Avante News Summer/Autumn Edition 2013

Avante News Summer/Autumn 2013 www.avantepartnership.org.uk

E ve r ything

Celebrating staff success Page 10-11

we do, we do to serve the

Puddingstone Grange

care home opening soon Page 12

ity n u c omm

Royal day out at Buckingham Palace Page 20-21

The financial challenges faced by our local authority partners in particular The financial challenges financial challenges areThe significant, and we faced byby our local authority faced our local authority understand the need for partners in in particular partners particular usare tosignificant, play our part in wewe are make significant, and which anand everyday supporting them to meet understand the need forfor understand the need difference to their lives, their reduction usus tocost play our part intargets. to play our part in be thatsame a teenager in Atsupporting the time, them towe meet supporting them to meet need of family mediation remain totally committed their cost reduction targets. their cost reduction targets. support, asame family innot need toAtensuring that wewe thethe same time, At time, we only continue to provide remain totally committed of domiciliary care to remain totally committed to to ensuring that weto not the highest quality services enable a relative retain ensuring that we not only continue tointo provide possible, but strive to only continue provide independence their thethe highest quality services improve thecoming quality of highest quality services home after out possible, butbut strive to toto possible, strive our services.

In order ofimprove hospital, or end of of life thethe quality improve quality of achieve this we are asking care for a person living our services.

In In order to toin our services. order ourselves tough questions one of our care homes.

As achieve this we are asking achieve asking about whatthis we we do,are how ourselves tough questions well as my job I am also ourselves tough questions we do it and whether we a about what wewe do,do, how about what how voluntary Trustee and cocan do more efficiently.

Mark Lloyd wewe dodo itit and whether wewe it and whether chair of Inspire Community Cedric Frederick - Chief Executive We remain very efficiently. ambitious can dodo it more can it more efficiently. our new Chief Operating Officer Trust, aorganisation, disability and for the the Cedric WeWe remain very ambitious CedricFrederick Frederick- Chief - ChiefExecutive Executive remain very ambitious people we care for and personal assistance charity forfor thethe organisation, thethe organisation, As charity,to Avante Partnership support and our wonderful in Bexley. this I have beenisimpressed amadelighted have people wewe care for and people care for and AsAs a acharity, Avante Partnership isis of staff whoand work so hard to charity, Avante Partnership support our wonderful ‘apolitical’ inasthat we already operate withoutside the people been appointed the support and our wonderful achieve the results and staff who work so hard to staff who work so hard to ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside of Having worked for a I have met across the new Chief Operating ‘apolitical’ thatthe webenefit operateofoutside politics, workinginfor our of outcomes that we care want. achieve the results and achieve the results and number of social organisation and their Officer for Avante politics, working for ofofour politics, working forthe thebenefit benefit our Yes, outcomes that wewe want. we make mistakes service users political outcomes that want. agencies at senior commitment to the work Partnership.

This iswith an whichever Yes, wewe make service users with whichever political and we do notmistakes get it right Yes, make mistakes service users with whichever political party is new in control regional management level the Avante. During the rest important role withinat aofnational, and we dodo notnot getget itover right every time, but when and we itthings right party isisinin control atofataSeptember national, regional party control a national, regional years, I am experienced I intend to the organisation to lead every time, but when things every butas when don’t go time, as well we things or local level. don’t go aswe well aspressures wewe to oror local and aware of the on the operational delivery visit every service and don’t go as well as locallevel. level. would like, are quick would like, we are quick to to would like, we are quick t isour notservices. for the For country’s first to coalition by the sector in the look forward meeting as faced of all acknowledge our mistake t ist is notnot foror the country’s first coalition acknowledge our mistake for the country’s first coalition acknowledge our mistake any government inpossible.

70 years. delivery of services where many staff as me organisation the biggest priority and commit to learning organisation any government in in 7070 years. and commit to to learning organisation or any However, government years. and learning individual within itorto like almost every lessons and working hard needs ofcommit people are more is the safety and welfare individual within it to However, like almost every and working hard individual within it to part of However, like almost every lessons lessons and working hard have a view on the our society, Avante to ensure that we get right complex, resources are Now in my 50s I have of all our service users, part of of our society, Avante have a view onon thethe ensure that wewe getget itit right part our society, Avante to to have a view ensure that it right results of the General Partnership is feeling the in the future.

That being results of the General Partnership is feeling the tighter, and regulation is worked in social care supported by well trained in in thethe future. being results of the General Partnership is feeling the future.That That being Election on May 6th and effects of the coalition said, I am very pleased to effects thethe coalition Election onon May 6th and said, I am very pleased to greater.

My role as Chief lifeofand retain a and committed staff teams. effects of coalition Election May 6th and all my said, I am very pleased to government’s keykey policies the momentous events thatthat say that we get itit right much thethe momentous events government’s policies saysay that wewe getget right much momentous events that government’s key policies Operating Officer be passion for the delivery This only my second that it will right much and their efforts to reduce haveis taken place since, more often than we get have taken place since, and their efforts to to reduce more often than we get itit it have taken place since, and their efforts reduce more often than we get to ensure we maximise of services to people week but whilst writing deficit. with the formation of the with thethe formation of of thethe thethe deficit. wrong. wrong. with formation the deficit. wrong.

I

I II

KKK

Jemmett joined Avante Partnership April ayleaaylea Jemmett joined Avante Partnership ininApril aylea Jemmett joined Avante Partnership in April www.avantepartnership.org.uk 2010 asas part a scheme called ‘The future jobs 2010 as part ofpart aofscheme called ‘The future jobs 2010 of a scheme called ‘The future jobs through County Council.

She started fund’fund’ through KentKent County Council.

She started fund’ through Kent County Council.

She started herher role a Trainee Administrator working with as a Trainee Administrator working with her role asrole aasTrainee Administrator working with thethe team in in thethe Community Support department, which Community Support department, which the team inteam the Community Support department, which she found interesting. she found very interesting. she found very very interesting.

Members of:

• National Housing Federation • The National Care Forum • The National Care Forum • The National Care Forum • Kent Community Care Association • Kent Community Care Association • Kent•Community Care Association IAHSA • IAHSA • IAHSA

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by Guarantee (Registration No.No. 2565021, England) (Registration 2565021, England) (Registration No. 2565021, England) A Registered Charity A Registered Charity A Registered Charity (Registered No.1002727) (Registered No.1002727) (Registered No.1002727)

Working with: Working with:

Working with:

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Established 1990. Avante Partnership

Established 1990.

Avante Partnership Established 1990.

Avante Partnership

Working with:

great new care home. great new care home.

Mark As ever,Lloyd I hope you enjoy

As ever, I hope youOfficer enjoy As ever, I hope enjoy Chief Operating reading this newyou look reading thisthis new look reading new look editionofofAvante AvanteNews.

News. edition edition of Avante News.

Cedric Frederick Cedric CedricFrederick Frederick Chief Executive Chief ChiefExecutive Executive

More recently Kaylea has been working alongside thethe More recently Kaylea has been working alongside More recently Kaylea has been working alongside the Chief Executive’s Karen Flynn, where she has been Chief Executive’s PA,PA, Karen Flynn, where she has been Chief Executive’s Karen Flynn, where she has learning about thethe organisation as aawhole. ofof learning about the organisation asas One learning about organisation awhole. whole.One One Kaylea’s many tasks was to help with this edition ofof Kaylea’s many tasks was help with this edition Kaylea’s many tasks was toto help with this edition If you would like to receive the Avante News which she has really nextenjoyed. edition of Avante News as an E edition Avante News which she has really enjoyed.

Avante News which she has really enjoyed.

Members of: Members of:

• National Housing Federation • National Housing Federation

For many, the highlight of the summer should have been England ForFor many, thethe highlight many, returning from highlight the World of of thethe summer should summer should Cup clutching that gold have been England have been England trophy.

As we know, itthe returning from the World our resources across returning from the World didn’t quite work out like Cup clutching that gold business to deliver well Cup clutching that gold that.

The team didn’t trophy.

Asout we know, it which trophy.

As we know, itgel thought services and too many players didn’t quite work out like didn’t quite work out like demonstrate the meeting under performed.

Perhaps that. team didn’t gel that.The The team didn’t of people’s needs, as gel well Fabio Capello should and tootoo many players and many players have as the requirements of taken a leaf out of the under performed.

Perhaps under performed. Perhaps our commissioners and Fabio Capello should have Avante Partnership book Fabio Capello should have taken a leaf outinto of of the and popped Amherst regulators. taken a leaf out the Avante Partnership Court, our newestbook 112 Avante Partnership book and popped into Amherst and popped into Amherst bed residential care home We should all always Court, our newest 112 Court, our newest 112 in Chatham for some remember thatcare ourhome biggest bed residential bed residential care home advice about teamwork, priority in coming to in Chatham for some in Chatham to forexcellence some work commitment is advice knowing we are all part advice about teamwork, about teamwork, and achieving the goals commitment to good excellence of delivering quality commitment to excellence you set for yourself.

Fabio and achieving the goals and achieving the goals care and support to our only had a squad of 23 you setset for yourself. you for yourself.Fabio Fabio service users. footballers to think about, only had a squad of of 2323 only had a squad whilst my colleagues Tracey footballers to to think about, footballers think about, IJones very much look forward and Geoff Ward led whilst my colleagues Tracey whilst my colleagues Tracey aJones team ofGeoff literally hundreds to working for Avante Jones and Ward ledand and Geoff Ward led ofteam toliterally achieve what adeveloping of of literally hundreds and leading a people team hundreds is a fantastic result. of people to achieve what of operational people to achieve what the services istois aachieve fantastic result. a fantastic result. these core Congratulations and ‘thank outcomes.

Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to everybody who has Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to to everybody who has you’ everybody who hasa worked so hard to deliver worked soso hard tohome. deliver aa worked hard to deliver great new care

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please log on to www.avantepartnership.org.uk and subscribe to our news letter

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Tel: 01795 597400 Fax: 01795 597419 Email: enquiries@avantepartnership.org.uk Email: enquiries@avantepartnership.org.uk Email: enquiries@avantepartnership.org.uk Website: www.avantepartnership.org.uk Website: www.avantepartnership.org.uk Website: www.avantepartnership.org.uk

New business team

Happy Birthday! for several years before

moving back to Kent to celebrated some very special start a family.

Recently we have milestone birthdays across our services, with some of our residents andOnce service userstoturning returning work after having her son a grand age of 100 and two residents Diane continued her HR celebrating their 103rd birthday!

Wow! sector career in private Happy Birthday to you all!companies before moving Diane Rogers

Operational HR Manager

Diane was born in Kent and after college moved to London where she started her HR career in the hotel and hospitality industry

into the public sector which included Kent Police for 6 years and prior to joining Avante Partnership, Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

Diane’s hobbies include cooking, DIY, reading and shopping!!!

care sector. Indeed, he worked as a Care Assistant at Barnetts when it was owned and Birthday girl Helen operated by Kent County celebrated 100 yrs in June Council and which now, It’s 100 years and counting for Sidcup resident Helen of course, is one of our Confrey. Born on 6th June, 1913, Helen has lived through homes! After a varied two World Wars, and seen four Monarchs on the Throne. career which included Helen was born in Yorkshire, but lived for most of her life in working in KCC’s area the of Bexley. tt ry Bartle GaBorough finance and contracting Regulation Manager sections, Gary became an Inspector with Inspection and Gary was born in London Registration in 2000 and and spent his primary regulated care services school years in Australia. throughout the various incarnations of NCSC, Most of his working CSCI and CQC. life has been in the

Birthday girl Violet celebrates turning 103

tson her a Wa Belind Violet Diprose celebrated ager Man ns Operatio 103rd Birthday on Sunday, 15th September. To mark this special occasion went Belinda began Violet her career out for lunch and had a trip in the care industry 15 to the beach. Accompanying years ago as a relief her on these special birthday Sheltered Scheme trips out was her Great Manager for Tonbridge Granddaughter Kyra.

and Malling Housing Association. In more recent years she has worked as a Registered Residential Home Manager and Area Manager Residential for a private sector company.

Belinda has an NVQ 4 in both Health and Social Care and the Registered Manager Award. She would like to study for a Diploma in Dementia, an area that is close to her heart.

Janys Ness HR Manager

Having left school at sixteen Janys followed family tradition and went into banking and joined Nat West in the West End of London.

Janys quickly realised this was far too stuffy a career path for her and left to join Tesco. After a brief stint in the cash office to use those bank skills, she was given the opportunity to train in HR and that was the start of her 24 year career in HR. This has included roles with other retailers, both high street and independent, to the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industry and more recently in supported living for adults with learning disabilities.

where she worked as Group Marketing Manger for Highlands and Islands Airports Caroline is reacquainting herself with Resident Hilda Michaels marketing colleagues within celebrates her 100th Birthday! the area.

Hilda, who lives in Sherwood House, celebrated this amazing milestone with her friends and received a special Her previous marketing roles bouquet fromWil Seniors Avante Community Support carer, e her liam have included working for olin Car Ruth Boateng, (featured in the photo).

Eurotunnel, P&O Ferries, Marketing Manager

Leukaemia Research Fund

Mabel’s 100th Birthday! and DMB and B advertising Caroline has joined Avante On the 11th July Riverdale Court celebrated agency. Mabel Partnership’s Property and reaching 100Development years of age. Team Business

as Marketing Manager.

Caroline is married, and

As well as having been a dancer in enjoys her youth, Mabelto do with anything had Having also been a Warden during the 2nd World travel, motorWar. sports, historical just moved back Mabel was able celebrate her birthday twice, once sites and walking. to Kent fromtoScotland, on her actual birthday and again at the weekend with friends at Riverdale.

On leaving school she married and had 5 children. When her 3rd child reached 6 months old she worked as an Auxiliary Nurse at her local NHS hospital.

Lyn went from there to a private domiciliary care provider as a carer and worked her way through Carmel Stevenson the ranks to become a Operational Manager registered manager at a Kent branch. She was birthday then lucky enough to be LynDoris was born103rd in It’s 103 years andand counting for Amherst Courtchallenge resident offered a new Buckinghamshire Doris Wickham who was BornasonOperations 4th September, 1910.at Manager moved to Essex when Avante Care and Support. she was 8 years old to Doris was presented with a hand tied bouquet by Home complete her education.

Manager, Amanda Odd and Care Manager, Lesley Edwards.

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With the recent closure of Stepahead Supports Community Impact project, the staff and young people ensured that the service would finish with fun and in style by hosting some great final events. The service has been in place for four years and funded by the Big Lottery grant, but unfortunately the funding has now finished meaning the recent closure of the service. These are just two of the events that took place during the Summer to thank its young people, families and staff for making the service such a successful project.

A “Big” impact is made

by Stepahead Supports’ Community Impact team!

Community Impact hosted the “Big Event” to say a big thank you and to show their appreciation to all the families and young people who have been involved with and supported the four year project.

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involving the young people and families in planning the events and activities.

Carolyn McVittie, Managing Director of Stepahead Support spoke at the event and said “Community Impact is a local

The free family fun day took place on Wednesday 31st July and was held on the field at Hartsdown Technology College, Margate. The Big Event marks 4 years for the Stepahead Support project, working with 100’s of young people and families in Thanet, thanks to a ‘Reaching Communities’ grant from the Big Lottery.

project for local people and I am very sad to see the project come to an end. The Community Impact staff have worked extremely hard in making the project a huge success and I would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of them. I would also like to say a big thank you to Hartsdown Technology College for allowing the event to take place on their school field.”

The success of Community Impact has to be credited to the staff past and present who have worked in the project over the last four years. Other success for the project has come from listening to the young people and families, understanding their individual needs and

Entertainment included a laser maze, bouncy castle, blow-up 5 a-side football pitch, live music from Verity Rae Martin as Jessie J, kite and jewellery making, egg and spoon and sack races, all free for the young people and families to enjoy plus free food and drink all day.

Community Impact team host a great ‘Food is Fun’ event!

On Wednesday 29th May the Stepahead Support, Community Impact team organised a food and nutrition event for the families they supported in Margate.

S

ophie Murray, Head of Wellbeing and Hydration was invited to talk about the good and bad foods for a healthy lifestyle to the families, focusing on the vitamins and minerals.

Families found Sophie’s talk very interesting and were keen to know more about how they can improve their diet. The families also took part by guessing which foods were high in salt and saturated fats, and it was clear some of the answers certainly surprised them!

Another feature was the smoothie bike, where the families added tropical fruits to the ‘blender bike’ to create their very own smoothies and healthy shakes, including fruits such as banana, melons, strawberries and pineapple.

The event was held in Margate at the 6 Bells Sure Start Centre, who very kindly let Stepahead Support use their room.

Josie Kirkby - Home Economist to Gregg Wallace was also invited to the event and demonstrated how to make two tasty salads using everything but the usual lettuce and tomato. The salads included beans, lentils, cheese and cabbage which gave the families new idea’s on spicing up their meals.

Each family were given a ‘How to cook healthy food’ book and hand blender when they left with lots of useful healthy eating tips too.

Sue Amos, Kent Area Manager, Stepahead Support said, ’The Community Impact team worked hard to create an afternoon “Food is Fun” activity with the families they have been supporting in Thanet. Sophie addressed nutrition and cooking on a budget and we all learnt about what vitamins and minerals are beneficial for our well being. Josie showed us all some great recipes that were not only low cost but extremely tasty and fairly quick to make. The feedback from the families was great and the young people loved the smoothie bike. It was obvious the parents were looking forward to using the free hand blender and recipe book that they received and I am looking forward to hearing all about their new cookery skills!’

Kyle and Steven go that ‘extra mile’ in support of Community Impact Two young people, who benefitted from the Community Impact support service, have completed sponsored events to highlight the closure of the service and to raise money for other charities.

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yle Wooldridge, 14, from Margate, cycled ten miles around Fowlmead Country Park, Sandwich on July 13th, alongside his friend Steven Kemp, 14, from St. Peters, who walked two miles. Both boys had benefitted from support they had received from Community Impact Margate. The teenagers hope that their efforts will draw attention to the loss of the service and raise money for other worthwhile projects within Stepahead Support.

Kyle said, “I wanted to do this because I have received great support from Community Impact who have helped me to go forward in my life. Community Impact in Margate has helped me cope when my Mum was in hospital, but now they are sadly closing down.

I would like to highlight this and do something positive to show my personal journey of progress by doing this sponsored bike ride, to say a big thank you and also give something back to the community, by raising funds for my chosen charity which is Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.”

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Community Engagement News Employer Sponsored Volunteering At the end of May this year 8 members of Avante Head Office staff took the opportunity to volunteer in an Avante care home for a day, as part of the Employer Sponsored Volunteering scheme encouraged by the Senior Executive Team.

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mong those who volunteered were Amanda Andrews and Sue Tilki from the Business Development Team, who dressed as land girls and shared in helping residents and staff prepare for and enjoy the WW2 theme event at Bridge Haven, with more than 50 children from neighbouring Bridge and Patrixbourne C of E Primary School nearby.

“It was great fun and provided me with a real insight and food for thought into life in our care homes” said Amanda.

Jacqui Morris, Director of Governance and Quality Standards, reported having spent a very enjoyable day when she volunteered for a day at Barnetts. Exercising one of her skills, Jacqui chose the culinary theme, helping in the kitchen and baking scones with residents, helping staff to ensure they were well looked after as far as home cooked and nourishing food was concerned.

Royal Garden Party 10 residents from Avante Care and Supports care homes were thrilled to be invited to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The event was held by “The Not Forgotten Association” for ex-service personnel and was attended by HRH the Princess Royal.

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Pilgrims View (Snodland) resident Gladys Mason (featured in the picture) aged 91 years said “she would love to go” and was escorted by Activities Co-ordinator Patrica Terry. They had a great time and it was a memorable occasion for both Gladys and Patsy.

Volunteer Profile

“Why do you wish to volunteer with Avante Care and Support?” asked Community Engagement Manager Philip Moore when he met student Poppy Barran at Parkview Care Home in Bexleyheath recently. Poppy is a sixth form student at Bexley Grammar School and hoped to move on in the future to University to study Psychology: she hopes to work in Health and Social Care.

“I want to gain experience of the real world of what people have to face in life: what older people may have to face,” replied Poppy. She is prepared to offer up to 2 hours a week at Parkview.

“Talking about little, everyday things is not hard work for me, but might mean a lot to an older person”.

Poppy said

Among the reasons she is keen to volunteer are: •

She likes to feel useful

•

She would like to learn more about dementia

•

She wants to do something worthwhile

Avante Partnership very much values the important contribution made by our volunteers to enrich the lives of those we care for.

If you would like to know more about volunteering across our services please call Philip Moore on 01795 597400

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Partying at Parkview Residents Jive the night away!

Parkview recently had a visit from The Not Forgotten Association, where Micky Driver and his fellow performers put on a fantastic one hour show for residents and staff at the home.

‘I have never seen our residents move and jive like they were! Their feet were tapping to the music the minute they started, by the end so many of our residents were out of their chairs dancing, they clearly didn’t want it to end!’

Christine, Activities Coordinator said

All of the staff at Parkview would like to say a big thank you to The Not Forgotten Association as the residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed the performance and cannot wait to book them again for their next visit.

Treats for our family members Claire Evans, Home Manager at Parkview wanted to share this picture of the cleverly crafted cake that one of her staff members made for one of the recent relatives meeting.

Summer project at Parkview During the summer months at Parkview, staff and residents decided to add a bit of colour to the gardens at the home by painting the summer house, planting flowers, bulbs and introducing a new vegetable patch for runner beans, tomatoes and a herb garden for residents to enjoy.

Role reversal!

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Residents ‘Midge’ – Hilda Granger and Eileen Jurado thought it would be fun for a bit of role reversal for a few hours, so asked care staff member Sharon Cooney if they could step in to her shoes for a few hours! Looking good ladies!

We welcome all feedback about our services, as it helps to recognise and thank staff members for their hard work and efforts, but also allows us to review, develop and improve in areas if necessary. Below is a snippet of some feedback referring to Parkview which was received recently.

“I am writing with regards to Parkview, which I visit frequently both as a Paramedic for the London Ambulance Service and as a Clinical Care Practitioner working in partnership with Bexley & Greenwich Healthcare.

The first impression when you walk in to Avante Care and Supports care home, Parkview, is a relaxed home full of laughter. There is always music playing and residents all seem relaxed and happy, going about their day to day activities.

A lot of homes could learn so much from Parkview, it’s not all mod cons and fancy furniture, it is a place filled with love, laughter and genuine happiness for people in their twilight years who have to live with dementia, I for one would be more than happy for my loved ones to go into Parkview if and when the need arises.”

M. Jay

Well done to all the staff team at Parkview, keep up the good work!

Welcome to Court Regis!

Welcome to Court Regis, we’re kicking things off with a celebration. Just a few weeks ago we received our ‘Re-Validation’ to stay on the Eden Alternative Register for 2 more years and some very positive reviews. Hooray!

We have pioneers amongst us, as residents have been testing a brand new interactive program, ‘Virtual Gardening’ using Ipads and laptops.

Based around designing the perfect garden, it encourages imagination and some lovely memories of our own.

Thanks to the Not Forgotten Association, Avante Care & Support were invited back to their Annual Garden party in Buckingham Palace. Both Daisy and Bernard were treated to cucumber sandwiches, strawberries and cream and got to rub shoulders with celebrities and royalty. A grand day out!

Huge congratulations should also go to the Willows Day Centre, who apart from also staying on the Eden Register, they also raised over £500 from their fete to put towards new arm chairs. Residents and families got to enjoy varied activities and games, plus a quartet of musicians.

Court Regis

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Celebrating Success

Avante Partnership recognises that throughout each year individual members of staff reach a milestone, or achieve success that is worthy of special recognition. Avante Partnership invited those staff members that had achieved long service or a work related qualification to celebrate that success together.

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n informal reception was held in June at The Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham, where over 100 members of staff were invited to receive certificates of achievement from Trustess, Bob Bushell, Sandra Hendry and Philip Harland and Chief Executive, Cedric Frederick, gave his personal thanks to the staff for their contribution to the success of the organisation and positive difference to the lives of the people we care for and support.

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Name

Service

Qualification

Julia Hackett

Parkview

30 Years

Christine Orsler

Homeleigh

30 Years

Gillian Carrannante

Northbourne Court

20 Years

Mandy Hanley

Hevercourt

20 Years

Terry Banner

Amherst Court

20 Years

Dawn Christopher

Amherst Court

Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in the Adult Social Care Pathway

Alison Akinwunmi

Amherst Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

June Barber

Riverdale Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Mandy Brooke

Pilgrims View

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Alison Gridley

Barton Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Rosemary Hamilton

Homeleigh

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Kalpana Karna Luitel

Homeleigh

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Francis Kusosa

Amherst Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Allison Mansfield

Pilgrims View

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Jackie Merritt

Riverdale Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Amita Nangla

Riverdale Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Margaret Simmons

Riverdale Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Angela Spencer

Homeleigh

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Sharon Stratford

Amherst Court

NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety

Karan Richards

Pilgrims View

Level 2 Key Skills in Application Of Number

Karan Richards

Pilgrims View

Level 2 Key Skills in Communication

Baljit Bains

Homeleigh

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding The Safe Handling of Medicines

Deby Clark

Riverdale Court

ASET Level 2 in Managing and Safe Handling of Medicines

Eileen Reader

Riverdale Court

ASET Level 2 in Safe Handling of Medicines

Martine Carter

Riverdale Court

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding The Safe Handling of Medicines

Joanne Thompson

Northbourne Court

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding The Safe Handling of Medicines

Lisa Adams

Bridge Haven

Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care

Alison Akinwunmi

Amherst Court

NVQ Level 2 Customer Service

Anita Easton

Bridge Haven

Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Kerry Austin

Court Regis

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Jo-anne Baker

Northbourne Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Barbara Elder

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Sophia Brown

Perrygrove

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Name

Service

Qualification

Emma Byrne

Court Regis

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Karen Ford

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Lisa Rogers

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Martine Carter

Riverdale Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Dianne Cavender

Northbourne Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Jamie Lloyd

Bridge Haven

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Karen Deveson

Bridge Haven

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Samantha Jones

Bridge Haven

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Tom Pheby

Bridge Haven

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Anne Payne

Court Regis

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Majure Chakawata

Homeleigh

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Edward Davies

Perrygrove

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Charlene Freshwater

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Ann Cooper

Hevercourt

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Michelle Davidson

Hevercourt

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Ruth Gambell

Court Regis

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Eddie Hall

Northbourne Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Amy Hawkins

Bridge Haven

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Francis Kusosa

Amherst Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Tracey Lewis

Honeyfield

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Nadine Linton

Perrygrove

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Sonia Morris

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Beverly Brown

Parkview

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Glennys Bingham

Parkview

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Louise Aldridge

Parkview

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Adam Mugarura

Homeleigh

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Christine Nabatanzi Nsamba

Homeleigh

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Lauren Parsons

Amherst Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Lorraine Porter

Riverdale Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Julie Rowe

Riverdale Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Faith Walter

Barton Court

NVQ level 3 in Dementia

Karan Richards

Pilgrims View

NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care – Adults

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The state-of-the-art dementia care centre opened its showroom doors to the public for the first time on Tuesday 6th August.

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uddingstone Grange, our new residential care centre specialising in dementia care with nursing, is set opposite the leafy Plumstead Common on Plumstead Common Road. Visitors to the showroom have been able to view and reserve rooms for their loved ones living with dementia, for when the centre fully opens in November.

Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive of Avante Partnership, said, “We are very proud of our new care centre

Puddingstone Grange and I am very much looking forward to welcoming our first residents later in the year. This fantastic new, state-of-the-art care facility will offer dementia specialist care and support for the frail and elderly requiring dementia care or nursing, with the aim of not just providing care and comfort, but creating for the residents, a positive and engaging place to live at what can be a difficult time in their lives, and the lives of their loved ones’.

The new care centre will offer full-time specialist dementia care within the 62 en-suite bedded home, equipped to the highest standards. Each beautifully designed suite is decorated in striking colours and textures to help stimulate residents living with dementia. Each room is fitted to a high class standard including a flat screen television, comfortable modern furniture a 24-hour carer call system and walk in chair assisted shower room.

The centre has its own relaxation therapy room, hair and beauty salon and landscaped gardens where green-fingered residents can help tend and maintain if they wish. Qualified catering staff will prepare freshly cooked food in a new professional kitchen, using locallysourced fresh produce to produce nutritionally balanced, delicious meals.

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We look forward to the opening of Puddingstone Grange in November!

Where has the past 20 years gone?

As I approach the 20th anniversary of my time as a Trustee of Avante Partnership, I thought it might be appropriate to record how things have changed over the past 20 years.

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joined the board after I was approached by the late Baron, Alex de Gelsey in September 1993 asking if I would consider joining the Board of KCHT, because at that time they had no one with experience in the HR department.

Following a meeting with him, and a formal interview with the Chairman Lady Northbourne, Sir David Berriman, and the CEO David Howells, I attended the AGM in October 1993 when I was formally elected, and attended my first Board Meeting in Faversham in March 1994.

My experience in the care industry was minimal as I had spent all my working life in railway employment, but my experience within the trade union movement and how to deal with sickness, employment contracts, and the discipline procedures helped balance the board and allowed it to carry out its business.

At that time we had 9 homes which we took over from Kent County Council, all of which we still own today, except Churchlands and Lennox Wood which has been combined to form Amherst Court. We negotiated to increase our care home side of the business by taking over 8 care homes from Bexley Council, in April 2000 and later took over 4 care homes from Greenwich Council.

This part of the organisation is now the multi-million pound a year core business of Avante today.

Avante Community Support is constantly changing and developing and Stepahead Support continues to support the young, which included the massive increase of immigrant youngsters that came from Eastern Europe in the late 90’s.

We also ran KCHT ‘Futures’ as a training arm when it was needed.

The Board has also changed over the years. When I joined there were the founder Trustee’s and other eminent people with a vast experience in the care industry. We had a Finance Committee, a Care Committee, and on my appointment, formed a HR committee which I chaired, and with the members of the Management team met with the Union Reps as required. As we started to improve the homes, with a building programme, we formed a property committee, and the HR committee was incorporated into the Finance and Resources Committee. The Board also had

Trustee, Bob Bushell representation of the various councils that had homes, and following the vast increase of illegal young people from Eastern Europe, a Young People committee was formed.

Over the years all the founder Trustees have retired, although Lady Northbourne is still our Patron. Following decisions that we purchase our homes (except Medway’s on a long term lease), the board was restructured to cope with the new responsibilities. Over the years people have joined us as Trustees and some have left, but I believe each recruitment has strengthened the board. I have also seen many changes in the Management Team, especially on the care side, and we are about to go into a new era with a new Chief Operating Officer who joined us in September.

I have seen Debbie Pert join us in the Finance team and rise through hard work to Finance Director and Deputy CEO. Jacqui Morris has also worked hard to become Director of Governance & Quality Standards.

The Board appointed a new CEO in September 2008, Cedric Frederick, and the Board has recruited Trustees with specific knowledge such as pensions, the law, marketing and care. Our new Chairman, Peter Smallridge, joined us late in 2012. We have Operating Boards as part of a group structure to oversee the running of day to day operations, of which I currently Chair the Care & Support Operating Board. I try to visit all the Care Homes at least once a year.

Avante Partnership of today is far different to the KCHT board I joined in 1994 and yes I have seen many changes, but I believe today we are a far more professional organisation, ready for the challenges in the care industry we face today.

Trustee, Bob Bushell

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Avante Award Ceremony Throughout each year, individual members of staff reach a milestone, or achieve success that is worthy of special recognition. Those staff members that had achieved long service or a work related qualification, came together to celebrate that success on Wednesday 3rd July at the Marriott Hotel in Bexleyheath for an informal reception.

Over 70 Members of Avante Community Support staff were invited to receive certificates of achievement from Trustee, Brian Munday and Chief Executive, Cedric Frederick, who opened the ceremony.

Cedric gave his personal thanks to the staff for their contribution to the success of the organisation and the positive difference they make to the lives of the people they care for and support.

Name

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Virginia Allan Cheryl Andrew Veronica Barnes Kim Barnett Kim Bishop Ruth Boateng Anna Chyla Berenice Clark Nadina Coupe Leigh Evans Jaqueline Francis Madeleine Hughes Diane Johnson Michelle Lawrence Nicola Lisle Lynda McCullough Nicola Newton Ruth Pomeroy Amy Poole Surinder Poonie Elaine Ray Victoria Seabrook Pauline Sheedy Pamela Taber Christine Matthews

Quality Care Framework Level 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3

A big well done to Leah Cosby, Avante Community Support, Receptionist, for taking part in The Race for Life in July, she managed to run the length in 50 minutes which is a great achievement!

Working in partnership with the Bexley Open University Staff in Bexley assisted the Open University and Evans Woolfe to make a training video, which will be shown to International students studying Health and Social care for the next 10 years.

The University asked Avante Community Support, to assist them with providing a carer and a service user.

“I picked Anna Chyla who is from Poland and Mrs Molly Davies, who Anna has been providing support and assistance to on a regular basis for over a year now,”

says Dawn Phipps, Field Care Supervisor.

Mrs Davies was asked about her life, where she was born, where she grew up, her first job and how her life had changed since growing older, they also asked her what is it that she would like to do, but can no longer do for herself.

Anna spoke about caring in England and any differences in care that she found between England and that of her home Country, Poland; Mrs Davies was asked what is your theory on life?, to that Mrs Davies replied

‘You just have to get on with it!”.

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Pilgrims View activities The residents at Pilgrims View have become very green fingered just lately and have spent most of their time out in the garden potting and planting!

Staff and residents have also converted an old shed into a potting shed for the residents to use.

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Pilgrims View have recently had a group of students from Medway College running a project to help and support the home with fundraising. The students did a sponsored walk, which raised ÂŁ400, enabling the students to purchase plants to plant in the garden and buy paint to brighten up the summer house. Staff at Pilgrims View would like to say a Big Thank you to the students for their hard work and efforts during their weeks placement.

Barton Court

Bacon puddings, music and topiary horses- Just some of the recent activities at Barton Court Welcome to the brand new official Barton Court Newsletter!! This month finds our ladies being escorted down the red carpet to see a show; We were invited to see an old time musical at the Heritage Centre.

One sunny morning we popped down to the local garden centre for some inspiration. Joyce thought the topiary horse would be nice; £3500 a little out of our budget though!

Residents and staff from Barton Court and Court Regis visit Minster Abbey Church every month. The Vicar holds a special monthly service for the residents to pick their own favourite hymns and the Vicars wife kindly cooks lunch for us all and serves it in the church, the Sunday day trip has become so popular there aren’t enough seats on the bus for everyone wanting to go!

Residents had a great day out at Flynns Bee Farm on a late summers afternoon, taking in the beautiful scenery and animals to stroke….. as you can see Pat loved the horses!

Joy warming up by the fire.

Residents enjoyed a home cooked traditional bacon pudding with fresh veg followed by tea and biscuits. We had a lovely afternoon at the Boathouse Café and residents are looking forward to going again.

The Big Fish band came in to entertain residents and staff who all joined in and had a very entertaining afternoon.

Pat called for an encore which we got several times.

They are all family members and they had as much fun as we all did.

Welcome to Barton Court Karan Richards!

Staff at Barton Court would like to wish the new Home Manager, Karan Richards a very warm welcome to the home.

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Young Healthy Minds First Birthday Celebration!

September sees the first anniversary of the launch of the Young Healthy Minds service in Kent, and what a year it’s been. The service is delivered

by Stepahead Support, CXK and Family Action across the county and during its first year has received 1306 referrals. oung Healthy Minds is one of Kent County Council’s commissioned early intervention services. It provides support for 4-18 year olds which includes building emotional resilience and developing coping strategies for dealing with the challenges that children and young people face.

The most energetic and creative part of the day was the Dragon’s Den when the Young Healthy Minds teams were asked to compete against each other in the design and manufacture of a board game which would develop emotional resilience and social skills. Some very innovative ideas were generated during this activity.

The teams also demonstrated their ability to collaborate, celebrate each other’s strengths and work under pressure. Their presentation skills were equally impressive when they made their sales pitches to the formidable dragons.

On 5th September Young Healthy Minds staff gathered at Singleton Environment Centre to enjoy a day of reflection, education, forward thinking, fun and a lot of cake.

A member of the Family Action Young Healthy Minds team provided the perfect antidote to all this high pressure activity by facilitating a closing session of meditation and relaxation.

Staff were able to engage in activities inside and outside of the centre. The fact that it was a perfect late summer day made it all the more enjoyable.

This was a memorable day on which the Young Healthy Minds service was able to celebrate everything that they have achieved and look forward with great optimism to the future.

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counsellor from Dover Counselling Service provided a session on self harm.

There were opportunities to share the wide range of strategies that are available to address anxiety, anger, low self esteem and bullying. Christine Atkin, a

Its all about gardening at Northbourne Court!

Northbourne Court has recently introduced a new raised vegetable patch which forms part of the homes Sensory Garden. The residents and staff have spent lots of hours planting and growing a variety of fruit and vegetables, with the strawberries becoming a big hit this summer.

Forward thinking residents picked the strawberries and sold them in small tubs on the reception area to visitors.

It was lovely to see some funds go back into the amenity fund from all their hard work plus they also got to enjoy the odd strawberry or two!

Please meet Jean Blower Please meet Jean Blower, a resident at Northbourne Court, she has been a keen gardener for many, many years now and has been making some beautiful hanging baskets, wheel barrows and potted arrangements all throughout the summer at Northbourne Court. Jean picked the flowers she wanted and liaised with the Garden Centre on prices! She took on the project single handed and hasn’t missed a day of watering yet!

The garden near Dickens Suite looks lovely and she has done a fantastic job, well done Jean!

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With big thanks to The Not Forgotten Association, some of our residents from across our homes and our home care service users have enjoyed some royal days out to Buckingham Palace this Summer.

Avante Community Supports clients have a grand day out at Buckingham Palace Two of Avante Community Supports clients were thrilled to be invited to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week. The event was held by the “Not Forgotten Association” for ex-servicemen and was attended by HRH the Princess Royal.

Lisa Randall, Field Care Supervisor said “It was a great honour to accompany Charles Atkins and Tom Buignet, both 93 year old RAF war veterans to the garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Both gentlemen looked extremely smart and proud wearing their medals and squadron ties.

On the journey to Buckingham Palace both regaled us with stories about the war. Charlie told us how after the war he had worked on the side of the Palace repairing bomb damage. Tom shared a true love story with us where he said he saw a photo of a colleagues sister and told him that she was the person he was going to marry, with that they started corresponding by letter and finally met up, got married and spent 60 very happy years together.

At the Palace we were served tea, sandwiches and cakes and met a number of celebrities and whilst Charlie was busy having his photo taken with June Whitfield, Tom was enjoying talking to Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke.

Both Charlie and Tom said they had an amazing day and one they wouldn’t forget for a long time. It was so lovely to be able to make a difference to these two gentlemen’s day.”

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Avante Care and Support residents visit Buckingham Palace Residents from Avante Care and Supports care

home, Pilgrims View in Snodland and Barnetts in Tunbridge Wells were thrilled to be invited to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The event was held by “The Not Forgotten Association” for ex-servicemen and was attended by HRH the Princess Royal.

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esident Gladys Mason from Pilgrims View aged 91 years said “she would love to go” and was escorted

by Activities Co-ordinator Patrica Terry. They had a great time and it was a memorable occasion for both Gladys and Patsy.

The Not Forgotten Association’s Annual Garden Party in the presence of its Patron HRH the Princess Royal, was held at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 2nd July. It was a magnificent event enjoyed by over 2,000 beneficiaries, with war pensioners drawn from all three services, different Wars and campaigns from. Her Royal Highness accompanied by Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence spent over two hours meeting many people during the course of the afternoon.

The Beating Retreat served as the finale to this wonderful event. Marshal of The Royal Air Force; the Lord Craig took the salute and everyone went away happy.

The “Not Forgotten Association” is uniquely privileged to hold a Garden Party annually by kind permission of Her Majesty the Queen. This privilege dates back to the first Royal Patron HRH the Princess Mary who invited 600 seriously wounded for afternoon tea.

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Everything’s coming up Roses for residents at Amherst Court!

Residents from Amherst Court care home, Chatham, were treated to a trip to Kew Gardens on the 27th August, part of the ‘Wishing Well’ fund kindly donated by ASDA, Chatham.

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awn Christopher, Activities Co-ordinator who accompanied the residents on this special trip, later wrote: ‘We have residents who particularly enjoy flowers and the outdoors, so with packed lunches at the ready we had a day at Kew Gardens, the sun shone and the clouds stayed away.

We meandered along paths and discovered so many varieties of plants we lost track of the number we had seen. We went into the conservatories, which split into zones such as the desert, where the cacti were enormous and some were in full bloom - Dudley could not resist touching it!

Dudley marvelled at the toadstools made from straw and again he had to check out the texture and construction which met with his approval, (Dudley certainly has an eye for fine craftsmanship!). Connie seemed to enjoy the water gardens and plants the most and was surprised by the size of the koi carp who lived there, she took great pleasure in watching them swim around for a while. Betty and Margaret are real flower lovers and touched, examined and smelt all the plants they could and were very excited by the variety.

We rested as much as needed during the day and the bus ride home was very quiet with soon only the gentle sound of snoring!

Visitors from ‘down under’ visit Amherst Court

Cedric Frederick, CEO and Anne Child Head of Pharmaceutical Care and Clincal standards spent an afternoon at Amherst Court with a delegation from Yankalilla Centre, ACH Group, Adelaide, Australia, including specialist Pharmacist, Sue Edwards, Residential Quality Education Manager, Graham Harding and Site Manager, Patricia Bowie.

The visitors were shown around different areas of the home, met with many residents and staff and shared their thoughts and ideas on good care practices. Anne Child said ‘It was thought provoking for myself to exchange my views on care with Sue Edwards, especially as she is approximately 13,000 miles apart, we have so much to learn from each other, which could really drive good care practice for all of us’

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Head Office Staff Piling on the £’s!

Just over two months ago an idea was formed by the Chief Executive’s Unit at Head Office for raising money for our very own Charitable Fund.

A Head Office Tuck Box! Stock items were purchased, including crisps, chocolate and soft drinks, but only items that are on offer in the supermarkets, and all very healthy of course!

These are sold at a profit, some of which goes straight back into restocking and some directly into the Charitable Fund.

We have many regular customers whom we value and who enjoy their visit, sometimes on a daily basis, you know who you are, so thank you for your custom.

So far we have raised £85 and still going…..

Happy Birthday to Jason Keeler

Happy Birthday to Jason Keeler, Administrative Assistant, Head Office, who celebrated his 21st birthday on the 17th August, Jason was presented with a gift and card that staff had contributed to and a beautiful home made cake made by our Head Office gourmet Chef Jacqui Morris!

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To all staff, look out for some great competition prizes coming soon – all you have to do is log onto the Intranet and enter the competition section that will be in place shortly.

The first competition will be linked with Project Phoenix so keep logged on to the Intranet so you don’t miss out. Many thanks to Bechtle who have already donated an excellent BOSE headphone set. There are many more great prizes to come so keep your eyes peeled!

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Avante Community Support has branched out!

Avante Community Support’s strategic plans to ensure business continuity and service delivery demands can be met, has led to the service moving out of its Faversham offices and setting up two new offices; one office in Turkey Mill Maidstone and the other in Erith.

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o mark the move to Turkey Mill, Maidstone, Avante Community Support held an open day on Tuesday 1st October to officially open the offices and celebrate the move. The event was opened by Trustee, Michelle Gardener who thanked everyone who attended especially the service users who came along to help celebrate the opening. The day included a balloon launch marking the occasion and light refreshments for everyone to enjoy were provided.

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The move at the end of last year to Turkey Mill, Maidstone, has allowed Avante Community Support to meet regularly with care staff who work locally in the area, for inductions, updates and training, as well as develop the business in the local area.

Avante Community Support is an established charitable organisation providing home care and support in order for people to remain living independently in their own home environment.

Anita Eader, Assistant Director said “We wanted to officially open the offices at Turkey Mill to celebrate the service and to recognise all the hard work and efforts that staff have put in since moving in December. It was great also to be able to mark the occasion with so many of our service users who attended on the day, I know they enjoyed the day as much as we did and it was a great delight to celebrate with so many people.�

Perrygrove Fun On Monday 6th August Perrygrove residents and staff had a summer fun day out to Herne Bay seaside for a paddle and an icecream. Residents walked along the promenade taking in the sea air and enjoying fish and chips out of the paper! In the afternoon residents sat on the beach and also paddled in the sea; the weather was so hot it was the perfect way to cool down! The cook at Perrygrove made a beautiful picnic tea full of sandwiches and cake which everyone enjoyed on the beach before heading home whilst making time for a little nap on the minibus! We had a wonderful time which helped with the weather being so beautiful!

Tracy Activities Coordinator

Fun and antics at Riverdale Court!

As a way of enjoying our summer we went on many picnics but this one was in the lovely Greenwich Park where as well as admiring the view of London we enjoyed watching all the school children on their school outings.

Home grown – At Riverdale we have grown lots of our own vegetables and strawberries this year. It was a bumper crop for cabbages and onions as you can see by this photo.

Hug a handy man day……..

Ivy giving George a cuddle

Armed forces day raising the flag at the Bexley Civic Centre.

Our residents were offered the opportunity to witness the raising of the flag in honour of our Armed Forces both past and present and afterwards were invited for tea and biscuits with the Mayor of Bexley.

All the residents are still continuing to enjoy a good sing and dance at the entertainment that is provided at every opportunity.

Lions and Tigers and bears oh my !!

A great day out was had by all when a member of staff (Hazan) gave up her day off and drove the bus all the way to Woburn Safari Park. While the lions slept and the tigers hid we were lucky to catch a glimpse of some other amazing animals including Rhinos and the endangered Grevy Zebra.

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Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

Residents from Amherst Court are granted a wish!

Joan and Margaret from Amherst Court care home, Chatham, both “wished” they could have a day trip out to the seaside and eat fish and chips on the Promenade.

So without further ado on the 9th July staff at Amherst Court were able to fulfill the wish.

The wish was granted through the homes wishing well where residents are able to put forward ‘wishes’ and place them in the wishing well. One wish is drawn every month.

This month the wish was a trip to the seaside so staff from Amherst Court arranged a trip to Leysdown-on-Sea for residents to enjoy.

Dawn Christopher, Activities Coordinator, said:

“The weather was glorious and although the area is generally busy we were fortunate to arrive at the right time and sit in a great spot right by the sea, enjoying the sea air”

Dawn said the residents had a wonderful day out and commented that Margaret had wanted to walk on the beach with no shoes on, so she did just that!

Joan reminisced and shared happy memories with staff on when her late husband used to take her to Leysdown for holidays down by the sea.

The day trip included a fish and chip lunch which was enjoyed by all along with an ice cream for pudding to wrap up the day.

If you go down to Hevercourt today…..

Knowing how much the residents enjoy having visitors, especially the little ones, staff decided to hold a Teddy Bears picnic for 24 children and 10 Teachers from the local school in Gravesend. There were staff in teddy bear ‘all in one’ outfits, teddy bear ears and so on. The residents had a great time interacting with the children and educating them on stories of the past.

Silence is golden T

racey Hunt of Amherst Court recently completed a sponsored silence, with the money raised (one hundred and forty pounds approximately) used to benefit the residents. Tracey would like to buy a good camera to record “moments in time” at Amherst Court. Tracey’s colleagues were amazed with her silence promise, as Tracey has been described as loud and energetic by them.

When asked why she did it Tracey replied ”I recently had Eden training and was so inspired that I wanted to do more to benefit the residents and put in practice some of the things I have learnt through our Philosophy of Care”

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Well done Tracey!

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