Donation drive to support domestic abuse victims

A DONATION drive which was launched with the aim of supporting women and children at Harrogate Women’s Refuge has proven to be a huge success with £305 raised and countless toys donated.

The successful initiative was launched in late December by Jessica Williams, a care supervisor at Bluebird Care Harrogate.

She said: “I am delighted with how the initiative has gone.

“I think it has been a real success and it’s meant a lot to me to know that the donations from this drive will make a real difference to the lives of other people going through what I know is such a difficult time.

“This is a cause which is very close to my heart, and I hope my story, and the generous donations, will go a long way towards helping other women and children.”

Jessica’s selflessness and dedication to supporting the Women’s Refuge follows her own personal experience of a women’s refuge back in 2018 after she was the victim of domestic violence by her ex-boyfriend on the night England lost in the World Cup.

For Jessica, her experience of domestic violence led to her being placed in a women’s refuge in Northallerton.

While she was hours away from her home and family, it was here she was able to re-build her life and regain her confidence, with the help of the Independent Domestic Abuse Service and their team.

However, during her time at the refuge she also met numerous women who had arrived with their children, with little to no belongings after being compelled to move quickly for their protection.

Amidst a growing cost-of-living crisis affecting people across the UK, and inspired by these moments in her life, Jessica decided to launch a donation drive in a bid to play her part, give back to the community that helped her to get back on her feet, and support others going through a similar experience she did.

Sam Mortimer, registered care manager at Bluebird Care Harrogate, added: “We were delighted to offer our support to Jessica after she told the team about her desire to support a charity close to her heart, as well as stories of the incredible work they do.

“We were quickly inundated with donations at the office.

“The Harrogate community has really pulled together to support this important cause, and it has been very heart-warming to meet so many people who are willing to give donations and toys to support women and children receiving support from the Women’s Refuge.”

Grove Care Home in Kemnay has announced the appointment of new manager William Narvaez. Grove Care Home, part of the Meallmore Ltd group, is a 40-bed facility caring for residents with a range of conditions and needs including dementia and palliative care. William started his career at Meallmore four years ago and returns with a wealth of experience after a two-year hiatus. He first joined the care home company as charge nurse at Kynnaird House Care Home in Fraserburgh, and then worked as deputy manager at Bayview Care Home in Cruden Bay. Since then, William moved to the Highlands area of Scotland working as care home manager of another care group. In his new role William will oversee the management for Grove Care Home.

Fairways, a branch of ACI Care that specialises in residential, respite and dementia care, decided to ignore the dreaded ‘Blue Monday’, supposedly the most depressing day of the year, by celebrating Brew Monday instead – a day dedicated to reaching out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.

While Blue Monday accounts for January’s worsening weather, lapsed New Year’s resolutions and the joy of Christmas fading, Brew Monday helps to combat these negative feelings by enjoying a hot beverage and socialising with loved ones.

Residents were treated to four different teas: Peppermint and Liquorice, Mixed Berry, Blackberry and Blueberry Infusion and Ginger Green Tea, with the latter coming out the firm favourite.

Registered manager Alison Yarnley said: “We always like to have something for our residents to look forward to and our fun activity schedule promotes that.

“The staff have been proactive with each resident, which has contributed to their wellbeing and enhanced their daily lives.

“Afternoon tea at Fairways was a fun treat for all, residents enjoyed socialising, interacting with each other and reminiscing about their memories of afternoon tea throughout their lives.

“Brew Monday was something simple and engaging that the residents looked forward to, just one of the many activities that create a joyful atmosphere and uplift the wellbeing of our residents and staff within the home.”

Brew Monday is just one of the many activities the staff at Fairways organise for their residents, to help bring variety to their days and encourage them to socialise together.

The home has a busy schedule planned for the rest of January too, celebrating the upcoming National Popcorn Day, National Hug Day and Australia Day.

The activities regularly put on within the home offer a host of benefits for residents including the opportunity to socialise and form friendships, help keep the mind active, and alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness –all of which can occur in care home residents who may miss being in their own homes with partners and family.

The Brew Monday campaign started in 2020 and was set up by mental health charity Samaritans. It encourages groups of friends to stay in touch, share their troubles, and to dismiss the myth about Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew.

Manager Rachel French and the team at Hunters Creek in Boston were thrilled to find they had been rated overall ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission following a recent inspection at the home. She said: “Managing a large care home can be demanding but the rewards outweigh the challenges. Our aim is to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents, each and every one of them is at heart of all we do. We are delighted the CQC inspection recognised the excellent work carried out by our team. Hunters Creek is an amazing care home, our CQC rating is a true reflection of our happy, inclusive community of residents, relatives and staff.”

Ashford