Caring UK Weekly - Issue 59

Issue 59 02.06.21

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Social care challenges in spotlight A NORTH Yorkshire care provider has been chosen to feature in a high-profile BBC Two documentary fronted by broadcaster and ex-politician Ed Balls on the challenges facing the social care sector.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group in Scarborough will have two of its homes included in two onehour broadcasts for BBC Two. Saint Cecilia’s managing director Mike Padgham said: “They were looking for typical care and nursing homes to take part and we are very pleased to have been chosen.

“We know that it will give a warts ‘n all view of the challenges facing the social care system in 2021 and right now those challenges are huge.

“All credit to the BBC on this as I and colleagues in social care have been trying to highlight the issues facing adult social care, many of which have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, for many years.

“We hope that this documentary will help us to bring those challenges to the fore, bring about muchneeded change and support the ongoing campaign to get reform for the sector.

“Care providers are working

Dementia initiative success for provider

Saint Cecelia’s managing director Mike Padgham extremely hard to provide the best possible care in a sector that has seen more than £8bn cut from funding since 2010, with the result that some 1.5m people are now living without the care they need.

“If Ed Balls and the documentary can help get the crisis in social care higher up the political agenda, it will be well worth it.”

The crew filmed in Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home and Saint Cecilia’s Care Home last month and will return this month and next.

The programme is aimed at providing an in-depth and “immersive” view of the current state of social care.

Rogers House resident Vera Flowers enjoyed a visit to the local park after more than a year stuck indoors. With her family in Australia and care homes enduring a lengthy lockdown, Vera hasn’t had any visitors or been out since March 2020. So with the easing of restrictions allowing residents to go out and about without the need to isolate on return, and the sun shining, activity co-ordinator Hannah Newman-Brown decided to take Vera to the local park.

“It was a privilege to be able to take Vera out. She kept saying how it felt like we were so far away, even though we were less than a mile from home. It’s been so long that to her it felt like a whole new world,” said Hannah.

The pair soaked up the sunshine as they took in the picturesque spring scenes.

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A PROVIDER of community based social care is celebrating its recruitment of 1,000 Dementia Friends.

Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to improve widespread awareness and understanding of the condition.

Radis Community Care first registered with the scheme in support of last year’s World Alzheimer’s Day and has been encouraging staff to become Dementia Friends ever since.

Head of care services Danielle Jones said: “It is important to recognise the amazing work that is being done to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

“By registering with the Dementia Friends scheme, the team at Radis has access to best practice guidance, videos and other resources specially created by the Alzheimer’s Society and has made these resources accessible to staff via its online training system.”

While Radis colleagues support lots of people with dementia every day, Dementia Friends isn’t just for people working in adult social care – it is open to anyone who wants to help people with dementia in their community.

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Sunflower contest is a blooming success

Home manager Patsy Munyard in the newly revamped garden.

Home’s Spring spruce-up THE garden at Stambridge Meadows care home in Rochford has been revamped to provide a more accessible and enjoyable area for residents.

The idea behind the project was to ensure that more of the home’s residents could enjoy the sweeping countryside views to the rear of the home.

Home manager Patsy Munyard said: “We wanted our residents to enjoy the full impact of the five acres of land we live on and for them to enjoy the panoramic views of the countryside.

“We have lots of wildlife that live around the grounds that visit on a daily basis, so we wanted to make the garden more accessible so our

residents could enjoy spotting different animals and creatures.

“I love how the garden has turned out, it is an ongoing project that in the future we would love to be extended with different pathways to different areas of the land.”

Stambridge Meadows’ garden has sensory elements including specially chosen fragrant trees and shrubs, and flowering plants to add vibrant colour. There is also a water feature to add a calming element for those sat enjoying the countryside views.

The residents have enjoyed admiring the new garden from the warmth of the home over the winter months and are now excited to get out there to enjoy the warm summer days.

Bluebird Care West Berkshire and North Hampshire is welcoming the summer months by running a sunflower growing competition for its customers.

The winners’ prizes include two afternoon teas for two people donated by a local food supply service.

Hannah Buckthorpe, care assistant at Bluebird Care North Hampshire, said: “It’s been lovely to surprise all our customers with this competition and the vast majority have just got stuck in – they all have different techniques.

“Many are like professionals who’ve done this before. One customer, Angela, in Odiham was the most excited – it was her husband Richard’s 90th birthday recently and she said he used to grow sunflowers every year and was even kind enough to show me some pictures of him with some he had grown almost 70 years ago. Angela said she couldn’t wait to go and see him today and have an extra little gift to share with him.”

Greenhouse project proving to be a real tonic GREEN-fingered residents at Featherton House Care Home in Deddington are tackling a project to breathe life back into an old greenhouse.

The gardening club at the home, which is rated good by the Care Quality Commission, has cleared out the building that only had been used for storage for some time.

Home manager Agi Rygala said: “The residents in the gardening club have taken this project to heart and it is proving to be a real tonic for their health and wellbeing.

“It helps keep residents both mentally and physically

active as they plan what they want to cultivate and then care for the plants.

“It all is part and parcel of how, at Featherton House, we encourage residents to maintain their interests and hobbies or develop new ones.”

The greenhouse is now brimming with plants grown from seed including courgettes, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, rocket, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, oregano, basil, thyme and Love in a Mist flowers.

Pictured right: Resident Jock Pirie in the revived greenhouse.

Care home celebrates its first birthday with festivities and fun BIRKDALE Tower Lodge care home in sparked conversation and brought Southport celebrated its first anniversary with a day of festivities and fun.

With the Lodge decorated with fresh flowers and black and gold balloons, residents enjoyed celebrating amongst friends, singing to their favourite music and tucking into an array of canapés along with a glass of bubbly.

Local artist Robert Newbiggin also exhibited two of his portraits of Dame Vera Lynn and Princess Diana at the Lodge on the day.

Residents admired the paintings that

back many memories, especially as the portrait of Vera Lynn will be gifted to her daughter once complete.

The artwork showcase coincided with Dementia Awareness Week, which the Lodge is supported through a range of dementia-friendly activities that encourage reminiscence, communication and more.

Everybody enjoyed coming together to celebrate before rounding off the day with a virtual viewing of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, selected by the residents themselves.

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Competitive residents get into Olympic spirit A CARE home hosted a Spring Olympics event for its residents to fulfil their cravings for competition and activity.

Organised by the care staff, the week-long series of competitions at Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa in Loanhead featured rounds of pool, Jenga, and basketball, with a sports quiz to close the tournament.

It comes after the residents enjoyed a programme of competitions throughout the winter months which inspired the care staff to curate the Spring Olympics, creating opportunities for healthy competition and action.

Manager Denise Williams said: “The residents are all very competitive so we thought this would be a fun way to stay active and play some fun games.

“Seeing as the winter games week was such a success, we wanted to make this even better. We spent a few weeks organising and planning the activities that were requested by the residents, rearranging a few tournaments due to weather but still managing to fit in games everyone enjoyed.

“It was great fun. We tried to make it a little more competitive this time round by splitting residents into teams.

“We hosted three separate games so that after each event we scored up

Residents Charles Davies Cole, Rena Flavell and Sandra Wood take part in the pool competition. the points and announced the winner forward to. at our closing ceremony where our “It’s been really challenging over residents enjoyed a spot of afternoon lockdown with visitor restrictions, but tea.” the team has been extraordinary and As part of an ethos to provide the really stepped up, coordinating more care we wish to receive in later life, activities to meet our resident’s needs.

Pine Villa, one of 11 care homes run “These types of activities really help

by Mansfield Care, specialises in support our residents’ mental and bespoke services to support its resiphysical health, so we feel it’s impordents’ wellbeing. tant to get creative and organise active Denise added: “We want residents games and events. Everyone enjoys to live in a stimulating environment them and looks forward to them, staff and have activities and plans to look and residents alike.”

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Mystery gifts spread love and warmth at care home

RESIDENTS of Dene Holm in Northfleet received a kind gift from a local stranger in the form of some handmade sensory fidget blankets.

A kind local left a thoughtful gift for the residents of the care home when they left some lovely handmade blankets on the doorstep.

The blankets were an instant hit with the residents, who enjoyed fiddling with the items that had been stitched on, as well as admiring the beautiful appearance.

General manager Christine Hutchinson said: “It was very kind of this person to think of us and put some much work into making these beautiful blankets.

“The residents loved them instantly and I’m sure they will continue to bring them much joy, so thank you whoever you are.”

Fidget blankets, also known as activity blankets, are lap sized quilts which feature a variety of detailing, such as zips, pom poms, pockets, buttons, buckles and ribbons.

The busy blankets are designed to soothe anxious hands and provide all-important sensory stimulation for older people living with dementia.

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Survey shows 167% rise in vegans in residential care FIGURES have shows that residents following a vegan diet in UK residential care homes have risen by 167 per cent since 2014.

There are currently more than 11,000 care homes for older people in the UK - between them catering for over 7,000 vegans and vegetarians.

Almost one in six of these homes are now committed to veggie catering excellence, via membership of charity Vegetarian for Life's UK List.

Amanda Woodvine, chief executive of Vegetarian for Life, said: “By not demonstrating that they are veggie-friendly, many care establishments are missing out on new, potential residents.

“However, becoming a Vegetarian for Life UK List member is a great way to evidence this. Plus you'll be joining some of the UK's leading care homes and food suppliers, committed to providing the best possible catering for your vegan and vegetarian residents. ”Once signed up, you will be kept regularly updated with expert support and news. Both free and premium membership options are available – and many of Vegetarian for Life's core services are offered completely free of charge.”

Some of the charity's most inspiring members have shared their exclusive stories and tips.

Nick Dutton, operations manager at Primrose Bank Care Home and deputy chair of the National Association of Care Catering, added: “Perception has definitely changed when it comes to nutrition. People are changing, and there are more and more vegetarians, vegans and those with dietary needs such as coeliacs, which means the care industry needs organisations like Vegetarian for Life.

“Care homes in the past typically haven't been associated with great food but that is also changing. We need care homes to stand up, be more organised and change with the times and we want to be part of the narrative that care homes can provide amazing food.

"We joined the Vegetarian for Life UK List in 2018, because we noticed a lot more vegetarians and vegans coming into our care home.

We've also taken the Vegetarian for Life Memory Care Pledge, to help people maintain their ethical beliefs, especially around vegetarianism and veganism as they get older, even if they suffer any memory issues.

"We've created a vegetarian champion from one of our vegetarian members of staff, who will help keep the conversation going around the care home, on the benefits and beliefs of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

"We've also pledged to keep

Gary McGurk of Primrose Bank Care Home, winner of Most Innovative Veggie Dish in Vegetarian for Life’s 2020 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering. reviewing our menus, especially around our vegan and vegetarian options to keep them fresh and exciting.

"As a Vegetarian for Life UK List member, we know that the support is there. Not only that, but we've had the opportunity to enter the Vegetarian for Life Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering. In 2020,

our chef Gary McGurk won 'Most Innovative Veggie Dish' for his panseared watermelon.

"We regularly share content online, but being a member of the UK List has really helped us gain more publicity in the local area. Our social media posts around our membership have the most 'shares' and 'likes' out of all our content."

Singer makes Sylvia’s day

A Cringleford care home resident and former Oxford university student has celebrated her 100th birthday by making a special donation. Avril Powell, from Care UK’s Cavell Court, marked the impressive milestone recently when she virtually presented St Hughes College at the University of Oxford with a donation of almost £2,000. Avril studied Classics at the college during the Second World War, and has many fond memories of her time at Oxford. While studying, her father’s tailor shop in Exeter was bombed, and Avril felt she had to return home and give up her much-loved studies.

Her family encouraged her to stay, and St Hughes College kindly funded her to complete the remainder of her degree.

Gordon celebrates special 90th birthday with family and friends GORDON Holmes celebrated his 90th birthday at HC-One’s The Westbury residential and nursing care home.

Colleagues decorated the lounge and all the residents joined to celebrate, play games and sing.

Gordon, pictured right, then went into the garden to join his family where he had champagne and buffet with them.

Gordon was married and had two daughters and a son.

He worked as an accountant for Cow & Gate dairy, which was taken over by United Dairies. He also worked for another firm in Bath after that in accountancy. Fellow residents and Gordon enjoyed wine, Baileys, sherry, tea, coffee and a buffet. Everyone enjoyed the singing too.

A very special 81st birthday surprise brought tears of delight to the eyes of Sylvia Butcher – a resident at a dementia care home in Wellington – with a personalised message from her long-time hero, singer Daniel O’Donnell. Sylvia’s son Stephen Butcher told staff at Camelot House and Lodge how much his mum has always admired the Irish singer, and that she has attended many of his concerts and even met him backstage after one of the shows. Richard Dempslake, activities coordinator for Camelot Care, said: “It was Sylvia’s first birthday since she had moved in with us, and we wanted to make it really special. Sylvia is always mentioning her love of Daniel, so we knew she’d be thrilled if she got a special birthday greeting from him. I was so chuffed when we got a positive response back from Daniel. He replied almost at once and sent the loveliest message.”

Well Pharmacy partners with The Access Group to support the delivery of outstanding care Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, is delighted to announce a new partnership with The Access Group, the largest provider of software to UK care and nursing homes, designed to support the delivery of outstanding care.

technical support. They also provide the full range of solutions needed for care homes to transition to fully digital care provision.

This partnership will highlight Access’ innovative Medication Management solution, which has already been successfully implemented in a number of care homes serviced by Well Pharmacy.

• Access’ market leading electronic care planning system gives care and nursing homes a unified record of both medication and care notes/activities.

• Full integration with Well Pharmacy making data transfer more efficient and improving communication between the local pharmacy and home.

• Reduction in medication errors using pro-active alerts, alarms and best practice workflows to make sure medication compliance and safety for residents.

• Greater visibility and compliance - provides all staff and management with a clear picture of medication administration.

Access Medication Management is the UK’s most widely used eMAR system and is proven to reduce medication errors and make manual time-consuming processes like ordering medication and stock checking much more accurate and efficient.

Cited in CQC reports as helping clients achieve ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ ratings, Medication Management is a quick and efficient way to introduce technology and help ensure residents safety.

Access Medication Management offers everything care home organisations need to support patient safety including all equipment, installation, training and

Key benefits of Access’ Medication Management solution:

Ben Smith, Care Homes Sales Manager for Well Pharmacy said: “We are pleased to highlight Access’ Medication Management solution to over 350 care homes we serve across the UK. At Well Pharmacy we are always looking for new ways to help and support our care home customers. Patient and resident safety is our

number one priority and we’re pleased to be working with The Access Group offer new solutions to give residents the best possible care.”

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director, Access Group’s Health and Social Care Division said: “At Access, we pride ourselves on supporting care staff to provide the highest quality of care to their residents. Access Medication Management reduces the risk of medication errors, while giving everyone in a care home more time back to interact with residents or focus on work that will improve care, capacity, and occupancy at their homes.

We’re proud to be working with one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK, who share our vision of using software in health and social care, to better manage all medication processes, encouraging fellow organisations so that this becomes a standard way of working across all UK care homes.”

For more information, about Well Pharmacy’s Care Home Service please contact: carehomes@well.co.uk Or visit: well.co.uk/carehomes For more information about Access’ Medication Management software visit: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/ health-social-care/care-managementsoftware/medication-management/

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Tears of joy for reunited sisters separated by Covid

Paul Harvey has been awarded an Outstanding Achievement accolade at the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards, sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare. Paul, who is 80 and a former music teacher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2019, and was presented with the award for his song, ‘Four Notes’ which received significant media attention in 2020 and was later recreated by The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra The song also entered the UK Top 40 music charts with all the proceeds from single sales going to the Alzheimer’s Society and Music for Dementia.

Composed using four random notes selected by Paul’s son Nick, it received more than 83,000 engagements and was viewed more than 2.1million times on Twitter.

TWINS who were prevented from seeing each other properly for more than a year due to Covid-19 have had an emotional reunion after one moved into the care home where her sister was living.

There were tears of joy as Janette Millar joined her sister Margaret Kerr at Broomfield Court at Barmulloch, Glasgow.

The 81-year-olds could only see each other from either side of a window while care homes had to stop indoor visits to protect residents from the risk of catching Covid.

Broomfield Court manager Debbie Martin said: “It was a very emotional reunion for Janette and Margaret after not having seen each other properly for so long.

“It also was very moving for staff, bringing a tear to their eyes, when the two sisters saw each other face-to-face for the first time in many months.

“They are now making up for lost time and are loving being able to see each other whenever they want.”

Margaret and Janette were born 13 hours apart on June 4 1939. They grew up in the family home in Rutherglen and attended local schools – MacDonald Primary and then Gallowflat Secondary.

They went to Sunday School when young and were members of the Brownies and Girl Guides with Margaret going on to become Brown Owl of the 3rd Rutherglen Brownie Pack and Janette was the Guide Captain of the 3rd Rutherglen Guide company.

After leaving school they became shorthand typists at different companies then, for a while, both worked at Richmond Park Laundry. They followed each other to Wilson Boilers, where Margaret worked until she

Reunited: Twins Janette Millar and Margaret Kerr who are now both living at Broomfield Court in Glasgow. married in 1963.

After being made redundant a few years later, Janette, who never married, moved to an insurance company where she worked until she retired in 1999. She remained active in the community, volunteering as a Victim Support helper in the High Court in Glasgow.

Both sisters were active member of the Church of Scotland and enjoyed a range of hobbies with Margaret favouring baking and shopping and Janette walking. Both loved spending time with family and friends and holidaying abroad including America and the Canary Islands.

Margaret, who celebrated her golden wedding with late husband Alistair in 2013, has two children, Jim and Alan. She lived in Bishopbriggs, in the same house for 55 years, before moving to Broomfield Court in early 2020.

Janette lived for 68 years in the same house in Burnside with her sister Anne before she moved to the care home.

The National Care Forum has announced the appointment of Andy Cole OBE, left, as the new chair of its board. He succeeds Maria Ball, CEO of Quantum Care, who has held the post since 2017. Maria will remain on the board of directors as an integral part of the team in providing support to the NCF team and members. Andy is chief executive of Royal Star & Garter, a long-standing member of NCF, and a NCF board member himself since 2017. He said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chair, and look forward to assisting Vic Rayner and the whole NCF team.

The last year has been hugely challenging for everyone in social care, and NCF has played a vital role in not only helping our own members but also the wider sector onto a path for recovery.”

The trustees of Hallmark Care Homes Foundation have appointed Stephen Burke, left, as the charity’s first chief executive. The foundation was established by Avnish Goyal, chair of Hallmark Care Homes, to champion social care and to fund initiatives to improve the quality of life for older people, as well as support care workers to fulfil their full potential.

Since the charity was established in 2020, the foundation has already backed several projects promoting the care workforce such as The Care Workers Charity Emergency Coronavirus Fund and the Together with Music project. With its new CEO, the foundation’s board has ambitious plans to improve care for older people and develop its programme of grant-making.

Residents loving post-lockdown treats as salon re-opens DEDICATED care staff turned glam squad during the pandemic celebrated the reopening of the in-house beauty salon as residents get ready for their post-lockdown outings.

The salon at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh has been closed for the duration of lockdown with care staff stepping in to give residents their regular cut and blow dry.

Now reinstated, residents have begun enjoying complimentary treatments including a full complement of hairdressing and manicures.

Built in 2018, the salon was part of the home’s original design and features alongside a host of unique

aspects such as a wellness and physiotherapy suite, games room and cinema room.

Lisa Sohn, head lifestyle co-ordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The salon has been out of operation since the start of the pandemic, so you can imagine the excitement of residents when we were able to reopen.

“Care staff at the home pulled together throughout lockdown to give residents manicures and trims.

“It’s great to see residents back in the salon getting the VIP treatment and are very much enjoying the post-lockdown glow up.”

Alongside the hair and beauty treat-

ments on offer, residents also benefit from regular holistic therapy sessions including Reiki, Reflexology and hand massages.

As well as a monthly programme of activities which are resident-led and aim to make life as fun and fulfilling as possible.

For the duration of lockdown, residents were confined to the nine individual houses within the home, with activities coordinators using technology to keep residents connected.

With restrictions lifted, the home is now fully connected again, with residents enjoying a variety of activities together.

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Save all your kisses for us ...

Care home’s musical farewell for Eurovision winner Nicky RESIDENTS and staff at a Dorset care home found the perfect way to bid a fond farewell to a Eurovision Song Contest winner who worked with them during lockdown.

Brotherhood of Man singer Nicky Stevens joined the Companionship Team at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Ferndown home, Amberwood House, at the end of 2020.

Over the following months, the classically-trained singer and pianist sang and played music for residents, led arts and crafts sessions, quizzes and games, and spent one-to-one time with individual residents.

On the day her temporary contract finished, Nicky was astonished when residents and staff gathered to perform their own version of her band’s Eurovision-winning song Save Your Kisses for Me. With lyrics amended and personalised by Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s music and arts partner, the heartfelt musical tribute brought a tear to Nicky’s eye.

“I was busy sorting out afternoon tea with the residents and I could see a lot of staff coming down the

corridor,” she said.

“I thought, ‘what’s going on, is there a meeting?’. Then they all entered the lounge and I said to myself, ‘this must be serious’. I never twigged until one of my fellow Companionship Team colleagues started making an announcement.

“When I heard the start of the singing, I couldn’t believe it. I heard later they had been practising for two weeks on days when I wasn’t in.

“I am so humbled they thought so much of me that they went to all that trouble. It made me very emotional and I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t get over it. Nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.”

Sung to the same tune as the original, the lyrics included lines such as: “Though we’re sad to see you go, We just want to let you know, That your time with us has brightened every day, We’ll miss you, it’s true.”

As well as the song, Nicky was presented with a card, box of chocolates, flowers and a framed photo of her with residents.

Like other performers, Nicky had been looking forward to a busy sea-

Brotherhood of Man singer Nicky Stevens was overwhelmed by the musical tribute son of gigs last year before the Covid crisis hit, prompting her to respond to a Colten Care advert for entertainers and companions.

Now, as well as hoping to confirm Brotherhood of Man engagements in the pipeline, the easing of lockdown will enable Nicky to return to her other professional music activities as a voice coach, singing teacher and choir leader.

Reflecting on her time at Amberwood House, Nicky added: “It was wonderful being there. I am so glad that circumstances made it possible.

The knowledge I have gained is vast.

It has opened my eyes tremendously.

“Seeing the nurses, carers and companions all working hands-on, you can understand that the amount of care that goes in for the wellbeing of residents is phenomenal.

“I have great empathy for people who find themselves in a care home.

Helping to look after them is a lovely job. If you have a caring soul, it is so rewarding. It makes you feel really good.”

After Brotherhood of Man won Eurovision in 1976, Save Your Kisses for Me went on to be a number one hit in 33 countries, holding the top spot in the UK for six weeks.

Community spirit sends care residents to infinity and beyond

Dementia specialist invests in the talent of the future SPECIALIST dementia care provider Vida Healthcare has partnered with the University of Bradford to train the social care talent of the future.

First coordinated in November following outreach from the University, the initiative sees the operator provide Mental Health Nursing and Adult Nursing students with real world experience, opportunities to transfer classroom knowledge into clinical skills, and the chance to build confidence and competence working with specialist nursing and care staff.

Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director at Vida Healthcare, who is leading the initiative, added: “Investing in the future social care workforce is crucial for us at Vida.

“Our residents come first and knowing that we’ve had a small part to play in training students who will one day go on to look after vulnerable people is wonderful.

“It’s been brilliant to work with the students and receive such positive

feedback and we’re looking forward to seeing the role our involvement plays in supporting the development of the students as they progress through their courses and move into a role within the social care sector.”

Since its foundation, Vida has facilitated four cohorts of 20 third year students.

The initiative is ongoing and another cohort is due shortly.

The training sees the students undertake a practical, patient-centred course with equal amounts theory and clinical practice.

This gives the students the opportunity to experience a range of different aspects of nursing in health and social care. Vida Healthcare provides particular support for the clinical practice elements of nurse training.

The initiative has received extremely positive feedback from all involved, including the teaching staff at the University, students, and staff at the dementia care specialist.

AMATEUR astronomers at Belong Crewe have been exploring the wonders of the universe from the comfort of their care village – all thanks to the generosity of local people.

The launch of the dementia care specialist’s Astronomy Club was made possible after the people of Crewe donated a telescope and binoculars to the worthy cause.

The new club aims to ignite Belong residents’ senses and indulge their space exploration ambitions through stargazing, arts and crafts, and virtual tours at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre to visit renowned landmark, The Lovell Telescope.

To encourage reminiscence – a proven approach in helping to slow the progression of dementia – residents also enjoy NASA documentaries, topical discussions and sharing personal memories, transporting them back to the space race era.

Jess Butler, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, said: “Engaging our residents in activities that inspire their interests is key to our ethos at Belong.

“When we found out a number of them were keen astronomy enthusiasts, we set to work planning an Astronomy Club and asked the people of Crewe for their help.”

To raise funds for the project, last year, residents posed as real-life models to recreate some of the world’s

Resident Ann Black most iconic portraits for a calendar, including works by Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Van Gogh.

When news of their efforts spread, Belong colleagues and residents were overjoyed as a high-spec telescope and binoculars were donated by members of the public, launching the project to success.

General manager Kathryn Farmer added: “Our Astronomy Club has got off to a great start and it’s down to the generosity of our community that our residents have the tools to enjoy learning about outer space.

“For that, we are grateful to everyone who donated – their kindness is truly out of this world.”

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