You First Special Edition 2020 by Community Integrated Care

The magazine for supporters of Community Integrated Care

SPECIAL EDITION 2020

FIRST

Our S E O R HE

t and r o p p u S eople We hank You! P , s e u g Collea s – We T ie it n u m our Com WE INCLUDE • WE DELIVER • WE ASPIRE • WE RESPECT • WE ENABLE

CONTENTS

5 12 13

Face of the Frontline

EachStep Blackley on BBC Panorama

12 5

Separated but together Keeping in touch during Covid-19

Miniature Heroes Thanks to the children who’ve kept us going!

WELCOME

m REMEMBERd

As always, we’ hat you think. love to hear w your thoughts You can share on Yammer or ly at email us direct o.uk .c i-c ct@ rs youfi

You First is the magazine for all colleagues and customers of Community Integrated Care. It is written by our Internal Communications Team, with the help of our guest contributors, and is produced by our design partners, Words&Pictures.

Email us youfirst@c-i-c.co.uk Yammer us using the hashtag #youfirst

Write to us! You First, Community Integrated Care, Old Market Court, Miners Way, Widnes, WA8 7SP

13 s e o r e H g n u s n U e h t Song of written by issioned poem m m co lly a er ci e A sp mer Poet’s Cornroes, m Ya n w o ry ve our ng he rs – true unsu

our care Let’s celebrate it most. ose who need supporting th rful hearts, ee ch warm and ith w l al r ou g Givin onal cost. ought of pers th y an t ou ith w g in the sun, and gardenin ts or sp g in ay Pl ve lots of fun. we support ha le op pe e ls th g helpin murals on wal mbers, paint nu by e. ur or lo m co We much service, and so y da e th g in replac norm, ring is the new ea w k as m d testing an can inform. Temperature is down so we th l al ng ki ea br of chat, uring and lots hat. Caring, chauffe al” out of the e pulled “norm w n, w do ck lo during of working, gy and ways New technolo no shirking. ed us, there is ne le op pe r ou ends – family and fri No visits from a safe end. , but it justifies it’s been hard NHS apped for the People have cl r best. ei th do ho g staff w and our carin cial Care!

Thank you So

Hello all,

We Dare

It’s been a long time since I last welcomed you to an edition of You First – and what a few months it’s been. First and foremost, I hope you and all of your loved ones are safe and well. The most important thing throughout the Coronavirus pandemic is that we all look after those around us. I’d like to share my pride in what I’ve seen in all of you. Dedication, commitment, selflessness – everything it takes to work in this sector has been on display, in the most difficult and tragic circumstances. If anything could possibly epitomise what we mean when we say ‘We Dare’, it’s what we’ve seen from all of you during this time. I can’t thank you all enough for this - you are all amazing. When I joined Community Integrated Care three years ago, I promised you that I would face the challenges of social care head on, and be committed to making sure you get the recognition you deserve. Little did any of us know, a global pandemic would prove to be a catalyst for this. In early July, when I heard our Prime Minister make an incredibly illthought-out comment about the social care sector, I felt it really deeply. I was perplexed at how he had come to that conclusion, as all I had witnessed was sacrifice and compassion from you all. I wanted to respond publicly in the strongest of terms, which I hope you felt comforted and supported by. As we start to move onto our new normal, the world is a different place than it was a few months ago. We’ve lost people who are dear to us, we’ve changed the way we work, and we’ve sacrificed some of the things we love the most, whilst still ensuring the people we support live the best lives possible. As we all adjust and play our part, I’ll be doing my utmost to ensure that our charity is there for you, and to ensure the eyes of the world look on you all with the credit you deserve. Stay safe everyone.

Mark Adams, Chief Executive

s t h g i l h g i h Media

MARCH

As the impact of Covid-19 grows, we launch WorkInCare.co.uk to join our sector, attracting 20 pieces of local news coverage. At the same time – as the PPE crisis hits – our partners throughout the UK come to our aid.

APRIL Alongside our partners at the National Care Forum, we launch research that unearths the true impact of Covid-19 in care, which leads to lots more focus on the role of our sector throughout the pandemic.

MAY We Care with Hair! Colleagues, people we support, family members and even some famous faces pick up their clippers and dye to become amateur stylists. Home Manager, Kelly Henderson is even featured on Channel 4’s ‘The Steph Show!’

JUNE Questions are asked of the Government on the lack of testing for people with learning disabilities – our colleagues in the North East do an incredible job representing our charity on BBC News.

JULY A big month for Community Integrated Care begins as Mark Adams responds to comments from the Prime Minister about social care. Mark was interviewed by countless media outlets, was trending on Twitter, and was even quoted by Labour Leader, Keir Starmer in parliament. 3

social!

During lockdown, we’ve been more #social than ever! Yammer, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have given so many of us the chance to stay connected, even when we’re not at work. Here are some of the highlights… Care with Hair

From Earth to Enterprise In July, we shared the story of Beighton Road’s Garden Project – an allotment built from scratch by the people we support. Service Leader, Helen Robinson, said: “Lockdown gave us the opportunity to realise our dream of growing our own veg, and becoming more selfsufficient. Together, everyone built and prepared the raised beds and started planting different kinds of seeds, carrots, potatoes and radish. “We are now replanting with the aim of producing enough veg to share with the local community and to set up a small enterprise to bring in funds to support us to grow.”

Clap for Carers

As well as raising a few sed eyebrows, we also rai

Every Thursday during lockdown, our colleagues and people we support gathered on their doorsteps to clap for our selfless colleagues, who have given everything to protect the people we support. The nation joined in, too! Here’s Charlotte Grange in Hartlepool, who cheered en masse each week. The people we support made makeshift drums out of pots, pans and ladles so everyone in their neighbourhood could hear how proud they were of our charity.

it h us w t c e n n o C media... l ia c o s n o

£22,000!

@communityintegratedcare

@ComIntCare @communityintegratedcare

The hairdressers might have bee n closed, but our imaginations were wide open! We proudly launched our ‘Care With Hair’ fundraising appeal, where we ask ed people to become DIY stylists, creating their very own ‘lockdown looks’ and donating what they would have spent at the salon. The response was amazing – with one very special colleague, Kelly Hen derson, Service Leader at Carlingwark House in Scotland, raising £3,000 alone by shaving her head entirely! We saw everyth ing from rainbow mohawks to mul ticoloured beards and even spo rts stars braving the shave… not to men tion our now infamous Traffic Light Lad ies from Nottingham in South Central!

Community Integrated Care

Face of the

frontline Labelled ‘low-skilled’ workers by the Government in March and then ‘key workers’ in April. The frontline teams that make up our social care sector have had the eyes of the world placed firmly on them during the Covid-19 pandemic. Around the world, people now understand what we knew all along – that our people are so special.

Screen heroes

Emotional watch

In July, both Community “When Panorama aired, we Missed th Integrated Care and the got together and watched e show? You can w social care sector were the show as a team. We atch The Forgotten Frontline represented perfectly spread out so we were socially on BBC iPlay by the incredible team distancing, which was really er. at EachStep Blackley, difficult as it was so emotional who featured in a BBC – we just wanted to hug each Panorama special. The hour-long other! We switched off the lights show, entitled ‘The Forgotten Frontline’, as we knew there would be tears. focused on the response to the pandemic in Watching it together was a cathartic, our sector, and the role of our selfless and bonding experience,” Michelle continues. committed colleagues. “Everybody was so pleased with how it Michelle, Home Manager at EachStep Blackley, portrayed us – we were so proud to say we says: “At first, we were apprehensive about did right by the people who live in EachStep Panorama, but after a while we forgot they Blackley, and individually we’re all really proud were there – there was so much going on that of one another. you stopped noticing there was a camera crew behind you.

Overcoming fear “Throughout the pandemic, our colleagues were scared, but they kept coming in for the people they care for, and that was the same up and down the country. It was a privilege to be able to tell that story for the greater good of all care services.” Emotional messages of gratitude and respect flooded the Twitter-sphere afterwards, with BBC Producer and Director Craig Chambers adding: “Thanks so much to the team at EachStep Blackley. It’s been a privilege to film with you and help tell your story – you are all heroes!”

The Panorama special captured the emotional moment that Michael, a resident at EachStep Blackley, came home from hospital. Find out more on the next page! 5

HERO's RETURN

During these challenging times, our services have been managed b y incredible leaders who have had to change ays. the way they work in the most unprecedented w

You First speaks to Michelle Phillips, Service Manager at EachStep Blackey, where her dad, Michael, is also a resident.

In April, Michael tested positive for Covid-19. As captured by BBC Panorama, Michelle’s role as a loving daughter was about to collide with her role as a Service Manager like she’d never imagined. “We’d already had our first confirmed Covid-19 case in the household where my Dad lives. Gradually, more and more people displayed symptoms. With my Dad, it started with a cough, and quickly developed from there. The team responded so wonderfully when anyone was poorly, but it was clear there was something amiss with my Dad.

Difficult decision “I wasn’t allowed to enter the household by this point because we were limiting the colleagues going in and out of each area. My colleague, Phil Benson, Dementia Project Manager, told me that he thought my Dad should be in hospital. “I was really reluctant at first. My Dad is over 70 with pre-existing health conditions – so we knew he was high risk. I was absolutely terrified – we saw every day on the news that hospitals were struggling under the weight of Covid-19 cases, and that a doctor may have had to decide whether my Dad was treated or not.

“Michael’s recovery became a beacon of hope at EachStep Blackley.”

Michelle’s reunion with her father was shown on Panorama

“Phil persisted that it was the right thing to do – and before long, I agreed. I couldn’t let my fear stand in the way. “I wasn’t able to hug or kiss him goodbye – I just watched them take him away. He raised his hand to wave at me and said, ‘I love you’. I truly thought it was the last time I’d see my Dad.”

The team were delighted to welcome Michael home

Waiting for news Phil shares his perspective on this nervous time: “It was such a bleak time. We’d had several cases of Covid-19 confirmed and, sadly, had already lost people. Having that conversation with Michelle about her own father was awful. “Days passed and felt like an eternity. Just like we did for everyone, we checked with the hospital daily to see how Michael was doing, while also trying to support Michelle. “We eventually got the news we’d been praying for. Michael was on the mend. Despite this, he had to stay in hospital a little longer, which, of course, was a huge worry for Michelle.”

Michael is a larger than life character, always cracking jokes!

Home Sweet Home After two weeks, Michael was ready to come home. Michelle continues: “Dad was the first person to return back to EachStep Blackley after fully recovering from Covid-19. His face when he saw everyone waiting for him was a picture, and we had my Mum on FaceTime too. “It was so emotional, as we all stood in a guard of honour to welcome him back.”

“ We eventually got the news we’d been praying for. Michael was on the mend.”

Phil concludes: “Michael’s recovery became a beacon of hope at EachStep Blackley, and there were many others too. “The team was exceptional. The courage it takes to step up and face a potentially deadly virus is phenomenal. Michael’s recovery helped so many of the team understand the importance of their role, and gave them the boost to carry on. Led by Michelle, who was living through this herself, it gave them a collective bravery to say, ‘we can beat this’.”

David sets up home in his greenhouse…

Homefrom ho

If the Coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we should never again be surprised by the lengths our colleagues will go to in order to protect the people they support.

David Young, Support Worker

he sacrifices have been immense. Separation from families, covering shifts for unwell colleagues and even staying in service for weeks on end. You name it, we’ve seen it. But here’s one we weren’t expecting!

Moving on out Meet David Young, a Support Worker in Caithness, Scotland. David continued to work throughout the pandemic, but was concerned that waiting for him at home was his 84-year old mother and 59-year old wife, who were both shielding. He took his role one step further to protect himself, his loved ones and the people he supports, by moving

David washed his face in a small basin in the greenhouse each morning

into his greenhouse during lockdown. Yes, you read that right, his greenhouse. He tells us more... “Well, it just made sense to me from the word go. I wanted to continue to work and do my bit at such a difficult time, but equally I knew I had a duty to help keep those around me safe too.

“Knowing I was doing the right thing to keep everyone safe really kept me going.”

ome Home comforts

“So, I put a camp bed and a gas heater in my greenhouse, and my new abode was up and running! My wife would cook my dinner every night and leave it on the driveway for me to collect. I used a basin to get washed in and got dressed each day in the greenhouse. I’ll admit, it was a little bit cold to start with... I was really grateful when the weather improved! “Both my wife and my Mum were admitted to hospital with non-Covidrelated illnesses, which only served to strengthen my resolve. Knowing I was doing the right thing to keep everyone safe really kept me going. “My Service Leader, Sarah Sinclair, checked on me every day and even offered me temporary accommodation, but I wanted to be as close to home as possible.

Keeping in touch “I started off just FaceTiming my wife as often as I could. After a few weeks, I’d go to the window and have a chat with my wife and my Mum. Then, I set up a campfire in the garden while I stayed inside the greenhouse. We sat talking for hours and had a few drinks. It’s a really lovely memory that will stay with me for life.”

Movie nights on the sofa are swappe d for conversations thr ough the window

So, what’s it like for David being back in the house now? “It’s wonderful! It looks so big compared to my humble greenhouse! It’s really good to have an actual kitchen, and a proper shower and toilet. I missed my wife a lot, and it’s great to be back with my dogs, too. It seems like a big sacrifice, but as I see it, I was just doing my bit.”

g n i r e b m e m e R . . . t s o l e ’v e w e s o th A big character

he tragic impact of Covid-19 has been felt far and wide. Despite seeing the very best of our charity and what it stands for throughout the crisis, the loss of life has been devastating. Throughout the pandemic, Community Integrated Care has sadly lost 49* much-loved people from our family. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends. Each person who

has passed away from our charity made a special contribution to the lives of everyone around them, and are missed every day. In these most difficult of times, our teams have pulled together to be there for each other and for loved ones, as well as continuing to provide the very best care to the people we support, whilst grieving themselves.

In March of this year, Cheshire Avenue in our North East region was the first service to sadly lose a person we support, Christopher. Patrick Ivory, Service Leader for Cheshire Avenue tells us how his service got through this difficult time… “Christopher was a really funny lad. He’d have the team and I laughing a lot. He was a big character, and we miss him every day. “The team took it very hard, which was natural, of course. After being really upset and consoling each other, they picked their heads up and said ‘OK – we’ve got other people to support here, we have to do our best for them’.

Selfless support “Through their own grief, the team managed to get on with the job. They were absolutely amazing. If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about our people, nothing will. They selflessly put their own emotions to one side to carry on giving the best support.”

They selflessly put their own emotions to one side to carry on giving the best support

Please remember...

We’re here for you. If you need any emotional support during this difficult time, please speak to your HR Business Partner or your Line Manager.

*This number is correct as of 10th August 2020.

Missed every day Janine Fearon, Regional Manager in our North West region, reflects on the passing of Michael, who lived at Somerset House... “Michael was a huge character and he is missed incredibly. He was known across the whole of Tameside as he always came down out of his flat to have a chat and get to know everyone! The team were incredibly strong and compassionate throughout this time and I am immensely proud of all of them.

“The family requested that Service Leader, Andrea, and two of Michael’s Support Workers were to be there as they were extremely close. On the day of the funeral, Andrea arranged a memorial so that all of Michael’s family and colleagues could see him off on his final journey. We’re working on a memorial garden at Somerset House, as the family want Michael’s ashes spread here, knowing how important the team and the other people we support were to Michael.”

Paying Tribute

We’re beyond proud to see the efforts our teams go to in order to mark the special lives that have been lost in their services.

hilst everyone who has lost someone special will grieve in their own way, we want to come together, as a family, to remember those we’ve lost, celebrate their lives and comfort the people who meant the most to them. Whether you’d like to share the story of someone in your service or just pass on your sympathies and best wishes, we hope you agree that our plans are a befitting way to pay tribute to people who have passed away.

Book of Memoriam We’re creating an online space for teams who have lost someone they love to remember them, and for colleagues and loved ones to leave their messages of condolence. You could share a funny anecdote, some photos or just put down in words how you’re feeling – the Book of Memoriam is a safe space to share what’s on your mind and remember the people we’ve lost.

Commemorative Bench at Old Market Court We’ll be creating a tribute to the people who have passed away by commissioning a special bench and plaque in their name. This will be a peaceful and tranquil space for quiet thought and contemplation, and will be a permanent fixture at our head office. We’ll also make these available for any of our Regional Offices that have the space – and will facilitate alternative tributes for those that don’t.

Celebration of Life Event We’re planning to bring all colleagues together for a very special event, where despite our distance from each other, we’re very much together. On September 23rd (marking six months since lockdown officially began), we’ll all unite in our sympathy and thoughts to celebrate the lives of the people who have sadly died.

This is just some of what we have planned – but we know that our services have their own incredibly creative and thoughtful ideas too. If you’re doing something special to remember those we’ve lost, please tell us on Yammer.

Turn to page 18

To read about the incredible Sandy Road Team in Glasgow, and their special work to remember David, who passed away in May.

Staying connected during lockdown

From our Support Services teams to our fantastic frontline – our use of technology has been a lifesaver for all areas of our charity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

e caught up with our Head of IT, Paul Thompson, about how communication has been transformed in recent months.

Between April and July, we’ve seen…

9 million

350

emails colleagues set It must have been a bit of a received up to work shock for the team who had to from home make some huge changes really quickly? “In 2015, we Family webinars have launched systems been a great way to keep such as Microsoft loved ones reassured and Office 365, so that informed, haven’t they? people could work ”They’ve been incredible, remotely from any and again, something we location using any never thought we’d be device. What we able to get up and running didn’t envisage so quickly. In the past 12 was that five years later, weeks, we’ve held over 50 webinars “It fills me with virtual working would be the with more than 1,000 loved ones. At pride to see so the start of lockdown we had weekly only way forward! many colleagues calls and as the pace of change “Having this digital connectivity put us in a seamlessly move has slowed we’ve reduced this to perfect position to carry fortnightly. They’ve helped us keep to remote on as ‘normal’ when the family members involved in the way working.” pandemic forced a lot of we do things – it has been a massively our colleagues to work from home. It’s been positive step for the charity. We’ve also extraordinary – and actually fills me with introduced all company colleague webinars pride – to see so many colleagues, for the first time too, which have been a who are used to working in a brilliant success.” really traditional way, seamlessly move to remote working. Digital Have our services found family engagement sessions, other ways to keep in touch meetings over Teams or Zoom, with families? online webinars are now part “Absolutely. I know from speaking of our ‘new normal’ and I’m so to our colleagues in services impressed with how everyone has that they’ve worked really hard embraced it.” teaching people we support how to use

Over

Zoom meetings held

Yammer posts created

1,500

3,600

smartphones and FaceTime. They’ve embraced technology to make sure that the people we support stayed in touch with their loved ones during this time – their dedication is incredible. In addition, through our fundraising efforts, we’ve been able to buy tablets for each of our EachStep Care Homes, which has made keeping connected possible. “If anything good can come out of what’s been a really challenging few months, I think for me, it has been seeing our workforce embrace technology so positively. They’ve used digital tools in such a creative manner to ensure the charity continues to thrive and, most importantly, our colleagues, people we support, and families stay connected and safe.”

Thank you! A big shout out to our families and partners who donated devices to keep people connected, including Xiaomi, who donated ten smartphones to Tees Alive in the North East! 12

At Community Integrated Care, we understand that behind many of our big heroes are their little heroes at home. So, to say a big (little!) thanks, we sent nearly 1,000 letters to the honorary members of our charity – our children.

hilst it’s been difficult balancing work and home schooling, the children of Community Integrated Care – sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, nephews and nieces – never fail to brighten up our day! In the letter, our CEO, Mark Adams, thanked our colleagues’ little loved ones, saying: “You might not realise it, but you’re a really important part of the Community Integrated Care team, too! Your support has helped your loved one through some really tough times at work – and because you’ve been so brilliant, they’ve been doing the best job ever!”.

Service Leader Adam Hardaker’s pint-sized superheroes tell us more… “We’re super proud,” said Oliv er, Adam’s son, “Dad works long hours, but we’re happy that his job is about helping others. It’s gre at to see him when he gets home.” “George, Oliver and Charlie were so excited to receive their letters in the post thankin g them for being my rocks when I came from work eac h day,” says Adam. Adam has three sons: George , 9, Oliver, 6, and Charlie, 6 months. George and Oliver are advocates for disability rights, even at their young age . The boys have friends with some additional needs, and they do a great job looking out for them in school . Both boys have said they would like to follow in their Dad ’s footsteps and support people when they grow up. “I’m so happy that the boys wer e recognised,” says Michelle, Adam’s wife. ”As a family, it’s been a really stressful time for us, especially with one of us working in the social care sector. Making sure the people Ada m supports were fully protected has bee n a big priority for us all – so to be incl uded as part of the Community Integra ted Care team is incredible!”

George,

age 9

Oliver, age 6

Baby Charlie, 6 m onths

Staffordshire Gin and Loch Lomond Distilleries nd better frie here’s no your that is by than one ur of g your ho side durin attered when it m d n A t . d e ne were righ partners r u o t, s o m er it’s us. Wheth s, there for E supplie P g with P in rt o p r p u s rces fo fun resou providing ort or p p le we su p o e p e th wn our very o producing ’ve truly y e th itiser – n a s d n a h lp us. p in to he stepped u t of the k snapsho ic u q a ’s Here ommunity ings our c th g in z a am have te partners ra o rp o c d an in ur charity done for o nths... recent mo

While it wasn’t the time for a lovely gin and tonic or whisky, Staffordshire Gin and Loch Lomond Distilleries diversified their products to provide hand sanitiser for our services.

Loch Lomond

Singa Karaoke For many, the biggest challenge of lockdown has been keeping up a steady supply of fun activities. Thanks to Singa Karaoke, our services were able to put their performance prowess to the test with hundreds of karaoke licenses.

Manchester

Table Tennis England With no Wimbledon on the BBC to keep us going this summer, Table Tennis England have served up 200 free indoor kits for our services to enjoy. Strawberries and cream at the ready!

Nottingham

Leicester

London

Portsmouth

Sports Partnerships Sport may have been on hold, but its stars kept going! We were supported by countless teams to deliver PPE supplies, treats for our teams and activity packs for the people we support. Thanks to Widnes Vikings, Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, LFC Foundation, Pompey in the Community and Middlesbrough FC Foundation. Special thanks to the Super League who proudly displayed our logo in the stands to pay tribute to our teams!

Britvic

This long hot summer has been thirsty work! So, a big thanks to refreshments giant Britvic, who donated 20,000 soft drinks to our colleagues and the people we support. Cheers!

CARE TO PLAY! As part of our new partnership with Table Tennis England, we’ve created the first ever guide to playing table tennis in social care! In just 14 minutes, you’ll learn: • The fundamentals of how to promote table tennis in any social care settings • Top tips for adaptable activities • Person-centred ways to build confidence and have fun • Some great games!

Visit

www.caretoplay.co.uk

to start your learning today! CLAIM YOUR CERTIFICATE Colleagues who participate in the course will receive a special Care To Play certificate. Email Fundraising@c-i-c.co.uk to claim yours!

People Passion Potential 15

New , l a m r o n new ! service

n be d-new service ca aunching a bran cru e teams to re it, daunting. There ar ts te and environmen training to comple e th ile wh imagine all of that to perfect. Now, l ba glo da to a standstill an world has come ld! ho ken pandemic has ta cres e team at Greena Well, that’s what th cent re in ed ve experienc in East Sussex ha e th r fo s or en their do months as they op ce rvi Se th wi caught up very first time. We launch e th led m whose tea Leader, Neil Hart, … of the new service

ly pulled out team have real Neil, the whole f the ground... t Greenacres of Service Leader, the stops to ge Neil Hart rlwind, been such a whi “Massively! It’s y to go! Firstly, ad re it as we’re but totally worth all colleagues t and interview we had to recrui over Skype, eant interviews online, which m allenge, but we a ams. It was ch Te d an t p Ap ts Wha e training – mos en there was th be to ed ed pulled it off! Th ne ses, , but some cour of it was virtual edible Learning cr in ur O . ce to fa se, delivered face andy and Deni M , ent Specialists pm lo in g ve in De in d an ysical tra That sounds... warm! How are the team lly distanced ph delivered socia ” ly! Ju finding a new service and a new normal? full PPE in “They’ve been great – everyone has had to change the way they work at the drop of a hat and there have been no issues. Whilst it hasn’t been difficult physically, I think the emotional challenge has taken its toll at times. Nobody is used to working or training regularly from home – it’s not easy at the best of times, but especially not when you’re new to the organisation.”

“We’ve already had loads of brilliant feedback, and, after all we’ve come through, we’re itching to get going!” Tell us a bit more

about Greenacre

s...

“It’s Community Int egrated Care’s ve ry first service in East Su ssex, and is purp osebuilt for people wi th a range of phys ical and learning disab ilities. It’s a really special service as for some of the pe ople we support, they ’re truly coming ho me for the first time. One particular ge ntleman we’ll soon be welcoming has liv ed in 14 settings before this, none of which suited his needs. He’s told us himself, “th is is going to chan ge my life”. That’s wh at it’s all about, an d that’s why we ca n’t wait to get go ing.”

ve your first person mo You’ve recently had w did you manage in to Greenacres. Ho lockown? to prepare while in

It’s an extremely specialist environment, isn’t it? “Yes – every feature has been designed with the needs of the people we supp ort in mind. There’s specialist furniture, and the window blinds are between the double glazing so that they can be adjusted to suit people’s vision. I think historically, it has been a case of peop le having to suit a service – we’re proud that this is a service to suit the people living in it.”

creative about how “We had to be really has after all, everything we approached it – s ha a, the lady who to be done safely. Lis at lived in Leicester, so ly us moved in, previo , en Th e. yp Sk ng over first, we did everythi re able to visit her in we we , tly en more rec everything was going person to make sure in e lady is all settled smoothly for her. Th lly well.” now and doing rea

You must be very proud of the team for all of the hard work they’ve been doing under the circumstances? “I’m so proud! We’ve already had loads of brilliant feedback, and, after all we’ve come through, we’re itching to get going!”

Up, up and a A farewell, but not like you’ve seen before.

erhaps the toughest part of the pandemic is loved ones having to say goodbye from a distance when a person has passed away. In these most tragic of circumstances, people have had to find other ways to celebrate the lives of those they’ve lost. At their darkest hour, Sandy Road in Glasgow did just that.

“It might not have been a traditional gathering in a church, but it was filled with love, and that’s what matters.” Service Leader, Sinead Mallon

ill live emory w David’s m y Road forever nd on at Sa

e s giv f riend send of f ’s d l i a v i a c e D a sp him

away During the pandemic, the team at Sandy Road sadly lost David, who had lived at the service for ten years. To keep everyone safe, David’s brother decided against holding a traditional funeral, and instead held a special ceremony outside his home.

Service Leader, Sinead Mallon, told us more: “We thought about what David might like us to do in his memory, and had the idea to tie messages of love and poetry to balloons. While listening to David’s favourite song – Prince Charming by Adam Ant – we let them go together. Two of the team had written poems about David, which they shared with everyone. They captured his personality perfectly. His expressions, his dancing, his salute if you did something he liked! When his hearse passed Sandy Road on its way to the crematorium, we all gave David a salute. That was our way of saying goodbye.”

David’s closest friends at Sandy Ro remember him fo ad ndly

That night, Sinead and the team gathered on Zoom to toast David, remembering him and his larger-than-life personality. Meanwhile, the balloons continued to drift across the sky – a sign to David that he’ll never be forgotten. “David had a lovely life at Sandy Road, filled with laughter and friendship. The team were thrilled when they received an email from his brother shortly after his passing, to say how happy David had been at Sandy Road. That gave them all the lift they needed at this sad time.”

For David,

by Malcolm, Support Worker at Sandy Road

Though you were small in height, You were always a powerful sight. Always creating a strong presence, Feeling your bubbly effervescence. Your cheeky smile, those dancing moves. Oh how you loved those disco grooves. Waving your hands, moving those feet, Everything so compact and neat. Now you are gone we think of you with love, Hope you are flying with angels above. Down here we shed many a tear, Never forgetting your presence when here. 19

And finally...

Lynne makes a great cup of tea!

A quick chat with

Lynne Cor riein-AbJeradecenkshsireon ale

Support Worker at Ar kd

ng 22 years, social care for an amazi aving loved working in for a me ho e car sy shifts in a bu Lynne had traded lively the d lise rea she en iderer. Wh quieter life as an embro ing to have in the UK, she go s wa rus avi ron Co impact that Welcome to en it needed her most. re-joined the sector wh Care, Lynne! Community Integrated

Back in March, we launched Work in Care, our recruitment campaign that welcomed prospective colleagues to our sector from a variety of backgrounds. If you know someone who’s perfect for a career in social care, tell them to visit www.WorkInCare.co.uk!

care… YF: Tell us more about your return to y for read was I use beca r LCJ: I’d left the secto take ’t didn it but , path er care ter quie a slightly t give me long to realise that other jobs don’ care that n factio you that same feeling of satis ing mak and le peop with g does. I missed bein t wha saw I Then . lives le’s peop to e a differenc and, husb my was happening in Italy and said to help!” “when this reaches the UK, I’ll need to ited my reign y reall tion situa Coming back in this . long so for done I’d t wha passion for

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lenge? YF: What has been the biggest chal to e ssibl impo It’s ty. rtain LCJ: The unce don’t completely reassure people when you But the self. your en know what’s going to happ It’s you. t abou r neve is great thing is, this job the with have you bond dible about the incre their person you’re supporting. You walk into ort supp to can home and do everything you inly certa ’s That life. them to live their best tI something to smile about, and it’s wha ! back be to good It’s t. mos the ed miss

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