For everyone at Voyage Care Spring 2022
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Mind, body, soul How music has helped Gary’s mental health Pages 12 & 13
Exclusive!
An Outstanding result for Esmer House!
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P lus!
Hobbies that make you feel good!
Read more on pages 10 & 11
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Inside 22 14
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Melissa’s moving forward
See how Melissa is working towards her goals.
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Ben’s new start
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Six months into his new journey and Ben has a big smile on his face!
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Art from the heart
How getting creative can help you feel healthy and happy.
Show and tell!
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Brand-new feature! Take a look at Hutton Avenue’s show and tell.
Come and keep fit with Carolyn
Brand-new feature! See how Carolyn is keeping healthy.
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Introducing the all-new Aspire!
Learn more about the future of learning at Voyage Care.
Our Values
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Our ETHOS values are a big part of what makes Voyage Care so special! Some of the stories in this issue really show our values in action. Can you spot them?
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Empowering
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H
Honest
Outstanding
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Our cover star Together
Supportive
This issue’s cover star is Gary from Fontley Flats. He loves music and dancing! Take a look at his story on page 12.
Welcome
…to our special ‘mind, body and soul’ edition of Zest which is all about feeling healthy and happy.
Zest is back for 2022 with a few surprises – including fresh new features we hope you’ll love and some new-look pages! We also have an exciting new read-along version of Zest available on Hive. Please share this with people who might find it a more accessible way of hearing about the latest goings-on at Voyage Care. This Spring edition is full of inspirational stories about how people are taking care of their physical and emotional wellbeing. This is more important now than ever. The commitment, dedication and passion these stories represent – and the amazing difference we can make when we work together – is heart-warming, especially in such challenging times. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories. As ever, we’d love to hear from you, so whether you have feedback to share, or a story you think would be perfect for Zest, get in touch at communications@voyagecare.com Enjoy! Jayne Davey Chief Operating Officer
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Five
from Hive
Take a look at what’s been happening on Our most-liked story for February was How training saved a life with...
hive
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likes! Remember to like and comment on Hive so we know what you’d like to see more of! We shared stories from learners across Voyage Care in our Love2Learn campaign to support the launch of the new Aspire.
4,346 views
63 likes
46 comments
We launched a new starter homepage that’s welcomed 197 newbies to the Voyage Care family
January’s Gardening Club episode was the most popular episode since its launch.
311 visits rs: Answe
We produced a special edition of Cuppa in Conversation for Brew Monday. Remember to check out our wellbeing area on Hive. Hive is a hub of activity! It’s full of helpful information – take a look today!
hive
1: B 2: B 3: C 4: C
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I n t he
m o o r s new services What have our ly? been up to late
e f i l f o y a A new w nd in ed his life arou e rn tu s a h id v a D th with help from just six weeks, House. team at Cote me for other care ho n a in d e v li id Dav lking to ad stopped ta h e H . rs a e y 1 1 ggling with his ru st s a w d n a to people en he moved h W . h lt a e h l im menta team helped h e th , se u o H Cote re althier and mo e h e m co e b to r, A happier Six weeks late life independent. e th to f or David! rd a rw fo s k o David now lo is keen to talk d n a d a e h a y da elings. through his fe Visit Hive to read more about David’s journey!
hive
Makaton magic!
Here’s Nathan from Fontley Flats signing the theme of this edition of Zest – ‘happy and healthy!’ Can you give it a go?
Happy
Healt hy
Gary, Vicky and Stephen
Getting some vitamin sea
Stephen, Gary, Vicky and Keith, from Ashdale, love visiting the seaside. The team have noticed the change of scenery has a positive effect on their wellbeing, and the bracing sea air is calming for their mind, body and soul. After a nice walk along the promenade, they all tuck into their favourite dish – fish and chips. Sounds like the perfect day!
Q What uestion 1: did used t fish and chi o be se p rved in s ? A: Kitc h B: New en roll s C: Clin paper g film
Keith
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Captain PLANET’S
Eco round-up
Callum and Kyriana from the Legal team!
I love seeing eco-friendly ideas from our services. Looking after the environment is fun!
Legal’s helping hand Callum, a person we support from Ashby Road, has been volunteering with our Legal team once a week! He has been helping them with admin tasks like posting, scanning and photocopying. Callum said: “I really like organising so I have enjoyed doing things like archiving and sorting out documents.”
A brush with nature
Gemma from Towngate East has made an eco swap to a bamboo toothbrush to help our planet!
It’s five stars a for from Gemm p this eco swa g some Enjoyin ide ts time ou
Gemma is registered blind, so how things feel is important to her. She has found the softer bristles much gentler in her mouth and she loves how soft they are to touch, too. It’s certainly a hit – Gemma rated her new toothbrush a fantastic 5 out 5 stars!
Ready to grow! From courgettes to strawberries, North View have worked hard together to create a veg patch in their garden. They enjoyed building the beds, sewing the seeds and getting messy in the mud!
The beds ready for the soil
Fresh air is great for both body and soul, especially when you can tuck into fresh produce, too.
Get in touch
If you would like to be featured in Zest, send your story to communications@voyagecare.com
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The shor t story
Two people we su pport, Melissa and Shir ley, have set themselv es goals to help them overcome their m obility issues and live he alth lives. Well done, M ier elissa and Shirley!
Melissa’s
d r a w r o f g n i m ov Melissa, who lives at Summerfield Court – one of our brain injury rehabilitation services – has been working hard to achieve her goals. “In the future, I want to move out of my home and get married. To achieve that, I have to learn to stand,” shared Melissa.
With her team’s help, Melissa attends regular physio sessions and, so far, the longest she’s been able to stand is an amazing 22 minutes! Working towards your goals can be very challenging, but Melissa’s determined to succeed. “I’m doing very good. I’ve learnt to stand on my tip toes!” she added.
Melissa has shared her goals on Hive, take a look at her video now!
hive
Shirley shares an update d her Shirley an ection teddy coll
Shirley featured in our Summer 2021 issue of Zest. After poor health, Shirley has been working hard to improve her mobility – check out her latest update on Hive!
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healthy Charlotte Getting with
Charlotte, a person we support from Mandalay, has set herself a goal to eat healthily and exercise regularly. Charlotte cook ing up a storm in the ki tchen
So, the team have been supporting Charlotte to make positive changes to her lifestyle. Together, they have been selecting healthy recipes, putting them into a meal plan and cooking lots of healthier (but still just as yummy) dishes.
It’s good to be healthy and I like cooking my own meals. I feel happy!” Charlotte, a person we support To achieve her exercise goal, Charlotte and the team have been going on long walks where they bird watch and look at flowers – this keeps the walks interesting and fun! Charlotte has been spending more time cooking with others in the home and really enjoys her new lifestyle! Head over to Hive to try one of Charlotte’s favourite healthy recipes!
hive
Which Question 2: m better ode of tran for the sp enviro ort is A: Car nment? B: Bic ycle C: Bus
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g n i d n a t s t u O One Achieving an Outstanding rating on your first-ever CQC inspection certainly isn’t easy, especially when you add in the pressure of a pandemic, but that’s just what the Esmer House family have achieved.
Living at Esmer House is absolutely amazing, it’s the best place to live!” Ben, a person we support at Esmer House
Esmer House is our Prader-Willi syndrome service. The team here blew the inspectors away with the incredible care they are providing to enable the people we support to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. “One of the characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome is weight gain. It was impressive to see that there had been a reduction in weight for all people living in the home. This meant people
I’m really happy. At my other house, I put on a lot of weight and no one looked after me properly and now look, I am happy!” Oliver, a person we support at Esmer House had increased mobility, relied less on medicines and had an improved quality of life,” shared Natalie, CQC Head of Inspection. As a team, everyone works hard to integrate a healthy diet into both normal routines and special events in the calendar. At Esmer House, it’s all about balance.
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result! The shor t story
Esmer House, o ur PraderWilli syndrome service in Nottinghamsh ire, achieved an Ou have tstanding rating after the ir first CQC inspectio n! Service Manager Alex shared their secret for keeping healthy all year round: “There are probably three or four big events each year that residents really look forward to, such as Christmas. To make sure they don’t miss out, the team promote healthy choices with lower calorie meals throughout the week leading up to the special event.” During the inspection, the CQC spent three or four hours with residents talking about their menus, the activities they do, and how much they are involved in the running of the house. The people we support easily won the inspector over with their success stories, highlighting what a happy home the team have created. “We work well because we are more than colleagues – we are family,” added Morgan, Deputy Manager.
We are so proud of the Esmer House team and not just because they are a new service but because of how happy the people we support are living there.” Antonella, Managing Director
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Art from the Here’s how getting creative can help you feel healthy and happy...
The r e w o p of po etry Anthony from Garfield Grange used his love of poetry to stay positive while he waited to move into his new home.
arf i e ld G e h T A l i ve –
Anthony came to Garfield Grange for emergency respite at the end of 2021, before moving to his new supported living placement. Poetry is Anthony’s passion. He has used it to help express his feelings throughout his time at Garfield Grange. Here’s a poem he wrote about his stay…
I felt a bit sad. I had support from staff to talk and saw my GP, and now I am feeling better. I am excited for the future and becoming more independent.” Anthony, a person we supported during respite care
n t h o ny A y b g H e al i n
eau ty b e g n o f s t ra e c a l p s i ough th r h t g n view, Wa l k i r u o y f g d ou t o n a t or livin s f I s n as o s ea e the r s n e s I can alive. g n i e b Of place, s i h t e b e l i ev I can’t eau ty b f o s ign Such s eau ty. b d e p Untap hines s n u s As the sence e r p e th I sense g alive Of bein
or hot d l o c When e alive b o t d Am gla b e l i efs y m s Pe r h a p ng alive i l e e f f p Hel o r re l i e f s r e i g barr B re a k i n l alive To f e e
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heart Express yo urse lf!
I’m able to put all my feelings into my art which I’m not always able to express verbally.” Neil, a person we support
The team at Willowbrook have helped Neil to express himself through his passion for art, to support his mental wellbeing. Neil loves drawing and colouring. He gets frustrated when he can’t tell his support workers how he’s feeling, so the team have supported him to put all of his feelings into his art. “Art has allowed Neil to express himself and has given him the confidence to tell us how he’s feeling,” said Terri, Senior Support Worker. Drawing has become a way for Neil to escape from the real world as it distracts him and helps him to feel relaxed. “Art is therapeutic and it makes me feel proud of the work I create!” said Neil. Neil enjoys talking to the team while he draws as he feels comfortable, and that’s when his passion really shines through.
Get in touch
Neil and h is masterpie ce!
Do you have a work of art or a poem you’d like to share? Email us at communications@voyagecare.com
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And the crowd goes wild!
Boosting youitrh mood w
c i s u m
Fontley Flats has its very own rockstar! The Zest team headed out to meet Gary and found out how music is helping him look after his mind, body and soul…
ion 3: ers t s e u Q memb s? y n a How m The Beatle n were i A: 12 B: 1 C: 4
From The Beatles to Beyoncé, Gary has a real love for music. It has helped him to connect with others, boost his mood and ease his anxiety – despite his sight loss. “Whenever Gary is anxious or worried, music helps him to keep calm,” said Support Worker Alice. For as long as the team have known Gary, he’s had a passion
Drumming to the beat!
for music. As well as dancing along, Gary can often be found playing instruments to the music, from drums to guitar, and even the ukulele! Music has also encouraged Gary to socialise with others, attending a local disco on a Friday night to have a good boogie! The team offer positive
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Creative
e karaok Gary Take inspiration from and add a creative twist to your normal karaoke night…
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Feeling good vibra the tions!
The short story
With being blind, music is something that Gary can really interact with. I love seeing his happy face.”
Gary lives at Fontley Flats. He loves playing instruments, dancing and singing. Music helps Gary to feel great! encouragement and praise, clapping and cheering when Gary engages with music. This has had a huge impact on his emotional wellbeing. For example, he’s now starting to pick his own clothes to wear, ready to put on a rockstar performance.
Check out Gary’s osters go-to, feel-good mood bo ten to in our Spotify playlist! To lis ur d yo Gary’s favourites and to ad code. own, too, just scan this QR
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Alice, Support Worker
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“He loves dressing smart and will often feel for a good shirt. Also, to make Gary happy, he’s never without a hat!” added Alice.
Find out what Alice loves about supporting Gary on Hive!
Choosing the tunes
hive
Walk the catwalk
Why not dress up for your ic? big performance on the m to Pick your favourite outfit give you the confidence to reach those high notes.
All about the accessories!
Karaoke isn’t just about singing – grab as many d instruments as you can an eds play along. Every artist ne a band, after all!
No paparazzi please!
Get in touch
Is your service passionate about learning? We would love to hear from you for our next issue! Email us at communications@voyagecare.com
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Ben’s new start
Ben came to live at New Fern last summer after moving from a home that wasn’t right for him. Six months on, his fresh start has put a smile back on his face.
Before Ben moved to New Fern, he had gained a lot of weight . After introducing a new routine, he’s already lost three stone! We found out how…
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Ben’s favourite place to walk is in the country, by water
Getting handson in the kitchen and making his own lunch
Ben gets up at the same time every day so that he has a regular sleep pattern. To tire himself out, Ben fills his day with high-energy activities. He loves long walks, going to the park and trampolining! Ben has switched out his daily McDonald’s for a healthier diet. He’s developing his independence by learning to cook for himself!
Ben’s new healthy lifestyle has already had a huge impact on him. He’s loving being out in the community and having some fun! Ben recently won an award for his Makaton, visit Hive to read more!
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Ben is more active now, more smiley and more communicative.” Gemma, Service Manager
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seconds with...
Gemma Ghorbani The team are so positive in their approach. Ben’s had opportunities in life that he may not have done with other care providers.” Gemma, Service Manager
We caught up with Gemma, Service Manager at New Fern, to find out what it’s been like supporting Ben on his health journey… How did you manage the transition to make sure Ben was happy at New Fern? “Our focus of transition was to look at the positives in his life, not at the negatives he was experiencing at the time.”
What do you love about supporting Ben? “The challenge. I know that Ben is different every day. In just six months, we’ve had the opportunity to change his life.”
What makes Ben happy?
New Fern joined our re Voyage Ca family in 2020
“Ben’s non-verbal but very sociable. He loves visitors and greeting people! Ben also loves the park and uses Makaton to tell us he wants to go.” The team have been learning Makaton to communicate with Ben. What difference has that made? “There’s been a reduction in frustration. Since going on the course, the team can communicate with Ben a lot better.”
Visit the Zest area on Hive to read more!
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Come and...
Keep fit with Carolyn Carolyn, a person we support from Lavender House loves taking part in exercise classes in the living room. We caught up with Carolyn to see how she keeps fit indoors and to find out her top tips!
Lavender House has a daily activity planner, and what better way to start the week than with an exercise class? The team help Carolyn find a fun class she can follow on YouTube.
Carolyn really enjoys her classes and loves listening to upbeat music to keep her going. The videos are super easy to follow as she copies the instructor on the TV!
e V ing th Follow ors on the T t c instru
Watch Carolyn’s favourite exercise class on YouTube: bit.ly/carolynfit
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Staying hydrated is very important when you exercise. Carolyn makes sure she drinks plenty of water before, during and after her class so that she stays cool and hydrated.
She finishes her class by cooling down and stretching. It’s important to do this so you don’t get an injury!
ing s danc y o j n e n ith Caroly the music w o along t ourine! b m a her t
Carolyn feels happier and healthier after her class. As you can see, she’s smiling from ear to ear, thanks to all the fun she’s had.
Keep fit! Here are some top tips for exercising at home from everyone at Lavender House!
Carolyn smiles from ear to ear throug hout her class
Did y ou k now Coolin ? impor g down is exerci tant when y se o and m – so your h u e uscles can re art lax!
Stay hydrated Don’t exercise too soon after eating Warm up and cool down Wear comfy clothes
Make it fun (this is the most important tip!)
Get in touch
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Want to take part in our new ‘Come and...’ feature? Tell us what you’ve been up to! Email us at communications@voyagecare.com
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Introducing the
all-new
It’s finally here and we can’t wait to tell you more about the future of learning at Voyage Care! The new Aspire is our amazing new learning management system (LMS) for colleagues, which will make a big difference to the way we promote learning and development...
Brand-new look The first thing you’ll notice about the new Aspire is the fresh new look – but believe us, the transformation doesn’t end there! It’s so much simpler to book and complete training, set reminders and schedule reports, so the information you need is at your fingertips.
Aspire’s fresh new look brings it bang up to date with our other systems
Log on today and tour the new Aspire: bit.ly/aspirelms
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An introduction to Voyage Care It’s not just Aspire that’s got a new look. We’ve also launched a new induction programme for new starters that gives them a fantastic introduction to what it means to be part of the Voyage Care family. It shows them all the tools and systems they’ll need to keep up to date with the latest news and information.
Tips, training and support The system is much more user-friendly, but if you’re looking for support to help you get to grips with the changes, all the training and tips you need to get the most out of Aspire are available on Hive. There are more courses on offer and progress is tracked on new personalised dashboards. It’s so easy to stay ahead of the game with handy reminders and notifications.
It’s fresh, it looks good and it’s easy to follow around” Anthea, Service Manager
Get in touch
We can’t wait to hear what you think about the new Aspire. Email us at communications@voyagecare.com
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y p p Ha s e i b hob
ething you love is m so g in do e tim ng di en Sp k from reality. ea br a ke ta d an x la re to a great way eir hobbies, th t ou ab m Ti d an r te Pe We spoke to find yours! to n tio ira sp in u yo ve gi to
Say cheese! Peter has lived at Hawthorn View since 2012 and there’s one thing you can always find in his hand… a camera.
his hobby by taking him on days out to places like Chester and the zoo,” said Chloe, Field Support Supervisor.
He’s been taking pictures since he was ten years old and has kept every camera he’s ever had. He has a collection of 19 cameras!
When he’s back, he uploads the photos to the computer, sorts through them and prints off his favourites.
“Peter’s a lovely gentleman and we’re incredibly honoured to know him. The team supports
r’s favourite One of Pete t he photos tha has taken
It’s a wonderful feeling when you see you’ve got that sharp picture. It gives you a high feeling, like you’re up in the clouds.” Peter, a person we support
Peter getting ready to shoo t
When I first started working here, I came to introduce myself to Peter and straight away he had me modelling lots of hats in the garden!” Chloe, Field Support Supervisor
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To p ti ps Champion of the ring!
Fighting f it! Tim from Northfield House was looking for something to do when he couldn’t continue his fitness regime in the gym due to COVID-19. “When I first started, a member of the team got me on the rowers which helped build up my muscles. I then moved on to different exercises, working my arms with dumbbells,” Tim told us.
I enjoy it quite a lot. It keeps me active and gets my heart working. It’s working two types of muscle: biceps and triceps.” Tim, a person we support
Although he’d never tried it before, when the gym closed, Tim starting boxing. It became a new hobby that kept him fit and worked the same muscles. Sarajane, Service Manager, said: “Tim laughs through the sessions and expresses how much he enjoys them!”
Tim taking a swing
from Tim’s support team on finding a new hobby
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Research the interest or hobby before you start.
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Make sure you can meet the individual’s needs and make adaptations.
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Support them to set goals and encourage them as they try to achieve them.
Having a hobby gives an individual something to focus on and look forward to. They can expand their skills and learn new ones!” Sarajane, Service Manager
Get in touch
What hobby keeps you happy and healthy? Let us know at communications@voyagecare.com
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Competition time
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Show
and
Stephanie getting stuck in
na Bana
Ingredients: l
3 very ripe bananas
l
9 0g sunflower oil
l
1 25g sugar
l
2 00g plain flour
l
3 tsp baking powder
l
1 tsp mixed spice
d l i n es Cu t along the dot te
d a e r b e p i c e r
Method: 1. Heat oven to 180 degrees (gas mark 6) 2. Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well 3. Pour the mixture into a greased and lined 2lb loaf tin 4. Bake for approx. 35 mins until skewer comes out clean 5. Enjoy!
Show and Tell is a brand-new Zest feature. It’s a space to share anything you’ve done that has made you proud. To kick us off, Hutton Avenue have been baking banana bread… Baking is a popular activity here at Hutton Avenue. It helps the people we support to become more independent and improves their cooking skills, too. Stephanie can follow recipes with guidance and feels a sense of achievement when she completes an activity from start to finish – like this banana bread recipe! Alan mixing the ingredients
Our competitions are now shown on Hive, take a look!
tell! I loved making the banana bread and I want to make some more – it was yummy!” Stephanie, a person we support
Q What uestion 4: do drink w people usua lly ith the ir cake ? A: W B: Ora ater ng C: Cu e juice p of te a
Get in touch
Show and Tell Zest something you’re proud of. It could be a drawing, recipe or even a DIY project! Get in touch by emailing communications@voyagecare.com
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23 Creativity can be messy!
Gwen’s
big move Playing at the park
ley A smi
Gwen
Our Children’s Complex Care (CCC) team have recently helped Gwen, aged five, move from her hometown to another county. The team have looked after Gwen since she was five months old – so they were passionate about making the big move as smooth as possible for her. Moving home can be scary, especially for someone as young as Gwen, but the team were prepared and helped keep Gwen smiling throughout!
Head over to Hive to read more about Gwen’s journey.
Featured reader
Hi, I’m Ian from West Road! My favourite things about Zest are the cool activities that people share. I like to look for West Road pictures and I go around the house showing
Get in touch
hive
the magazine to everyone, especially when we have visitors. I enjoy reading Zest with a member of the team – especially the Awards Special after we watched it live on TV!
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Would you like to be Zest’s next featured reader? Tell us why you love Zest and some interesting facts about yourself! Email communications@voyagecare.com
g n i e b Well
This issue’s activity is to create your own Wellbeing Week. These activity ideas are a great way to take care of your mind, body and soul. You could even cut out the planner, and hang it up in your service!
k e e W Cu t alon g the dot ted line s
Mindful Monday
Looking after your mind is important for your health and wellbeing. Why not try some meditation or yoga today?
Tun e-in Tuesday
Take time today to think of some songs that make you happy! Remember to add your favourites to Gary’s playlist on page 13. Did you know? Honey bees beat their wings 200 times a second
Wildlife Wednesday
Spring is on the way, why not head out for a walk? Take a look at our nature checklist on Hive!
Tasty Thursday
Head to the kitchen and cook up your favourite treat or try a new recipe – delicious!
Friendship Friday
Friendships are really important for our mental health – get crafty and make a card or a friendship bracelet for a friend.
Soulful Satu rday
What activity makes you feel good? From baking and crafting to exercising and singing – let us know what your plans are.
Self- care Sunday
It’s time to wind down. You could have a soak in the tub, go for a walk or even put your feet up and watch a good movie!
Tell us what you think
Remember to let us know what you’ve been up to during your wellbeing week! Send your pictures and stories to communications@voyagecare.com
Did you know? Yoga helps to increase your blood flow
Did you know? A cucumber is made up of 95% water