Avante News - Autumn 2012

Avante News Autumn 2012 www.avantepartnership.org.uk

Olympic fun for our residents!

PAGE 4-5

Homeleigh’s summer holiday fun PAGE 12

Inspiring Communities PAGE 14

up conversations with me about Mo Farrah, Sir Chris Hoy, beach volleyball, The financial challenges how great ourlocal troops were faced by our authority for stepping in at the last partners in particular The financial The financial challenges minute etc etc,challenges Iand really are significant, we faced byby our local authority faced our local authority quite enjoyed it.

The great understand the need for partners in in particular partners particular challenge nowpart of course is usare to play our in significant, and we are significant, and we supporting to meet to hold ontothem that feeling understand the need forforas understand the need their reduction we head towards the usus tocost play our part intargets. to play our part indark Atsupporting the same time, we them to meet days of winter. supporting them to meet remain totally committed their cost reduction targets. their cost reduction targets.

Our summer attime, Avante the same time, toAtensuring that wewenot At the same we remain totally committed Partnership was about only continue to provide remain totally committed to to ensuring that wewe notnot the highest quality services more than the Olympics ensuring that only continue to provide only continue toofprovide possible, but strive tocourse. and Paralympics thethe highest services highest quality services improve the quality quality of Our organisational life possible, butbut strive to toto possible, strive our services.

In order continued as quality normalofwith improve the improve the of achieve this wequality are asking lots of highlights for our our services.

In In order to to our services. order ourselves tough questions residents, service users achieve this wewe areare asking achieve this asking about whatincluding we do, how and staff, ourselves tough questions ourselves tough questions we do it and whether we about what wewe do, how holidays, events and days about what do, how can do it more efficiently. wewe dodo it and whether wewe it and whether out for many.

Cedric Frederick - Chief Executive We remain very efficiently. ambitious can dodo it more can it more efficiently. for the organisation, the Cedric WeWe remain very Unfortunately thisambitious summer CedricFrederick Frederick- Chief - ChiefExecutive Executive remain very ambitious people we care for and forfor the organisation, thethe the organisation, also saw us say goodbye As a charity, Avante Partnership is support and our wonderful people wewe care for and people care for and to a number of our AsAsa acharity, Avante Partnership isis of charity, Avante Partnership staff whoand work so hard to support our wonderful ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside support and our wonderful Stepahead Support staff staff who soso hard to to achieve thework results and staff who work hard ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside of ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside of as a service to we children, politics, working for the benefit of our achieve the results and outcomes that want. achieve the results and politics, working for the benefit of our young people and politics, working for the benefit of our Cedric Frederick Chief Executive outcomes that we want.

Yes,outcomes we makethat mistakes we want. service users with whichever political families in Kent transferred Yes, wewe make service users whichever political Yes, make mistakes and we do notmistakes get it right service userswith with whichever political party is in control at a national, regional and we dodo notnot getget it right to another provider. and we itthings right every time, but when Well,party that was a summer Now it’s all over and the is in control at a national, regional party is in control at a national, regional We’ve every time, but when things said ‘thank you’ every time, but when things don’t go as well as we or local level. and a wasn’t it? What country can get back to the don’t go aswe well asas wewe to orhalf local level. don’t go as well or local level. to them personally for would like, are quick started out looking like normality of grim economic would like, wewe areare quick to to would like, quick t is not for the country’s first coalition their contribution to the acknowledge our mistake t ist is notnot forfor thethe country’s first coalition a huge washout ended news, funding cuts, the acknowledge our mistake country’s first coalition acknowledge our mistake organisation or any government in 70 years. and commit to learning organisation and the work organisation any government inand 7070 years. and commit to learning on an amazing highitorwith crisis highly organisation or any Eurozone government in years. and commit to learning individual within to However, like almost every lessons and working hard they have done to support individual within it to However, like almost every and working hard within it to paid However, like almost every lessons the have whole country footballers falling over lessons and working hard aindividual view on being the partpart of our society, Avante to ensure that we get right of our society, Avante have a view on the the hundreds of young ensure that wewe getget itit right of ourtouch! society, I’m Avante to to have a view and on the ensure that it right infected by Olympic at thepart slightest results of the General Partnership is feeling the ininthe future.

That being results of of thethe General Partnership is is feeling thethe people and families they’ve the future.

That being results General Partnership feeling in the future.

That being Paralympic fever.

Like most, not sure about you, but Election on May 6th and of of theof coalition said, I Iam very pleased toto effects the coalition Election onon May 6th and said, am very pleased to effects the coalition Election May 6th and effects with over the last said, I am very pleased Ithe loved every second ofthat it that after initially feeling slightly worked government’s key policies momentous events say that we get it right much thethe momentous events government’s key policies saysay that wewe getget right much momentous events that government’s key policies few that it right much years, but I itwould like and became a fan byefforts the andand their efforts tonumber reduce haveeven taken place since, have taken place since, their to reduce more often than wewe more often than getget itit have taken place since, perturbed and their efforts to reduce to more often than it take this opportunity to thestrangers deficit. with the formation the of dressage…for aofday! who struck with thethe formation of of thethe of the deficit. wrong. wrong. with formation the deficit. wrong.

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’ through Kent County Council.

She started fund’fund’ through KentKent 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:of: Members

• 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

A Company Limited by2565021, Guarantee (Registration No.No. 2565021, England) (Registration 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:

of the summer should The summer also saw the have been England conclusion of our ‘Snack ForFor many, thethe highlight many, highlight returning from the World of the summer should and Chat’ staff consultation of the summer should Cup clutching that gold have been England have been England events which took place trophy.

As we know, it returning from the World returning from theand World in homes, didn’t quiteoffices work out like Cup clutching that gold Cup clutching that gold services right across the that.

The team didn’t trophy. wewe know, it itgel trophy.AsAs know, organisation led bylike Derek and too many players didn’t quite work out didn’t quite work out like Lindars our HR Director. under performed.

Perhaps that. team didn’t gelgel that.The The team didn’t Hundreds of our staff have and tootoo many players Fabio Capello should and many players under performed.

Perhaps took the opportunity to taken aperformed. leaf out of the under Perhaps Fabio Capello should have Avante Partnership book come together, share their Fabio Capello should have taken a leaf outinto of of the taken a and leaf out the and popped Amherst thoughts have their Avante Partnership book Avante Partnership book Court, our newest 112 say and I thank them all for and popped into Amherst and popped into Amherst bed residential care home their input.

We’ve now got Court, our newest 112 Court, our newest 112 Chatham for some ainlot of information to work bed residential care home bed residential care home advice about teamwork, through andfordiscuss in Chatham some in Chatham for somebefore commitment to excellence we canabout feedback to staff advice teamwork, advice about teamwork, and achieving the goals commitment to to excellence oncommitment what changes we will excellence youachieving set for yourself.

Fabio and thethe goals and achieving goals make in response to their only had a squad of 23 you set for yourself.

Fabio you set for yourself. Fabio feedback. footballers think about, only had a squad of of 23 only had atosquad 23 whilst my colleagues Tracey footballers to to think about, footballers about, So, all in all a think great Jones and Geoff Ward led whilst my colleagues Tracey whilst myEnjoy colleagues Tracey summer! reading aJones team ofGeoff literally hundreds Jones and Ward ledled and Geoff Ward this edition of Avante aofteam of of literally hundreds toliterally achieve what a people team hundreds News. of people to to achieve what isof a people fantastic result. achieve what is is a fantastic result. a fantastic result.

Congratulations and ‘thank Congratulations and ‘thank Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to everybody who has 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 great new care home. great new care home.

Cedric Asever, ever,Frederick I hopeyou youenjoy enjoy As I hope As ever, I hope you enjoy Chief Executive reading this new 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 Chief Executive’s PA,PA, Karen Flynn, where she has been Chief Executive’s PA, Karen Flynn, where she has been Chief Executive’s Karen Flynn, where she has learning about thethe organisation as aawhole. ofof learning about organisation awhole. whole.One One learning about the organisation asas 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 enjoyed.

Avante News which she has really enjoyed. next edition of Avante News by Avante News which she has really enjoyed.

Members of:

• National Housing Federation • National Housing Federation

thank them publically and wish them well in their future elsewhere.

For many, the highlight

A Company Limited by by Guarantee A Company Limited Guarantee

email please contact Karen Flynn, PA to the chief Executive, at kflynn@ avantepartnership.org.uk

Registered office: DeDe Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Registered office: Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way,

Registered office: De Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD Tel:Tel: 01795 597400 Fax: 01795 597419 01795 597400 Fax: 01795 597419

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

The door hasfor closed on Stepahead’s targeted Janys quickly realised this several years before was far too stuffy a career moving back to Kent to family intervention services path for her and left to join start a family.

The door may have closed but it isOnce certainly not being locked. returning to work We write this article with heavy hearts we allher come after as having sonto terms with the fact that our Stepahead Support familyher HR Diane continued services, funded by KCC ceased on 30thin September 2012. career private sector

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companies before moving he original service first established in 1999 Thanetwhich was into the publicinsector ersKCHT Breakthrough as the service, and was an ne Rog Diaknown included Kent Police for 6 HR Manager intervention and preventative service working with rational Opeearly years and prior to joining young people aged 8 – 16 and their families.

The primary Avante Partnership, Kentaim was to prevent family breakdown, young people being taken Fire & Rescue Service.

Diane was born in Kent into care or the need for intervention from statutory agencies and after college moved to such as social services.

Diane’s hobbies include London where she started reading her HR career in the hotel 93% families didn’t require socialcooking, services DIY, support. and shopping!!! and hospitality industry Stepahead Keyworkers have through their skills, strengths and abilities, provided life changing support services to thousands of children, young people and their families over the past 13 years. It is impossible to demonstrate do justice to the real careorsector.

Indeed, impact the services has had over he the worked years, asasthea benefit Care of Stepahead’s support leaves a legacy that spans generations.

Assistant at Barnetts

when it was owned and

97% of families reported improved communication between operated by Kent County young people and their family. Council and which now, of course, is one the of our We can only attempt to illustrate the positive impact homes!

After a varied Keyworkers have had by sharing feedback received from career which included families and agencies that have benefited from our services.

working in KCC’s area Gary Bartlett finance and contracting From parents: n Manager Regulatio sections, Gary ‘Even though our Keyworker has always said, have done became an we Inspector the work, Stepahead has made anwith incredible difference Inspection and to Gary was born in London our lives. I would hate to think where we would be without the Registration in 2000 and and spent his primary support we have been given. It saddens me to think that other regulated care services school years in Australia. families will miss out on the support we have been given.’ throughout the various incarnations of aNCSC, Mostsupport of his worker working ‘Our has been invaluable to us as family, I CQC. life has been in far the to say, that CSCI would even go as she hasand been instrumental in

helping our son in turning his life around, he still has a way to go yet, but on the whole his behaviour is now 100% better than before.’

and seems Malling Housing ‘ I know saying thank you never quite enough, but I can Association.

In more honestly say you have helped to rescue a very large family recent years she has through a crisis situation.’ worked as a Registered

Residential Home 87% reported an increased resilience to difficult situations.

From young people:

Manager and Area Manager Residential for a private sector company.

100% said we treat them as individuals.

Belinda has an and NVQ 4 in ‘Stepahead me with my problems how to n Watsohelped Belinda Support both Health and Social solve them.

My life with my family is much better’ ager Man ns Operatio Care and the Registered

Managerwith Award.

She 86% felt that they dealt more confidently life changes would like to study for a Belinda began her career and challenges.

Diploma in Dementia, an in the care industry 15 area that is close to her years ago as a relief From agencies: heart.

Sheltered Scheme ‘Your work is fantastic and an extremely valuable service.’

Manager for Tonbridge ‘This is terrible news and a great loss to all of our teenagers and their families that you support. This will leave a very large

Tesco. After a brief stint in

gap in our services to teenagers and am concerned thatthose this the Icash office to use will have a huge impact with the current families have bank skills, shewe was given where Stepahead Support have been involved.’ to train in the opportunity

HR and that was the start of

96% agencies were very satisfied satisfied with the heror24 year career in HR. Ness service Janysprovided.

This has included roles with HR Manager other retailers, both high The service wouldn’t have been possible without a fantastically street and independent, skilled, dedicated and caring group of Keyworkers, senior to the Biotech and Having left school at Keyworkers and Area Managers.

sixteen Janys followed

Pharmaceutical industry

andwill more recently familythis tradition Whilst service and in itswent current form no longer be in around living for adults banking and young joinedpeoplesupported tointo support children, and families in Kent, we with learning disabilities.

Nat West inhard thetoWest Endnew contracts are working secure through the KCC of London. tendering process and other funding streams. All new work will compliment and add strength to the remaining high quality services that will continue to be delivered by Stepahead Support, and we very much hope that many of these staff will work with Stepahead Support again in the near future. where she worked as

Marketing Manger We want to personally thank and Group show our deep appreciation forwell Highlands and Islands to the following staff and wish them in the future, whether in different roles in Stepahead Support or Caroline elsewhere.is Airports Area Managers Jan Chapman Gerry O’Brien

Wil liams olineAmos CarSusan

Marketing Manager Senior Keyworkers

reacquainting herself with Length of service marketing colleagues within the area. 2 years years Her previous2marketing roles have included working for 8 years Eurotunnel, P&O Ferries, Length of service Leukaemia Research Fund and DMB and B advertising 8 years agency.

Caroline has joined Avante Rachelle Mackender

Partnership’s Property and Maggie Sandy 9 years Business Development Team Caroline is married, as Julie Marketing Ward Manager.

10 years and enjoys anything to do with Corrina Collins years historical travel, motor9sports, Having just moved back sites and walking. to Kent from Scotland, Keyworkers Length of service Sally Atkins

7 years

Juliette Joyce

years she On leaving 4school married and had Barbara Antinoro 4 years5 children. When her 3rd Barbara Millet 9 years child reached 6 months old she worked as an Jenny Bedding 3 years Auxiliary Nurse at her Melissa Jane 2 years local NHS hospital.

Lyn went from there to a Virginia Cornwell 4 years private domiciliary care Faye Geary provider as 4a years carer and worked her way through Phil Jordan 2 years l Stevenson me Car the ranks to become a Manager rationalMasudi Ope Qudrat 4 years at a registered manager Kent branch.

Sheable was to We are lucky that a handful of these staff have been then lucky enough to be Lyn was born in remain with Stepahead Support in alternative roles, including offered a new challenge a Buckinghamshire new service that is and being delivered

by Stepahead Support. as Operations Manager at moved to Essex when Avante Care and Support. she was 8 years old to complete her education.

Carolyn McVittie,

Managing Director

&

Angela Johnson,

Operations Manager

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Olympic fun for our residents!

An Olympic day for Court Regis On Thursday 19th July, 10 residents and staff from Avante Care and Supports care home, Court Regis, came along to Head Office in Faversham to be part of the Olympic celebrations and see the Olympic Torch Bearers travel through the town.

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ith the sun shining and the flags waving there was an amazing buzz throughout Jubilee Way and Whitstable Road, Faversham, in the build up to the Torch Bearers arriving.

The Olympic procession was booked to stop for a short break at the Jubilee Centre on Jubilee Way (next door to Avante Partnerships Head Office) so staff and residents were lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk and have pictures taken with the Olympic Torch Bearers.

Residents from Court Regis showed their full support for Team GB by waving Union Jack flags and a banner they had designed especially for the day.

Residents from Court Regis got to hold the Olympic Torch and chat to the Torch Bearers about their journey so far.

It was a great afternoon and the residents at Court Regis thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

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Amlympics at Amherst Court

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n Sunday 2nd September Amherst Court hosted their very own version of the Olympics, by involving residents and families who wanted to take part and named the whole event ‘Amlympics’. The day had been planned with great detail and a lot of effort from staff members involved. There were even medals for all ‘Amlympic’ winners! Events, included the egg and spoon race, goals into the net, golf and a whole lot more. The day was rounded off with a mouth watering BBQ enjoyed by all. ‘We are proud of the variety of events that take place on a regular basis, but this one really did top them all! It will definitely be an event that we will repeat and maybe class it as an annual sports day event’, says Dawn Christopher, Activities Coordinator.

Amlympics

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Party in the park with Avante Partnership!

On Wednesday 25th July we held our Summer Getaway at Mote Park in Maidstone. The Summer Getaway is an annual event for the organisation that invites residents, service users, young people and families to join for a day of fun and activities all can enjoy.

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taff who had volunteered to help on the day all met at Mote Park on the Wednesday morning to help with erecting gazebo’s and marquees and to ensure a little shade was provided, for what was predicted to be the hottest day of the year so far. Mid morning saw lots of buses full of residents, young people, staff (and lots of picnic food!) come flooding in to the park, all set for a great day out.

This years Summer Getaway was a little different than the previous events that had taken place, as thanks to staff at Mote Park we were given unlimited access to the boating lake, kayaking, miniature railway and insect trail for the Summer Getaway guests to enjoy.

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Guests to the great day out included residents and staff from all 15 of our care homes enjoying a trip out on the boating lakes. Young people and their families

from Stepahead Support took advantage of the free kayaking activity and service users from Avante Community support enjoyed a free boat ride or two, including one service user, Betty who was also celebrating her birthday on the same day.

The event saw Elvis Tribute act Chris Field singing and dancing to entertain the crowds throughout the day.

Karen Flynn, PA to the Chief Executive and event organiser said:

‘This was the biggest and best day out so far and the weather was completely on our side!

It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and a special thanks go to all members of staff at Head office that helped on the day; we look forward to another fantastic Summer Getaway event next year’.

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Staff announcements: Avante Community Support would like to welcome new office staff members. Juli-Ann Ledger is our new Business Administration Manager based at Head Office and Christine Matthews is our new Field Care Supervisor based at the Bexley Branch.

New Outlooks

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e’d like to celebrate the high quality support our Key Workers have given to our New Outlooks clients. It is a great symbol of their hard work when all our clients have been reviewed by KCC; they choose to stay with Avante Community Support, New Outlooks service. Key Workers unlike carers are sometimes lone-working in the community with very vulnerable individuals. We value their dedication and contribution and look forward to future developments.

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ongratulations to Trixie Moors who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Trixie is one of our service users at Avante Community Support who celebrated the milestone birthday with her friends and family in October!

Congratulations Trixie from all at Avante Community Support!

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e are starting a Carer of the Month scheme across Community Support.

The Carer of the Month can be nominated by anyone. If you would like to nominate a Carer from Avante Community Support, please send through

your nomination to the relevant Team Manager: Julie Barr, Faversham; Sue Broadbent, Bexley East/ Greenwich; and Dawn Dwyer, Bexley West. We will be putting all nominations in a monthly draw.

Two of our service users tie the knot!

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ack in June this year two of our Service Users Patricia and Edgar from Avante Community Support took the plunge and got married. Patricia met Edgar through the Minister of the Church in Day Lane, Sidcup. Edgar lives next door to the Minister and knows him personally. Pat attends

a weekly craft club and was asked to make some crafts at Easter for the Church. The Minister introduced Edgar to Pat and they hit it off straight away. Edgar asked Pat out for a meal and then the rest is history. They have been inseparable ever since. They got married on 12th June.

Recruitment and training with Avante Community Support

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vante Community Support has invested in Field Care Supervisors to oversee all senior carer, and key worker activity.

The FCS’s ensure that all compliance for the fieldbased staff is monitored and supported on a daily basis. We have been able to implement some really great advances in our care delivery due to this investment.

We’ve been complimented

by Greenwich Council on our Medication Administration procedures - as the only provider in Greenwich with the skills and experience observed by the District Nurses. This is a credit to the Field Care Supervisor, Dawn Phipps, who has overseen 200+ carers and

400+ service users with their Medication Administration support.

Avante Community Support is achieving some really high targets in regards to recruitment. Karen Randell, Training and Recruitment Manager, has been implementing a recruitment strategy for the past 5 months.

Karen’s team, Bernie Clancy and Carolyn O’Shea, have worked to increase the new care worker totals to over 30 in the last 5 months.

Additionally, Amanda Andrews, Recruitment and Training Officer (Kent), has been able to increase the recruitment pipeline to the highest levels in the past 12 months.

Open day for Avante Community Support On Friday 29th June Avante Community Support had an open day to launch the opening of their new offices in Erith.

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he day was opened by Trustee Brian Munday who said, ‘It is with great pleasure that we are officially opening the new offices in Erith today.The demand to assist people to live independently in their own homes is growing and it is vital there are experienced care providers able to meet these demands. Avante Community Support has been operating in the Bexley area for over 20 years and prides itself on its excellent customer satisfaction and its flexible service.’

Guests and staff dropped in throughout the day and also took part in the balloon launch, which was arranged to mark the open day. Staff and guests launched 100 Avante Community Support balloons into the sky with a prize reward for the furthest travelled balloon.

A big thank you to all the staff involved in making the open day a great success.

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New Senior Management Team members Michelle Ford

Business Development Director

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ichelle joined Avante Partnership in September 2012 with over 20 years’ experience of working within Health and Social care. Michelle’s career commenced in nursing and subsequently Midwifery and Health Visiting.

Michelle has had a number of senior leadership roles with the NHS within Kent including commissioning, service redesign, contract and procurement and business planning. Michelle was also a Sure Start Director in Medway.

Prior to joining Avante Partnership Michelle was the Director of Strategy and Business Planning for South East Health; a not for profit organisation focusing on out of hours and urgent care and

Anita Eader

Acting Managing Director, Avante Community Support

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was successful in a number of tendering opportunities.

Michelle is committed to organisational growth and development, by creating innovative services, which meet the needs of the community. Michelle’s focus is to enable the organisation to explore and create new opportunities.

Her passion and enthusiasm is in improving services for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Michelle lives in Ashford and enjoys gardening, cooking and reading.

Welcome to Avante Partnership Michelle!

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her focus and drive indicates that she has successfully transferred her skills to the U.K.

Anita has over 20 years experience with a combined background in healthcare, mental health, learning disabilities, and social care.

Anita has a Dual Master of Arts for both Individual Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. Anita’s management and care background may have originated in the U.S. but

As well as the appointment of Anita Eader as Acting Managing Director Avante Community Support is pleased to announce the new Interim position of Assistant Director – Business Support, Kim Bailey, who is already a member of the Leadership group and has stepped up from her current position of Finance Manager for Avante Community Support.

nita Eader is the Acting Managing Director for an interim period of sixmonths for Avante Community Support.

Barnetts garden party

On Friday 7th September staff at Barnetts held a garden party for their residents, families, friends and staff. Everyone came together to enjoy music from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s performed by a band called “Side by Side”.

Everyone enjoyed the day and took part in dancing the afternoon away whilst enjoying a wonderful buffet and a glass or two of Pimms!!!

“A fabulous day with sunshine, happy faces and much laughter – what could be a better way to celebrate the end of summer”.

Volunteers help at Barnetts O

n Thursday 12th July a team of volunteers from the Policy and Partnerships Department of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, wielded their forks and spades at Barnetts care home to help dig and clear an overgrown area of the grounds for a day. The overgrown grass area had become an unused area for quite some time and was in desperate need of some attention, so office wear was exchanged for garden gear, with plenty of drinks and sandwiches supplied by the kitchen to keep the workers fuelled up for the task.

something back to their local communities and to build a sense of team work and pride in the participating employees.

Employer sponsored volunteering projects such as above are on the increase and Avante Care and Support has recently welcomed several organisations into their services to help encourage such projects to take place.

The employer sponsored projects are becoming an important contribution from many organisations to give

Avante Care and Support would like to thank all employer sponsored volunteering groups that have contributed so far to our services and look forward to working with new ones in the future.

‘We have recently been approached from several organisations who have asked to spend the day volunteering their services in various areas of our services.

The projects are a great idea and a great support for us and our services’ says Phillip Moore, Community Engagement Manager.

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Homeleigh’s summer holiday fun

The residents chose not to go away this year but to have the holiday within the home. Themes for days were also chosen from one to one sessions with the residents.

Day one: Trip to the Malta Inn in Maidstone Philip Moore from Head office met us in the car park and helped out with the outing, where we had a picnic by the river, then a boat ride into Maidstone and back followed by lunch in the Malta Inn.

Day two: Pamper day Homeleigh This involved a lot of cream and face packs. It also involved a bubble bath with a glass of wine for Peter. We had a holistic massager called Trevor Reed who treated the residents to a relaxing massage.

Day three: Take away day and high tea This day was all about food! The residents enjoyed a takeaway of their choice delivered to the home for lunch and once that had been digested Barbara and Angela created a High Tea for all to enjoy

Day four: Fashion show This was inspired by Winn Cass who said that she would like to go to a fashion show. Instead we brought the fashion show to Winn with the help of a very nice young man called Gary. Gary came along and displayed his clothes collection that ranged from the 1930 to the 80s,

Day five: Whitstable for the day We parked at the castle at Whotsable where each resident was given a posy of sweet peas from the gardner. We then walked along the sea front to find an Italian restaurant. This was inspired by May Morgan who asked if she could go to Italy for a holiday, as this could not happen this year; this was the next best thing.

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Well done to all the staff at Homeleigh who helped make the virtual holiday a huge success.

Day six: The tea dance Residents from Riverdale and Sunbury Lodge came to Homeleigh on this day to enjoy the Tea Dance and entertainment from Gary King.

Day seven: Day at the zoo We all had a great day out at Wingham Wild Life Park. We had lunch served next to a pond with ducks, parrots and chickens running around. This was followed by a leisurely walk around the park and a walk on the wild side with the Flamingoes!

Day eight: Away day for some and entertainment for others While some of our residents were enjoying Mote Park for the away day , Homeleigh had a singer come and visit at lunchtime. The residents enjoyed a great sing a long over lunch.

Day nine: Last day BBQ day The holiday ended with a BBQ that was cooked by Angela and Tony this was then followed by Trustee, Giles Craven presenting each resident with a medal for taking part in the holiday fun and to mark the start of the Olympics.

Bridge Haven open day

On Thursday 26th July Bridge Haven proudly opened its recently refurbished doors, to families, health professionals and the Sheriff and Vice Chairman of Canterbury, Heather Taylor, to come along and celebrate the completion of the building work that took place at Bridge Haven and to officially open ‘Gregory’s Tea Room’.

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he building work at Bridge Haven started in November 2011 to introduce two new bedroom suites, offering modern ensuite facilities and luxurious bedroom features, plus a new reception area. During the building work, residents, family members and staff were extremely patient and flexible with the necessary, temporary changes that were required.

Bridge Haven now boasts 12 new beautifully designed bedrooms in suites of two, called Kingston and Patrixbourne, a brand new

reception and meeting area for the residents and their families, plus a log cabin to be enjoyed by residents and families as well as the general public to come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and slice of cake!

The open day saw Trustee Brian Munday welcome everyone to the day and invited Sheriff and Vice Chairman of Canterbury, Heather Taylor and Mrs Gregory, who very generously donated to the funding of the log cabin, to officially open ‘Gregory’s Tea Room’.

Tigger visits Honeyfield for the day

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n Thursday 18th July, Honeyfield had a special visit from a four legged friend called Tigger.

Nicola Lambert, Activities Coordinator decided to arrange a little surprise for residents at Honeyfield, by arranging a visit from Tigger the donkey from Willow Farm, Crockenhill.

The idea had come about from many conversations between staff and residents at the home about pets and favourite animals. Many

residents and staff talked about what their favourite animals were and what pets they used to have; surprisingly to some, the favourite animal mentioned throughout the conversations were donkeys!

With that, an idea was born and Nicola approached Willow Farm and asked Farm Owner Liz Fry very kindly if she minded if Honeyfield borrowed their donkey for a few hours for residents to enjoy. Liz dropped Tigger off, and a few snacks for him to enjoy during his visit, which looked like at least a kilo of bananas, 6 packs of ginger biscuits and various other treats for residents and staff to feed Tigger with.

One resident who is staying at Honeyfield for a respite break said ‘This donkey

reminds me of when I used to go the beach as a child and there used to be donkey rides. What a lovely treat for a sunny day’.

Another resident enjoyed reminiscing on how Tigger reminded him of his own donkeys that he used to keep many years ago, referring back to one of them being called ‘Jacko’.

Honeyfield would like to say a big Thank You to Liz Fry and all staff at Willow Farm for allowing this day to happen and a very big thank you to Tigger for being a great visitor!

Julie Ayres, Home Manager said, ‘It was excellent having Tigger come and visit today, I could see so much enjoyment in the residents faces whilst they stroked, fed and talked to Tigger. I think the staff and residents thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Tigger, although I’m not sure that Sam our dog was as keen on him as everybody else!’

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Inspiring Communities The Inspiring Communities project at Route 25 had an amazing summer full of activities.

The staff and young people went on a variety of trips and activities that brought fun and laughter all the way.

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Trip 1, Kelly Coombs, Steve Page and Mark Harvey began the summer taking the young people to the ‘Summer Getaway’ where they enjoyed taking part in the activities.

Kayaking was a first for some young people and staff as well and many took pleasure in watching Kelly nearly fall into the water. Mark led the way show casing his skills along with Oliver. His message for the day was ‘I really enjoyed the kayaking and would like to take it up as a hobby’. The day ended on a high when we missed our train and had to wait, this was a fab highlight for our young people as they found this highly amusing!!

Trip 4, Mark wore us all out on our trip to the leisure centre where in true Olympic spirit he had us all tobogganing, playing volley ball, hooping and basketball. Everyone was shattered at the end and the only way to recover was with an ice cream!!

Trip 2, Our travels in the Summer took us back to Route 25 for an action packed gaming day where the young people enjoyed a treasure hunt around the centre tracking down clues in a race to the finish. They also had the opportunity to develop their skills in t-shirt designing, chocolate making, lino printing and the fabulous Djembe drumming which taught us the African art of communication.

As described by our young people “The summer was too good for words”

Trip 3, Steve and Kelly went on a trip to the beach fossil hunting the young people excited to find any hidden treasures as well as fossils. A couple more hours and I’m sure we would have found a pirate ship!!!

Trip 5, Dover Castle was our final adventure we had a brilliant day exploring the castle and the grounds, we tried to lock Mark and Steve in the dungeons but they escaped!!

Trip 6, Mark took some young people down into the second world war tunnels and helped them to understand the history behind them.

We all enjoyed a fabulous summer and look forward to many more activities with our young people. If any one is passing Route 25 pop in for a cup of tea and have a look at our summer slideshow.

From Volunteer to Senior Keyworker C

ongratulations to Stepahead Support Volunteer Steve Page, appointed Senior Keyworker at Route 25 in Folkestone last month. Steve says he is delighted to be offered the 6 month contract to work with young people and make a difference to their lives.

A Production Team Leader at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Sandwich, Steve was made

redundant after 25 years with the company in 2009. Father of 4 children, he felt strongly drawn to helping young people not so fortunate as him and his family. Responding to a volunteer advert, Steve came to Stepahead Support, trained as a mentor and gave many hours to supporting a young autistic person in Thanet with great dedication.

After working round-the-clock

Coming Soon

shifts in domiciliary care with older people, followed by 2 years working in a care home for the elderly, Steve resigned and decided to try volunteering with Stepahead Support. Steve quickly became involved with Route 25, working in evening clubs for both young people.

Stepahead Support staff soon recognised steves passion for helping young people with

problems and were keen to invite Steve to the Senior Keyworker post.

Route 25 are having A Christmas light switch on Wednesday 28th November 2pm – 6pm

23-25 Tontine Street, Folkestone, 01303 251 835

For more information please call Route 25:-

Well done Steve!

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6

Second Interview

Owl or Lark?

Definitely a lark, love the mornings often awake during the summer months from about 4am. I find that this is the best time of the day; peace and quiet and able to think.

Daily alarm set for?

Set for 5.40 although always awake earlier!!

Tea or Coffee?

Tea, although I do love the smell of coffee.

Smart, casual or scruffy?

Depends, love nothing more than having to dress for an occasion but equally am happy in a pair of old jeans and a t shirt.

Highlight of week ahead? (work) Out visiting some of the services that we offer both in relation to residential care and Stepahead services. It’s lovely to get out and about and meet clients and staff.

Favourite Meal?

I don’t think I have a favourite, I love all aspects of food … including shopping, cooking and eating.

Evening unwind?

Nothing better than a large glass of wine and a good book.

Favourite music/artist?

I don’t have a favourite artist; I will listen to anything within reason from classical to Rihanna.

Favourite holiday destination?

Sri Lanka, a very beautiful country, with a lovely culture and fantastic people.

Although I am happy to go anywhere that is hot with a swimming pool and a sunbed!!

Favourite hobby?

Reading has always been one of my main hobbies but I have become even more of a bookworm since having a kindle.

Highlight of week ahead? (my time) Out on Friday night to eat with friends and husband.

Name: Michelle Ford Job Title: Business Development Director

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The Avante Staff Bank The Avante Staff Bank (ASB) was established in January 2012 to help reduce agency usage, but more importantly to maintain continuity of care. Avante Care and Support and Avante Community Support strive to ensure their residents and service users have a consistent high level of care and by providing our own bank of staff at ASB we can ensure that this is achieved.

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he ASB office is located above Homeleigh residential care home in Erith and is managed by Samantha Gibbs, Recruitment Consultant and assisted by Toni Ansell and Leah Cosby. The ASB staff base is growing and adverts are currently being rolled out, to recruit experienced relief Care Service Assistants, Domestic Assistants, Kitchen Assistants, Cooks and Team Leaders to the already growing bank of staff.

The ASB “On Call” service came into effect in June 2012 and this means ASB is available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m, 365 days a year. The on call service is there for emergencies only, to cover absences out of normal office hours. The cover currently provided by ASB is on average 60% over all with the target of 90% coverage across our homes. Overall feedback has been positive and ASB welcomes any feedback in order to improve the services that they provide for the organisation.

Noreen makes time for ‘My Time’ at Bridge Haven Bridge Haven care centre has recently launched a new short term relief service called ‘My Time’.

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he service allows people living with dementia to have a short break stay at Bridge Haven, whether it is for a few hours, a day or overnight stay.

The service makes time for the carer to have a little time to themselves for all those little things that generally get put on the back burner due to the demands of caring for someone living with dementia.

Since it’s launch in July, there has been a steady flow of bookings and

the first person to book through MyTime was Mrs Rumley for her mother Noreen. When Noreen arrived at Bridge Haven, staff enjoyed reminiscing with her and getting to know her background which included Noreen being a ward sister at St Martin’s Hospital in Canterbury from 1969 to 1994 and was apparently a real stickler for detail.

Welcome to ‘My Time’ Noreen!

Parkview launches its new evening respite service There is always something good going on at Parkview care home, whether it be through their residential care service or the day care centre. The need for short relief evening respite care is growing on a daily basis and staff at Parkview have decided to introduce a new evening respite service called ‘My Evening Time’. ‘We are really pleased to be launching this new service on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as we know there is a growing need for this extra care for people

living with dementia and to help support their carers. The evening service includes a hot meal and entertainment which the carer is also invited to come along too’, says Claire Evans Home Manager at Parkview.

My Evening Time launched at the beginning of October, for more information on the My Evening Time respite service call Parkview on: 0208 2982271

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Northbourne Court fundraising On Saturday 9th June 2012 Managers, Team Leaders, Carers, Charlie (who’s only 12) and one of Northbourne Court pet dogs, Mikey, raised approximately £650.00 for Northbourne Court residents amenity funds by doing a 5 mile walk from Harland Avenue Sidcup to Foots Cray and back.

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he team dressed up in purple T-shirts (with Northbourne Court Angels printed on the front) pink feather boa’s, angels wings and angel wands. Even the dog (Mikey) had a feather boa wrapped around his collar!!

The walk started at 11.00 a.m. and the team headed off to Station Road, via the park and met with a group of footballer’s mums and dads, who were very happy to donate to the Northbourne Court Amenity fund, so we then handed thank you stickers to show our appreciation. The team completed the 5 mile walk, raised £650 and ended the

Avante Care and Support take part in Dementia Awareness week

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big well done to all of the care homes that took part in dementia awareness week to help raise funds for the Alzheimers Society. Our homes and Head Office took part in the fundraising by planning coffee mornings, prize draws, pyjama days, fetes and cake sales and combined raised a grand total of £902.10.

fundraising with tired legs!!!

The fund raising team would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, Firstly, SEAN BAKER (Haulage Contractor) – who kindly sponsored the printed T-shirt, the relatives and visitors at Northbourne Court, Jo-anne Baker, Leanne and Charlie Bennett, Deena Perry, Doreen Barrett, Elaine Pavey, Angela Snapes, Bernie Kane, Carol Booker, Dianne Cavender, Joy Jacobs, Andrew Card, Fiona Taylor, Eddie Hall and Mikey-the dog who helped to make this fundraising event successful.

5 MILE WALK DATE: 09/06/12 TIME: 10:00 - 3:00PM

This fundraising event for the residents amenityis to raise money fund generosity is greatly app s. Your kind reciated.

0208 269 9840 www.northbournecour enquiries@avantecaresut.org.uk pport.org.u

k

Well done everyone!!!

Follow Anne Child, Head of Pharmaceutical Care and Clinical standards, Avante Care and Support, fortnightly blog on http://goo.gl/HXpd6

BBQ time at Pilgrims View

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n Saturday 11th August Pilgrims View had a bbq for their residents and their families.

The day was a great success where lots of families attended along with staff members too.

The day had a whole range of entertainment including a disco, dancing, raffles, lots of wonderfully cooked BBQ food and this was all topped off with a lot of sunshine gracing us for the day!

can imagine staff members were not going to turn down this opportunity for a little fun (and possibly a little A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY bit of pain for poor Peter).

According to staff members Peter didn’t cry out onceThis month saw Court Regis kicking things off but he was seen to be pulling a with a very special party celebrating Gladys’s few funny faces!! Peters brave st efforts managed to raise101 birthday. With entertainment from an excellent £170 for the Court Regis favourites ‘Unique’, Gladys, amenity fund!

friends and family made sure to party until

The residents have already the evening. said how they would like to spend their money on some

new fish and fish tank. Thanks again to Peter and also all the PAT RELIVES HER ROLE staff that helped to make the BBQ fun day a great success!

Also on the day one staff member, Peter Latham, decided he wanted to help raise funds for the homes amenity fund by offering to have his back waxed. As you

Also this month Court Regis held their annual summer fete with our very own Pat stepping in her old market‐trader shoes to help run the tombola for the day. Soon after, the local press printed the story. Thanks to Pat and other friends and family of Court Regis they rose over £500 and have a new celebrity.

A VERY SPECIAL BIRT

This month saw Court Regis kicki with a very special party celebrat 101st birthday. With entertainme Court Regis favourites ‘Unique’, G friends and family made sure to p the evening.

Pat relives her role

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lso this month Court Regis held their annual summer fete with our Pat stepping back into in her old market-trader shoes to help run the tombola for the

day. Soon after, the local press printed the story. Thanks to Pat and other friends and family of Court Regis they raised over £500.

PAT RELIVES HER RO

Also this month Court Regis h their annual summer fete wi very own Pat stepping in her market‐trader shoes to help tombola for the day. Soon af local press printed the story. to Pat and other friends and of Court Regis they rose over and have a new celebrity.

Cheers Malcolm

A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY This month saw Court Regis kicking things off with a very special party celebrating Gladys’s 101st birthday. With entertainment from Court Regis favourites ‘Unique’, Gladys, friends and family made sure to party until CHEERS MALCOLM. the evening.

A very special Birthday T E

Earlier this year we mentioned that Malcolm, the owner of local pub, The Three Hats, was arlier this year we prompted an immediate rush mentioned that Malcolm, PAT RELIVES HER ROLE to the bar to thank him for all to run the marathon to raise funds for the from Court Regis favourites the owner of local pub, his hard work. The local press CHEERS MALCOLM Court Regis Amenity fund. Well, he raised ‘Unique’, Gladys, friends and The Three Hats, was to run the have also covered the story; Also this month Court Regis held family made sure to party until marathon to raise funds for look out for our residents in £2000 which prompted an immediate rush to the evening. the Court Regis Amenity fund. the paper Earlier this year we mentioned th soon. their annual summer fete with our the bar to thank him for all his hard work.

Well, he raised £2000 which 19 the owner of local pub, The Thre very own Pat stepping in her old The local press have also covered the story; to run the marathon to raise fund market‐trader shoes to help run the look out for our residents in the paper soon.

Court Regis Amenity fund. Well, tombola for the day. Soon after, the £2000 which prompted an imme local press printed the story. Thanks

his month saw Court Regis kicking things off with a very special party celebrating Gladys’s 101st birthday. With entertainment

Leading payroll in 2012 3-7 September

nationalpayrollweek.

co.uk

NPW’12

cipp.org.uk

Driving payroll forward 3-7 Septemb er 2012

Leading payroll in 2012

National Payroll Week The 3rd to the 7th of September was National Payroll Week - a week to celebrate all things Payroll. The theme for this year was “Driving Payroll Forward” so we did. The Payroll Team borrowed the Care & Support Fiesta and went on a road trip to see if we could help any of our employees with payroll queries or explaining their payslips to them.

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n Tuesday we visited Stepahead Support in Margate, we met quite a few of our Keyworkers, one of whom took us on a tour of the offices and explained to us what some of the different contracts they work too are and what they are able to achieve.

Inspiring stuff. – They didn’t have any payroll queries for us.

Wednesday we went to Weybourne in the morning, we held a payroll surgery where we met some employees with a few payroll queries and then went on a tour of the home meeting staff and Carers – the roast potatoes looked delicious! In the afternoon we visited the

new offices at Erith for Avante Community Support. We met the hard working office staff who keep the calls to our service users covered.

On Thursday we visited Amherst Court in the morning and held another small payroll surgery with staff and went through their payroll queries. Then, on a tour of the homes we found an Irish lady who used to do payroll for a large London shop. We had a chat with her and she seemed very animated, unfortunately she has reverted to Gaelic and we could not understand her apart from yes and no.

One of the yes’s was when asked if the Care was good.

Amanda also recognised a gentleman she used to deliver

papers to a few years ago so an animated conversation followed.

In the afternoon we went to Court Regis where we again held a small payroll surgery and had a tour of the home.

We met a few of our clients who were just off for a walk with 2 of our Carers.

These three days were inspiring and I am full of admiration for our staff. My team and I had a whirlwind of fun laughter and tears.

I am sure most of them go above and beyond their paid duties (I know my team do).

To me our staff are “The Care Makers” and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Thank you all Jacqui Sedgwick and the Payroll team

Last night I watched the closing ceremony of the Paralympic games and they thanked the volunteers –“The Games Makers”. I know our staff are not volunteers but

A funny moment shared from Weybourne, Home Manager, Terry Heslington I went out to assess a lady a few weeks ago – this is what transpired:

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On arriving at the hospital I engaged with Ester, (aged 96 years of age). We chatted for a while and then I said to her that we had something in common – our birthdays were the same – 30th August.

She looked me up and down and said – Well mate, all I can say is that you look bloody good for 96.

It just shows that although there may be a dementia dysfunction, the sense of humour still remains.

We hope to see a significant increase in the number of volunteers months. We want to engage with local people as volunteers and p greater diversity, a local marketing resource and a significant cont person centred approach in care.

Community Engagement

Avante News – Community

All the evidence points to ‘word of mouth’ as the most effecting wa volunteers, so we encourage all our dedicated staff , families and service users to spread the word among their contacts.

Engagement

Volunteer polo shirts

Volunteer polo shirts

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National Citizen Service

National Citizen Service

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ew volunteer shirts Avante purple now Haven Pilgrim’s have benefited this this Summer from New volunteer polopolo shirts ininAvante purpleareare now available in each ofand our care View Bridgeridge Haven and Pilgrim’s View have benefited available in each of our care homes for volunteers to Summer from Government sponsored National Citizen homes for volunteers to wear ‘on duty’ if they choose. This one is National modelledCitizen

by Steve sponsored Service teams Both of young wear ‘on duty’ if they choose. This one is modelled by Service teams of young people aged 16/17. groupspeople aged 1 Giles, a volunteer at Honeyfield Care Home in Hextable who offers many hours each chose the care homes for their projects of service Steve Giles, a volunteer at Honeyfield care home in Hextable, chose the care homes for their projects of service to their localto their local com week, including driving the minibus, which is greatly appreciated byworking residents incommunity the grounds to improve the spaces for the usespaces by residents and the who offers many hours each week, including driving the by in theand grounds to improve minibus, which is greatly appreciated by residents and staff alike. for use by residents and their on families, as well as the wider as the wider community occasion. staff alike.

community on occasion.

We to see seea a significant increase in the of number of volunteers over the next few Wehope hope to significant increase in the number months. want to engage with as volunteers and partners, providing volunteersWe over the next few months.

Welocal want people to engage with local people asavolunteers and partners, providing greater diversity, local marketing resource and a significant contribution to Forgotten our The Not Association greater centred diversity, aapproach local marketing resource and a significant person in care. contribution to our person centred approach in care.

Residents at Amherst Court, including some ex-servi AllAllthe points to ‘word of mouth’ as the most effecting wayexcellent of recruiting the evidence evidence points to ‘word of mouth’ as the most effective and very professional afternoon of ‘Diamon way of recruiting volunteers, so we encourage all our dedicated volunteers, so we encourage all our dedicated staff , families and friends of our as a gift from the Non Forgotten Assoc entertainment staff, families our service users to spread the service usersand to friends spreadof the word among their contacts. whose Chief Executive Col. Piers Storrie-Pugh introd word among their contacts.

The Not Forgotten AssociationLand of Hope and Glory completed the afternoon to e

School Business National Citizen Service School Business Challenge Residents at AmherstChallenge Court, including some ex-service veterans, enjoyed an The Not Forgotten excellent and very professional afternoon of ‘Diamond Jubilee’ themed musical volunteer recruitment campaign for Avante Partnership Bridge Haven and Pilgrim’s View have benefited as thisa Summer from Government A volunteer recruitment campaign for Avante Partner entertainment gift fromwas thechosen Non Forgotten Association Association as the business challenge forsupporting a team of veterans, sponsored National Citizen Servicewhose teamsChief of young peopleCol. aged 16/17.

Bothchallenge groups business for a team of 5 year12 students Executive Piers Storrie-Pugh introduced the proceedings.

A rousingfr

R

A

five year12 students from Maplesdene Noakes School

at Amherst including some of ex-service choseesidents the care homesCourt, for their projects service to their local community

by Working working in Maidstone thisto Summer.

Working Land Hope and Glory completed the afternoon encore and applause. in Maidstone this Summer. over a two week periodover a two week veterans, enjoyed an excellent and very professional in the grounds to improve the spaces for use by residents theirand families, withand Mentors Teachers,as thewell winning team, judged by anby an independen teachers, the winning team, judged afternoon of ‘Diamond Jubilee’ themed musical independent panel, would receive a prize of £1000.

Our asentertainment, the wider community on occasion. people’s presen School Business Challenge of £1000. Our team won! The youngteam as a gift from the Not Forgotten Association won! The young people’s presentation showed their passion commitment to the task and their business plan broch supporting veterans, whose Chief Executive Col. Piers Storrieand commitment to the task and their business plan brochure Pugh introduced the proceedings. A rousing Land of Hope and production.

Prize-giving evening at the school wa A volunteer recruitment AvanteThe Partnership chosen wascampaign an excellentfor production.

The Prize-giving was evening at the as the Glory completed the afternoon to encorebusiness and applause. by 4 Avante partnership staff. challenge for a team of 5 year12 students from Maplesdene Noakes School school was a splendid occasion, attended by four Avante in Maidstone this Summer.

Working Partnership staff. over a two week period with mentors and teachers, the winning team, judged by an independent panel, would receive a prize of £1000. Our team won! The young people’s presentation showed their passion and commitment to the task and their business plan brochure was an excellent wo of our care homes benefit from regular gardening production.

The Prize-giving evening at the school was a splendid occasion, attended and groundwork support from supervised groups through by 4 Avante partnership staff. partnerships with local prisons. This is a good example

Prison Groups

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of community engagement, where both parties receive mutual benefit from the project, not least winning a best garden prize for the second year running at Barton Court.

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Prison Groups

Avante Care and Support and Kent Learning Centre Project On Tuesday 3rd July 2012, year 1. Social Work Students from Kent University at Medway, staff and Trustees from Avante Partnership celebrated the hard work of 14 students on placement in Avante Care and Support care homes and young peoples services Stepahead Support.

Students Neil Parry and Janet Jacob were two of the students that attended the celebration lunch and spoke vividly about their experiences within our care homes. Neil said he found the placement a great opportunity to understand and learn more about dementia type conditions and gained a lot from the residents and staff team, he also said his perception of a care home had now changed and was better than he had expected since working with residents on placement at Park View Bexley SE London.

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Janet Jacob commented that placements helped to

understand the connection between theory and practice in a real environment as to that learnt in the classroom adding it also helped her with her written work.

Jacqui Morris, Practice Development Director opened the celebration by speaking about the journey staff members and students were on. ‘If we are honest we were all a little dubious at first as to how the placements would fit within our day to day work within our services, but it soon came apparent following the induction training and partnership with the Social Work Directorate at Kent University at Medway that this would be a beneficial project for all involved. The project was a great learning experience for both the students and staff and we are all so pleased with the results, all students have successfully completed there assessments from this first pilot programme and we have agreed to repeat the programme for 2012-13 with another 14 students from Kent University.’

Avante Partnership would like to thank Kent University at Medway for involving our organisation as part of the Avante Learning Centre Project a joint partnership with Kent University and Avante Partnership for Social Work programmes covering Kent, Bexley and Greenwich.

GREENWICH 15

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he approach of using care homes as placements is a completely new approach in the UK and a first for Avante Care and Support. Students were placed across 7 of the 15 Avante Care and Support care homes and Stepahead Support services for their 100 day placements part of the BA degree in Social Work.

The purpose of the placement for each student is to gain valuable incremental learning for the degree which is about theoretical approaches using a social model of care in helping people to seek solutions to social dynamic problems. Befriending residents and Service Users and developing a broader insight on social care about dementia type conditions also formed part of the students learning.

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Barnetts

Barton Court

Court Regis

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Sittingbourne

Minster, Sheppey

Tunbridge Wells

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Chatham

Amherst Court

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Tunbridge Wells

6 Dartford

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Bridge

Bridge Haven

Hextable

Honeyfield

Erith

Homeleigh

Gravesend

Hevercourt

OUR SERVICES

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Snodland

Pilgrims View

Charlton

Perrygrove 15

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Bexleyheath

Parkview

Maidstone

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Northbourne Court Sidcup

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MEDWAY

Welling

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Weybourne Woolwich

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Sunbury Lodge Woolwich

Riverdale Court

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Canterbury Branch Young Healthy Minds

Stepahead Support

Northfleet Branch

Stepahead Support

Chatham Branch

Stepahead Support

Community Impact Young Healthy Minds Thanet Branch

01795 597400

Stepahead Support

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Facebook.com/avantepartnership

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Canterbury

Folkestone/Dover Branch Young Healthy Minds

Route 25

Ashford

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Erith

De Gelsey House 1 Jubilee Way Faversham Kent, ME13 8GD

Head Office

Community Support

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