have come t t u b ; ave been k s h ie t r il o m p fa p u n we s . your ow fe at home the people a t s a , h ly t t t n n a t a por has me nd most im atitude. a , y p p a h , r gr active express ou t o n n a c s Word ave , but we h e m o c o t l together, stil s m e e h t im t h g g testin throu There are can come e w t a st. h t ith matter mo y e h absolute fa t n e h values w ces living our the resour e v a h u ne o y ep everyo ake sure e m k o o t t g d n in a k ely n wor it. ple effectiv o We’ve bee e p t you need r o n e p h p u w s 7 o / t 4 ble 2 you need lp is availa e H . ll e w k you safe and azing wor m a e h t r , fo dible leheartedly f our incre o o h r w e , v u e o n y a er th Thank are proud e W . g in o are d re family!

Voyage Ca

7

Wellbeing tips!

ily…

Lots of our services have been learning all about their mental and physical health. Why not give some of these handy tips a try?

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Keep a diary Add all the amazing things you are doing and how you feel, to help you recognise things that make you anxious

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Breathing exercises Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth to relax

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Group discussions Mind, our charity of the year, has lots of resources for you to share with your service – www.mind.org. uk/coronavirus-we-arehere-for-you

To raise money for Mind, Sonnet Court have completed a marathon in the garden – that’s an amazing 280 laps! Click here to read more! Throughout the week they used Mind resources for some wellbeing sessions!

Why not join our wellbeing community on Hive? It’s the perfect place to share your ideas and how you’re feeling with other staff!

Click here to see more on

hive

8

The nominations are nearly open…

e c n e l l e c x E e g a Voy 0 2 0 2 s d r Awa

Now more than ever we have so much to celebrate... Are you ready to nominate?

From 1 – 30 June, nominations will be open for this year’s Voyage Excellence Awards on 15 October.

While we hope to be in a position to celebrate the VEAs as normal, we are keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure we are doing the safest thing for everyone. Even if the event can't go ahead as planned, we will find a way to celebrate our amazing staff - so we still need your nominations!

There is no limit to how many teams or individuals you can nominate so it’s time to start thinking about your nominations. Our handy guide, available on Hive, includes helpful tips to make your nomination shine!

We know you're all going above and beyond to deliver great care and support, despite the challenging circumstances, so what better time to show someone how much they are appreciated?

This year our nomination process will be a little different, and a lot easier.

You will now need to log on to a portal to make your nominations – you can find instructions on how to access the portal in the handy guide. This means you don’t have to finish your nominations in one go, you can stop and start when you like.

The ions at m no in open

1 J u ne

You will also be able to nominate on the go, using the Hive app on your phone!

We can’t wait to hear all the wonderful, inspiring stories of our amazing staff members. You never know, it could be you on that stage in October…

Good luck!

Find out more about how to nominate on

hive

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This year,s categories for nom ination are. .

Community Te am of the Yea r Care Home Te am of the Yea r Specialist Tea m of the Year Branch of the Year

ommunity S C upport Worker of the Year Care Home Su pport Worker of the Year

ield Based S F upport Team Membe r of the Year Learner of the Year

Newcomer of the Year

roup Suppo G rt Team Member of th e Year Group Suppo rt Team of the Year Community M anager of the Year Care Home M anager of the Year

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“A massive thank you to the staff at The Cedars in Mansfield. The team have gone above and beyond in ensuring the people we support continue receiving the great care we always deliver.”

Service Manager

The Cedars

A time to be

The team at Derwent Cottage have been using our thank you card initiative to say thank you to their team members! Their service manager was full of pride for her team.

thank “I just wanted to share a bit of positivity for my staff team and their continual hard work and commitment.

They are all amazing!”

Derwe

nt Cott

age

Service Manager

“Thank you very much carers, managers and nurses in the Voyage Care family. I think about everybody – they work hard!”

Tom, Somerset & Devon DCA

Agricola House

“Thank you so much for all of your hard work during such a difficult time, still coming to work with smiles on your faces and positive attitudes. We are really lucky to have such a kind and caring staff team, it’s appreciated!”

kful...

Agricola House

Take a look at our social media and Hive for more!

Click here to see more on

A big thank you from our Senior Management team. Take a look at their video on Facebook as they thank everyone for their incredible hard work.

hive g Emilia

werin

Empo

s: life they ribute live the Core att ring people to ices owe ples cho

Remember to use our thank you cards to say thank you to a team member. The cards can now be downloaded from Hive, and also give the recipient the chance to win an award at this year’s VEA’s!

Thank you!

wan

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Lynwood’s little

ducklings!

Lynwood House have welcomed seven little ducklings into their house during lockdown.

Staff decided that the residents needed something positive to focus on and they couldn’t have been happier with the result!

2: Question le a ma What is ed? duck call en B: H A: Duck en C: Chick D: Drake

How the ducklings joined the family...

1

First, the incubator arrived with the seven duck eggs.

2

Next, everyone watched them hatch!

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Then, the ducks moved for a play outside in the paddling pool!

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Emily

Leah – is “She is Roger ’s favou so rite the sma lovely as she’s ! llest.”

Meet Lynwood’s new residents below…

Derek

Taters

Mato

Leah

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Cut out and keep recipe

Duck egg ! e g n o p s a i r Victo Stacey: “I really like the ducks beak and their quack makes me laugh.”

Ruelene: “I love them, they are so cute!”

Ingredients:

Louise, Deputy Manager “It’s been so nice to have something to care for.”

Mike, Resident, Lynwood House Click here to see more on

hive

Cut along the dotted line and keep me!

“The residents are all usually so active in the community. The ducks have changed the way they are dealing with isolation, it’s made it enjoyable!”

✔ 4 duck eggs ✔ 200g caster sugar (plus extra for the top) ✔ 200g butter ✔ 1tsp vanilla extract ✔ 200g self raising flour ✔ Jam, for filling

Method: 1. Pre-heat oven to 180C/350F/ Gas mark 4. Grease and line 2 x 8” cake tins 2. Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla extract together until light in colour 3. Beat in the eggs one at a time and then fold in the flour 4. Divide the mixture between the two tins, bake for 25 minutes

Bertie

Dilly

“He’s m y because favourite h silly one e’s the ,” says V alerie.

5. When the cakes are cold, sandwich them together with jam and dust the top with sugar and enjoy!

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seconds with...

Jonny Loverance Jonny has recently headed back to the front line. After working as an internal trainer for four years, he has swapped training for supporting…

Due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19, a lot of Jonny’s training work had been put on hold, so he made the decision to help where it was needed most. A few weeks ago, he started working part time at Saxon Lodge, one of our more complex services in Stocktonon-Tees.

“The first activity I played a part in was decorating Easter bonnets with some of the residents. Although isolation was in full effect, activities were certainly not affected” From cleaning to enjoying a Sunday lunch with the people we support, Jonny has helped the team out in a difficult time.

Click here to read my blog!

hive

15

Sunday lunch

Que Wha stion 3: popu t is the m lar os for S meat to t unda have A: Ch y lunch? ic B: Ga mmo ken n D: Tu C: Beef rkey

“Lunch time is a busy time within service. It reminded me of a Sunday lunch I used to enjoy with my family when I was a kid. It felt humbling to see such positivity between the staff and the people we support.

“One thing I think the current crisis shows, is that whatever the situation within the country, our staff remain loyal and important to the people being supported.”

Although isolation was in full effect, activities were certainly not affected”

Jonny

Get in touch

If you would like to be featured in Zest, send your story to communications@voyagecare.com

at Saxon Lodge!

Service Manager, Chris tells us Saxon Lodge’s top tips for a hearty Sunday lunch in service...

1

Start preparation early on Sunday, to make sure everything is cooked on time

2

Make sure you have a tasty pudding planned! Our favourites are crumble, trifle and apple pie

3

Get everyone involved, competitions for the best Yorkshire puddings or gravy go down well at Saxon Lodge!

4 5

Get everyone together to enjoy the lunch.

Lots of chatter fills our dining room – until the pudding is served that is!

Tidy up together!

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Day in the life‌

Malcolm has lived at The Gardens in Portsmouth since August 2019.

He’s been very busy with his new job of Shift Leader. Malcolm told us what duties keep him busy in his new role.

1

F ir s t , I m a k e s fee te a s a n d c o f e a t ) t tr e e w s a d n a ( e! for everyon

2

my Then, I wear a n a ll le c d n a s e v lo g d le s in t h e d o o r h a n s id e lo n g the house, a the staff.

3

Next, I help staff with the health and safety checks.

17

4

d mop I sweep an t h e f lo o r s .

6 I s m il e ! I’ m ha I lo v e m y b p p y -adge and m y d u t ie s !

5

e and I h e a d o u t s id s . la n t w a te r t h e p

Click here to see more on

hive

Do you like caring forWethe environment? would love to hear from you

for our next Day in the life! Email communications@voyagecare.com

18

Two new members of the...

Outstanding family!

Norfolk DCA and Kent & Medway DCA are our latest Outstanding services! The teams tell Zest what makes an Outstanding service…

Norfolk DCA From Branch of the Year at the 2019 VEAs to being rated Outstanding – Norfolk DCA just keep on achieving!

Branch Manager, Georgina, tells us what the inspection was like…

“The inspection was over two days, both at the office and the services. They were long nerve-wracking days, hoping that the inspector could see all the outstanding work the team do and that it would be recognised. But they were also proud days because I got to showcase what the team do and remind myself of all the great work.

are The Norfolk DCA team ent. proud of their achievem “We’ve achieved this through the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Norfolk work together, listening to the people we support and ensuring they are the most important part of all of our roles.”

ry o t s t r o h s e Th olk CA and Norf

ay D Kent & Medw achieved an th o b e v a h A DC CQC. ng from the ti ra g in d n ent!

Outsta tic achievem s ta n fa a t a Wh

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Kent and Medway D CA

Some of the Ken t an Medway DCA tea d m

Huge congratulations are in order for our latest Outstanding service, Kent and Medway DCA. They are our third DCA to achieve the rating and we couldn’t be more proud!

Branch Manager, Lucie, told us how they achieved Outstanding...

“I made a folder of evidence, including case studies of our success stories with support guidelines, communication plans and progress timelines. The timelines broke down traumatic events and what we did to support people during these times; including moving them on to being in their own flat. I wanted to highlight the amazing work the people we support and staff have done to promote and maintain their independence.

“One of the people we support also met with the inspector and had a chance to show them her photo album where she had documented her own progress!"

Getting in to the Ch

ristmas spirit!

I love my job , and I so pro am ud of our te am!”

Lucie

Click here to see more on

hive

are The people we support of the most important part le. the team's ro

At t of go he time ing Bewi to press , ck Ho use achie ved t Outs heir tand i n g Read r more ating! in t next issue he of Ze st.

20

What’s on your

lockdown list?

Our services have been getting involved in lots of different activities – from baking to crafting and so much more! Here are some of our favourites…

Indoor skittles!

Glasshouse Hill hav e turned their hallw ay into a skittle alley! For w et weather days, indoor sport s lik and so much fun to e this are perfect o. especially when th “It was super fun, e ball missed the skittles and the staff had to go running down the corridor after it!”

Alfresco breakfast!

s!

Green finger

me of year to ther you ti l a e id e th he It ’s d flowers. W nt pot, n a s d e e s t n pla pla rden or just a y House a g ig b a e v a h nn part. Five Pe vice with e k ta n a c u o y p their ser u d e n te h g ri e’s have b ots! This issu g seeds p l fu ti u a e b ntin these all about pla to page is n o ti ti e p o com em bloom, g th g in h tc a w r. and you can ente w o h e e s to 23

Eating meals outside in the sunshine is a great way to get fresh air and a change of scenery. The team at Bramley Avenue had a full English in the sun and played some board games too! “The people we support enjoy the sunshine a lot so this was a perfect activity for when you cannot get out in this uncertain time.”

21

M ovie

Getting crafty!

Longmore Road ha ve been getting messy with craft paints. Making beau s and tifu great way to get crea l pictures is a tive and keep busy.

You can also hang th e artwork in your service to brighten up the walls!

C o rner

Pinocchio

★★★★★ Tracy rated Pinocchio 5 out of 5 stars!

Lots of our services have been having movie nights in lockdown.

Tracy from Three Sisters told us about Pinocchio…

Q: What do you like most about the film?

When he lies, his nose grows!

story The shor t ve been Lots of services ha h activities. keeping busy wit d baking, They have enjoye h more! crafts and so muc

Tracy Q: Would you recommend that our other Zest readers, watch Pinocchio?

Yes! Q: What was your favourite part?

When Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket were playing pool.

Click here to see more on

hive

We’d love to hear a review of what you've been watching or reading in lockdown.

Use these questions and send us your answers to communications@voyagecare.com

22

David, who lives at Sunningdale Drive, has been feeling a little sad about not being able to do his usual activities. So, the team have come up with a way to make him smile…

Whenever David says he wishes he could do something, he is supported to write his wish down and put it in his homemade wish jar!

What’s on your

David’s birthday is coming up and he has put a wish into his jar for a birthday cake. Staff have been bringing in ingredients to make a cake so that David gets that wish on time!

Write down your ideas, like…

David normally has a very busy weekly schedule. He is missing his friends and his Mum as well as his outdoor activities. “The wish jar is helping David to keep his focus on all the good things that are to come,” says staff member, Amy.

wish list?

✔ Visiting my family ✔ Cinema trip ✔ Have dinner out ✔ Go to my group activities ✔ Go shopping

Get in touch

Have you created something like David’s wish jar? Let us know at communications@voyagecare.com

ish jar.

’s w David

23

Competition time!

Let's get planting!

Questio n What c 4: was th olour e Disney’s genie in A A: Blue laddin?

B C: Pink : Purple D: Yello w

Choose what seeds you want to grow, Buy them now, it's time to sow.

In a veg patch, window box or flower bed, Water them well and watch them spread.

Take lots of pictures and send them in, Our judges will choose who they want to win!

Send your entries..

For your chance to win an Amazon voucher, send us your entries by 1 July.

By email: communications@voyagecare.com

David

Winner Our Spring competition winner was Chris from Elmsmead. His video about wellbeing was so unique and fun!

Click here to see more on

hive

Cut out the labels below and add them to your veg patch, window box or flower bed to brighten up your garden!

r u o y e t a e r C ! s l e b a l r e t n a l p n ow 1. Write name a your nd c in the fl olour owers

Planted by...

I'm growing...

This planter belongs to...

ng are cutti 2. Take c scissors out with

3 Attach yo ice lolly ur label to an stick an dp it next t o your s lace eeds

Send us a photo (and signed consent form) of your decorated labels to communications@voyagecare.com

Tell us what you think

We would love to know what you think of the new Zest! Send your thoughts and ideas to communications@voyagecare.com or call the team on 01543 484 528.