Zest - Summer 2021

For everyone at Voyage Care Summer 2021

Grea t

rea

tog et

to

d

her

exclusive!

See how Shirley makes anything possible!

Page 8

Building confidence Philip is all smiles at his new work placement Pages 12 & 13

P lus!

Find out how Pete injects independence into his day!

Read more on Page 14

2

Inside

7

Learn, have fun, and smile through the seasons!

Introducing Activ8 summer

7

Day in the Life

16

Summer

edition

CHALLENGE

Jamie’s musical journey 18 VEA nominations… coming soon!

Your thre e-month toolkit, ja m-packe d with idea s to help you keep active and have fun.

22

Inside this pack

..

Summer BBQ party Page4 Garden Wildlif e Week Page 10 A taste of Jap an Page 15

22

12

16

18

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

Shirley from Theatre Street

For everyone at Voyage Care Summer 2021

Grea t

rea

tog et

to

d

her

exclusive!

See how Shirley makes anything possible!

Page 8

Building confidence

Karen Dancey, support worker at Edward Avenue!

Philip is all smiles at his new work placement Pages 12 & 13

Plus!

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Find out how Pete injects independence into his day!

Read more on Page 14

Our cover star this issue is Philip from Y Bwythyn Powys!

Welcome

Welcome to our sunn y summer edition of Ze st

Social

!

As things start to chan ge again and restrictions are lifted, many of us will be looking to the future.

The warmer weather and (hopefully!) a little sunshine never fail to make me feel more positive. This issue of Zest is dedicated to setting goals and moving forwards toge ther.

Our Activ8 challenge is back with a bang!

Our latest toolkit was posted to you with Zest and there’s even m ore to see on Hive.

So many of you got invo lved with the winter challenges and I’m excited to see you get stuck in to our summer activities!

This issue of Zest has lo ts of inspiring stories about the achievemen ts of people we support and our amaz ing teams – you’re all just incredible! The pa ssion, dedication and creativity you have show n over the latest lockdown has been a jo y to see.

So, grab a cuppa and en joy reading this issue of Zest togeth er. As always, we’d love to know wha t you think, so get in touch and tell us at communications@voya gecare.com.

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corner

At the beginning of April, we celebrated World Autism Awareness Week and shared lots of news, stories and facts about autism to help raise awareness.

We had lots of engagement and reached over 53,000 people! In case you missed anything on social, meet Rosie and Owain, the people we support at our NAS Accredited service, Broadview!

Jayne

Chief Operating Office

r

Owain

Rosie

25 likes

21 likes

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

Read more on

Remember to send your news stories and photos to communications@ voyagecare.com

llow, o f a s u e iv g t Why no eady? lr a t ’ n o d u o y if

hive

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

@voyagecare

@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!

wish a e k a M

port and p u s e w le p o The pe ll made their e w r u B t a ff sta and filled own wish jar ings they’d it with the th r lockdown. like to do afte wishes Some of their ing their included see , going on in a g a s ie il m fa en just being holiday or ev e cinema. th to o g to le ab

S p r in g a t R u g e le y !

Nicky

Everyone at Rugeley Day Opportunities looks forward to the spring time, and they love taking part in craft ac tivities. Zoe made her mum a flo wer pot created entirely out of recycled materials and it look s amazing!

Everyone put their sk ills to the test and took part in the Easter bonnet competition, which they were all really excite d ab and clearly wanted to out win!

Zoe

As part of the Activ8 winter challenge, lots of services set themselves a new year’s eco resolution. We’ll be sharing how they’re getting on in Zest!

! n e d r a g e h t in g in Gett sy in House have been bu Residents at Westwood mes has been clearing the garden this spring! Ja area for all the birds an g in ild bu d an en rd ga the enjoy. and insects to come and planting flowers, Everyone has helped by aking their garden feeding the birds and m an activity book look nice. They also have rds and plants they where they fill in what bi garden! see when they are in the

Recycling, recycling, recycling

CHALLENGE

Introducing our eco-warrior...

Captain Planet

Jason from Westwood House is now a recycling champion. He helps everyone stay on track with their goal to recycle all plastics. He also supports by sorting all the rubbish at his location and taking it to the correct recycling bin.

We chose elements from our Zest competition finalists to create an eco-warrior, to make sure we all keep looking after our planet. Keep a look out in Zest for Captain Planet to find some hints and tips!

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6

fill your cup

Cups full of

positivity !

You’ve been busy spreading positivity, kindness and getting creative!

We kicked-off our Fill Your Cup campaign in January, focusing on feeling good. In February we asked you to spread kindness. We finished with a bang and introduced the ‘Big March Make’ where creativity was key.

It was great seeing so many of you take part and fill your cups with positivity.

F il l y o u r c u p h ig h li g h t s 16

comments social post on s

80

likes on social media

Glan Yr Afon’s making homemade watering cans!

The house plants have had a huge impact on the general wellbeing of the people we support; and they love taking good care of the newest members of our service.

Tracy Murphy, Service Manager at Ashdale

Ferncliff Bungalow’s ‘together’ artwork

2it,s9to1th8e Fill

vis area Your Cup on Hive

2n6articles

likes o e on Hiv

Introducing...

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You all enjoyed the winter Activ8 challenge, so we’re bringing it back for the summer!

E G N E L L A CH Summer edition

Learn, have fun, and smile through the seasons!

Summ

er ed itio

We have come up with lots of exciting challenges for you to try, just in time for the sunshine! Just like the winter edition, we’re giving you the chance to win an amazing prize!

You can do the activities together at your service over the next three months.

Services who complete eight activities will get a great reward, with a further prize if you complete all the activities.

Along with this issue of Zest, you will have received a new activity card and sticker sheet. This is your tracker, use it to log each activity you complete.

Each month has a different theme and activities that will help you host a fun event at your service.

Remember to send photos and evidence of your completed challenges to communications@ voyagecare.com

CHALLENGE

Your th ree-mo nth toolkit, jam-pac ked with ide as to he lp you kee p active and hav e fun.

Question 1: What season is this Activ8 challenge?

A: Spring B: Autumn C: Summer D: Winter

Inside this pa

ck. .

Summer BB Q party Pag e4 Garden Wild life Week P age 10 A taste of Japan Page 15

Visit Hive to find out more about the summer Activ8 challenge!

hive

n

8

A new

of lease life

Shirley shows us that anything is possible!

When Shirley from Theatre Street became ill in 2018, she didn’t leave her bed for more than a year. She couldn’t walk or move her arms and even struggled to speak.

With the help and support of staff, Shirley has managed to find a new lease of life.

“Nothing was going to deter Shirley from improving. Staff introduced whoopee cushions to make physio sessions more fun and she had balls she could squash to build her strength,” said Chloe, Field Support Supervisor.

In September 2020, Shirley faced her biggest challenge yet. She was rushed to hospital and

Shirley wit

h doll!

became very unwell – but she wasn’t going to be defeated and finally returned home.

“She never gave up.

Staff got her things like adapted cutlery, but Shirley was adamant she didn’t need to use these,” added Chloe.

Shirley’s determination means she can now push herself in her wheelchair, and was able to celebrate her 85th birthday in style!

Staff are there to support Shirley further, and help her reach her goals.

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Always have hope and optimism.

The people we support are fighters and will always surprise you.

Chloe, Field Support Supervisor at Theatre Street

seco

seconds with...

Shirley!

How has achieving this made you feel?

Happier and proud.

What makes you happy?

Seeing staff, colouring and being able to do more for myself.

What are you working towards next?

I’d like to walk again.

Shirley celebrating her 85th birthday!

The short story

Shirley has been very ill, but with the help of staff she’s learning to do more for herself and can now push herself in her wheelchair!

“Her dream is to be able to stand up again and we will do our utmost to help her achieve this, a stand aid is on its way!” said Chloe.

Read more about how staff supported Shirley on

hive

Get in touch

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

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7

Around the world in

Residents at St Phillips Close have been on their very own cruise. Each resident chose their own destination and they visited them all in seven days. Let’s find out where they went…

DAY 2

USA

From indoor basketball to their own bowling alley, it was all about playing games and listening to Elvis. They ended the day with a game of beer pong and some cocktails – what a way to end the holiday!

“I enjoyed the American night the best for the burgers and winning at beer pong,” said Peter.

DAY 1

England

1

6 5

2 4

3 DAY 5

DAY 3 Jamaica All residents made steel pans and there was a themed beach party.

“I loved the Jamaican night,” said Kevin.

DAY 4 Mexico Everyone needed their strength to break the piñata in Mexico and enjoy some sweets.

Italy

11

days

Start

The first stop was for a cuppa and a scone, virtual day at the races and a pub quiz!

“I enjoyed England for my fish and chips,” said Donna.

DAY 6

Switzerland

The Italians brought romance and pizza – everyone played a game of Mr and Mrs and made their own pizzas for lunch!

DAY 7

There was a chocolate fondue, chocolate treasure hunt and a cheese bingo!

7

China Everyone made Chinese dragons and picked fortune cookies. There was also a firework display and lanterns.

Everyone agreed they were missing a holiday during lockdown, so the idea of the cruise meant that they could wake up and get the feeling that they were in a different country every day.

Holly, St Phillips Close

Visit Hive to see more of what they got up to in each country!

hive

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.. .

Spotlight on

Philip’s

Philip saying goodbye to the volunteers!

volunteering Philip is all smiles at his new work placement!

Philip from Y Bwythyn Powys started a voluntary job in lockdown at a local charity.

He goes twice a week and is loving it!

Philip has learned new skills and made friends with the other volunteers. He’s most proud of his bug nests that he now has in his own garden.

He has been helping to build bird houses and bug nests.

He loves getting hands on!

He’s helped build lots of things that the charity has been able to sell. One of his bird tables was bought by another Voyage Care service in Wales for their garden.

“Philip thrives on challenge, his face beams when he is driving down the lane to his work placement and he always says goodbye when he leaves.

Philip’s verbal communication is minimal, so him saying goodbye is a sign that he trusts the volunteers.” says Nicola, Field Support Supervisor in Powys.

Philip hopes to be able to go to work more often, to continue his skills in the future!

Philip is always smiling when he leaves the house for work and is still smiling when he gets home, with a real sense of achievement.”

Nicola, Field Support Supervisor in Powys

The shor t story

Philip has started a new job in s lockdown – making bird house ty. and bug nests at a local chari w He’s learnt so much, made ne friends and is always smiling!

Cut along the dotted lines

Tasty pasta salad

13

This pasta salad is perfect for your lunchbox!

Ingredients: 400g pasta l 4-5 tbsp pesto l1 tbsp mayonnaise l 2 tbsp Greek yogurt l1 /2 lemon, juiced l

l2 00g extras

(e.g. chicken, ham, tuna, or cheese) l1 00g cherry tomatoes, quartered

Method: 1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for 11 minutes.

Drain and tip into a bowl. Stir in the pesto and leave to cool 2. When cool, stir through the mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice 3. Spoon the pasta into your lunchbox and add your extras on top 4. Chill until ready to eat and enjoy!

Question 2: What garden ornament did a Voyage Care service buy?

A: Bird table B: Bench C: Wind chime D: Chair

Want to keep your lunch fresh and plastic free? Try making your own Beeswax food wraps.

CHALLENGE More information can be found in the summer Activ8 challenge toolkit!

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Taking control Pete injects some independence into his day.

Pete checking his blood sugar and recording the results

Pete, who lives at Edward Avenue, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017. He always relied on others to help him control his condition, but has now started to understand and manage his diabetes independently. He is even arranging his own doctor’s appointments.

Pete knows how to check his blood sugar and inject insulin himself. He sometimes struggles to recognise when his blood sugar is too low.

But recently, he has spotted that if he feels tired and has a headache, he should check his blood sugar levels and recover.

Pete has come a long way in a short time.

He’s still learning, but is slowly and surely gaining the confidence to manage his condition.

g his njoyin fast! e e t e k P y brea health

Visit Hive to find out more about Pete’s story and how he’s supported!

hive

15

seconds with...

Karen Dancey

Karen, support worker at Edward Avenue, works closely with Pete to help him manage his diabetes…

What do you enjoy most about working with Pete?

I understand what Pete is going through as I’m diabetic too, so I know how to support him emotionally and physically.

Did you face any challenges when Pete was first diagnosed?

There was a lack of understanding, but we were lucky enough to have two nurses who could show us how to inject the insulin and answer any questions.

It was also quite difficult for Pete to cope with a new diet and spot symptoms of low or high blood sugar.

How do you feel now that Pete is starting to manage his condition independently?

I’m so proud of him and seeing his independence increase gives me so much pleasure!

Karen Dancey

Get in touch

If you would like to take part in this feature, send your story to communications@voyagecare.com

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Day in the life…

David, from The Granary, loves to help out with activities in the service. We caught up with him to see how he usually lends a helping hand...

1

David gets up in the morning and makes his bed.

He recently decorated his own bedroom and takes a lot of pride in it!

2

He then folds his laundry and helps with some of the cleaning up.

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3 David waters the plants in the garden and tends to the veg in the allotment.

4

5

He loves art and looks for inspiration on his tablet. His next project is all about birds and includes flamingos and peacocks.

David’s art is displayed in the crafts room.

Here he is having his own mini art exhibition !

What do you usually getIf you’d up like totoinsharea your day? day

with us, get in touch by emailing communications@voyagecare.com

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Jamie’s

jamming!

Jamie visits our BROCS day service in Wakefield and has found a passion for music.

Jamie is visually impaired, so sounds help shape his understanding of the world.

Music has helped Jamie to focus on positive sounds, which keep him feeling calm.

For the last few months, Jamie has been busy practising playing the guitar and playing songs on his keyboard. He loves it!

Staff have supported Jamie to share his skills online on his own Facebook page.

His mum helps to share his videos on the page so Jamie’s friends and family can watch him, clap along and celebrate his achievements.

The short story

Jamie has been learning to play the guitar. He is really enjoying it and has started sharing his music online for people to watch.

Looking to the future Jamie hopes to keep practising and sharing his music online.

In the future, he wants to build a bigger audience and inspire others to learn new skills.

Jamie with staff member Steve during one of his music sessions

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Music has opened a magical door for Jamie. He started to create music with staff and on his own.

Steve, Support Worker at BROCS day service in Wakefield

Be a music master!

Music can improve your mood and has lots of benefits.

Listening to relaxing music helps you to feel calm Que Where stion 3: d mum p oes Jamie’s ost his videos A: Twi ? tter B: Inst agram C: Wh ats D: Fac App ebook

Singing your favourite tunes helps to improve your memory

Dancing boosts your mood and makes you smile

Playing an instrument improves brain function

Mastering an instrument helps to boost your self-confidence

Playing an instrument can help you to be more outgoing!

Get in touch

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

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s s e c c u s Seeds of Bronte View at rt o p p su e w le p The staff and peo n-fingered bunch! e re g a e b to g n vi are pro They grow lots of vegetables in their oes, allotment, like tomat broccoli, cabbage, peppers, aubergine, s, potatoes, peas, bean t carrots and butternu ow squash. They also gr ies. some herbs and chill ese They can use all of th in their meals.

Read more about the Bronte View allotment on

roots, work the ground and fill it with new compost and nutrients. They’ve g already begun plantin seeds ready for late n be April so that they ca nnel. planted in the polytu

ort The people we supp t the enjoy learning abou food. process of growing e They love picking th ting vegetables and plan new seeds. They plan to get rid of all weeds and old

hive

View Everyone at Bronte more has a passion to be nic. sustainable and orga ort The people we supp love getting involved with growing and maintaining the veg. d to They’re always excite ey can see what new veg th eat grow, and of course the final product.

We’ll be following th e progress of Bronte View’s allotment, so keep you peeled for more up r eyes dates!

Cut along the dotted lines

Question 4 : What would you grow in a vegetable p atch?

A: Bananas B: Carrots C: Strawbe rries D: Grapes

Super strawberries

Strawberries are easy to grow in containers, hanging baskets or can be planted straight into the ground! You can eat them as they are, or you could turn them into a delicious strawberry muffin! Here’s how...

Ingredients: 2 cups of self-raising flour l 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda l 1 lemon (zested) l 1/2 cup caster sugar l 1/3 cup butter (melted) l 2 eggs l 3/4 cup milk l 15 fresh strawberries l

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan).

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, bicarbonate of soda, zest and sugar 3. In a jug, whisk together melted butter, eggs and milk 4. Form a well in the centre of your large bowl and beat in the ingredients from the jug 5. Remove stems from strawberries. Set aside approximately 9-10 strawberries and dice the rest.

Stir diced strawberries through batter 6. Line your muffin tray with cupcake cases and fill them to 3/4 with the batter 7. Slice remaining strawberries lengthwise into quarters and place a few on top of each muffin 8. Bake for 16-18 minutes and enjoy!

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Aryeou rea dy?

DCA North Wales (Wrex ham) – Branch of the Year

Nominations will soon be open for this year’s Voyage Excellence Awards.

From June, you’ll be able to put forward candidates to win this year’s VEAs. Last year’s event went virtual and we had an amazing time, but this year will be bigger and better than ever before!

It’s time to start thinking about who to nominate and how to make your entries stand out.

We will be launching a new handy guide soon with hints and tips, so look out for this on the VEA area on Hive.

We can’t wait to hear all the inspiring stories about our amazing staff.

Good luck to each and every one of you!

The VEAs will be held on 21 October

Nominations open 1 June. Start your nomination by visiting vea.awardsplatform.com

sed n – Field Ba Shane Ritso of the Year r e b m Mem a Te rt o p p u S

Trinity Vicara ge Road – Specialist Te am of the Ye ar

If you have any questions about this year’s Voyage Excellence Awards, email communications@voyagecare.com

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Competition time

u? o y s e r i p s Who in ory or

re a st a h s o t u yo ires We want omeone who insp s picture of ll us why. e member, you and t y il m a f a – e anyone ur b n a c is h T ker or yo r o w t r o p sup racter from a h c e it r u favo film. a book or person is h t w o h w Let us kno o be better, more t helps you to challenge r creative o ery day. v yourself e

How to enter: You have until 21 May to send your entry to communications@voyagecare.com and we will be in touch if you are the winner!

Review corner Residents at Roselea won a Nintendo Switch in our winter Activ8 challenge.

We caught up with Joseph, a person Would you recommend we support, to hear his thoughts this game? about their new game.

Yes, it’s so cool.

What do you like most about Mario Kart 8?

I like the racing cars that go fast and the colourful rainbow roads to race on. The bananas that you slip on make me laugh too!

Who’s your favourite character?

Yoshi the green dragon!

hive

If you’d like to review a game you won in the Activ8 challenge, email communications@voyagecare.com

Top Tip !

How to make your own

wish jar! ’s wish is..

You c an your c decorate with lean jar pain glitte t and r!

Would you like to make a wish jar, just like Burwell?

Follow these simple steps...

What you’ll need:

✔ An empty, clear jar ✔ Pieces of paper ✔ Scissors How to get started:

My wish is..

1 2

Cut along the dotted lines

3 4

’s wish is..

Write your wishes on these strips of paper Grab your scissors and cut out your wishes Fold them in half, and then half again Put your wishes in your jar and ta-da, you’ve made a wish jar!

Visit Hive to print off more labels for your wish jar!

hive

Remember to send photos of your wish jar and what’s in it to communications@voyagecare.com!

Tell us what you think

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