Avante news

Avante News Winter/Spring 2012 www.avantepartnership.org.uk

New Chairman for Avante Partnership

The New Kingfisher Suite Now Open at The New Close

Maureen Callaghan wins Great British Care Award

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’m sure I’m not the only one who is now used the email culture Thetofinancial challenges andbywonder how we faced our local authority ever livedinwithout it. It partners particular The financial challenges The financial challenges has enhanced and taken are significant, and we faced byby our local authority faced our local authority understand theinneed for over our lives equal partners in particular partners in particular usare to play our part in measure, but my view is significant, and we are significant, and we supporting them toneed meet understand thethe need for that in general terms it’s understand for their targets. usus tocost play our part inthan more of areduction blessing to play our part in the same time, them towe meet supporting them to meet aAtsupporting curse.

Having said remain totally committed their cost reduction targets. their cost reduction targets. that, I still like to receive thethe same time, toAtensuring that wewenot At same time, we letters in totally the post.

Why remain committed only continue to provide remain totally committed am I sharing this with to ensuring that we notnot the to highest quality services ensuring that we you?

Because over only continue to provide only continue to provide possible, but strive tothe thethe highest quality services last couple months, highest quality improve theof quality ofservices possible, but strive to toto possible, but strive the our numbers services. ofIn letters order improve thethe quality of of improve quality achieve we areYou asking and ‘Tellthis us What our services.

In In order to to our services. order ourselves tough questions Think’ feedback cards I’ve achieve thisthis wewe are asking achieve are asking about what wethe do, how received from families ourselves tough questions ourselves tough questions we do itwhat andof whether we and friends residents about we do,do, how about what we howas can do it more efficiently. we do it and whether we wellwe asdo from Service Users it and whether we Cedric Frederick - Chief Executive We remain very ambitious can dodo it more efficiently. can ithave more efficiently. themselves increased for the organisation, the Cedric WeWe remain very ambitious CedricFrederick Frederick- Chief - ChiefExecutive Executive remain very ambitious significantly.

Whilst the people we care for and forfor thethe organisation, the organisation, the overwhelming majority As a charity, Avante Partnership is support and our wonderful people wewe care for and people care for and the letters and cards AsAsa acharity, Avante Partnership isis of of charity, Avante Partnership staff who work so hard to support and our wonderful ‘apolitical’ in that we operate outside support and our wonderful have been complementary staff who work so hard to achieve the results and staff who work so hard to ‘apolitical’ ininthat we ‘apolitical’ thatthe weoperate operateoutside politics, working for benefit ofoutside our ofof ofoutcomes achieve the results and our service and our that we want. achieve the results and politics, working for the benefit of our politics, for the benefit of our staff, outcomes that wewe want.

Yes, we make mistakes outcomes that want. a small number service usersworking with whichever political Yes, wewe make service users whichever political Yes, make mistakes and we do not get it right userswith with taken us mistakes to task partyservice is in control at awhichever national, political regional have and we dodo notnot getget it right and we right every time, but when about some areas ofitthings our party isisinincontrol atata anational, regional party control national, regional every time, but when things every time, but when things don’t go as well as we or local level. work orgohave contained don’t as well as we ororlocal don’t go as well as we locallevel. level. like, weI welcome are quick to awould complaint. would like, wewe areare quick to to would like, quick t is not for the country’s first coalition acknowledge our mistake t ist is notnot forfor thethe country’s first coalition all communication and acknowledge our mistake country’s first coalition acknowledge our mistake organisation or any government in 70 years. and commit to learning government in in 7070 years. organisation oror any and commit to to learning government years. feedback organisation any However, from residents and commit learning individual within it to like almost every lessons and working hard individual within it to However, like almost every lessons and working individual within it to However, like almost every lessons and working hard and Service Users ashard well havehave a view on the part of our society, Avante to ensure that we get right part of our society, Avante a view on the Cedric Frederick Chief Executive ensure that wewe getget itit right part of our society, Avante astofamilies have a view on the to ensure that it right and friends, results of the Partnership is feeling the ininthe future.

That being results of General thethe General Partnership is is feeling thethe the future.

That being results of General Partnership feeling in the future.

That being Election on May 6th and of of theof coalition from which we pleased can said, I Iam very toto effects the coalition Election onon May 6th and said, am very pleased to effects the coalition Election May 6th and effects said, I am very pleased keykey policies the momentous events thatthat and change.

Of say that we get it right much thethe momentous events government’s policies saysay that we get it right much momentous events thatgovernment’s government’s key policies learn that we get it right much their efforts to to reduce havehave taken place since, taken place since, their efforts reduce more often wewe if often thethan feedback’s more often than getget itit it have taken place since, andand and their efforts to reduce course more than deficit. with the formation of the with thethe formation of of thethe thethe deficit. wrong. wrong. with formation the deficit. complimentary, it provides wrong.

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A belated, but still heartfelt ‘Happy New Year’ to you all.

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 the team in the Community Support department, which the team in the Community Support department, which the team in 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:

edition of Avante News.

Cedric Frederick Cedric CedricFrederick Frederick Chief Executive Chief ChiefExecutive Executive Cedric Frederick Chief 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

a real boost to our staff to see that their efforts are For appreciated. many, the highlight of the summer should So, keep that feedback have been England For many, thethe highlight coming in.

Of course if For many, highlight returning fromshould the World of thethe summer of summer should you prefer to use email, Cup clutching that gold have been England have been England then of course we’re trophy.

As we know, ithappy returning from the World returning from the World to receive them in that didn’t quite work out like Cup clutching that gold Cup clutching that gold form, but the occasional that.

The team didn’t trophy.

As we know, it trophy. As we know, itgel letter is quite nice!

Just so you and too many players didn’t quite work outout like didn’t work like under performed.

Perhaps that.

The team didn’t gel know.

I do read every that. The team didn’t gel and too many players Fabio Capello should have letter and email I receive, and too many players under Perhaps taken a leafcases, out of the under performed.

Perhaps but inperformed. most the Fabio Capello have Avante Partnership book Fabio Capello have level of detailshould inshould most taken a leaf outinto of of the taken a leaf out the and popped Amherst require me to pass them to Avante Partnership Avante Partnership book Court, our newestbook 112 colleagues who are better and popped into Amherst and popped into Amherst bed residential care home placed to respond and Court, our newest 112 Court, our newest 112 in Chatham for some bed residential care home implement anyteamwork, changes bed residential care home advice about in Chatham forfor some in Chatham some and improvements we commitment to excellence advice about teamwork, advice about teamwork, feel should be made as a and achieving the goals commitment to to excellence commitment excellence result.

As an organisation, youachieving set for yourself.

Fabio and thethe goals and achieving goals only had a squad of 23 we take all feedback you set for yourself.

Fabio you set for yourself. Fabio footballers to think about, positively and seriously, only had a squad of of 2323 only had a squad whilst my colleagues Tracey footballers to think about, so please doto not feel that footballers think about, Jones and GeoffinWard led whilst my colleagues Tracey whilst my colleagues Tracey there’s no point writing aJones team ofGeoff literally hundreds Jones Ward and Geoff Ward to us.and There really is!ledled aofteam of of literally hundreds toliterally achieve what a people team hundreds of people to to achieve what a people fantastic result. of achieve what Iishope you enjoy this isedition a fantastic result. is a fantastic result. of Avante News.

Congratulations and ‘thank This is only a snapshot of Congratulations and ‘thank Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to everybody who has what’s happening around you’ to to everybody who has you’ everybody who hasa worked so hard to deliver the organisation. worked so hard to deliver worked so hard to deliver great new care home. a a great new care home. great new care home.

Until next time, best wishes As ever, I hope you enjoy AsAs ever, I hope you enjoy ever, I hope you enjoy reading this new look reading thisthis new look reading new look editionofofAvante AvanteNews.

News. edition

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 CHAIRMAN FOR AVANTE PARTNERSHIP

Avante Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Smallridge CBE, as its new Chairman.

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eter Smallridge has a national reputation and profile built as a Director of Social Services in Warwickshire and Kent bringing experience of managing large organisations, and of strategic planning and commissioning.

Peter was awarded a CBE for services to Social Services in 1995.

Peter has over 10 years experience as Chair of a Health Authority and a Primary Care Trust, and over 6 years as Chair of a Mental Health Partnership Trust, he is a Trustee of Henry Smiths Charity and is the deputy Chair of the NHS Health & Europe Centre; a social enterprise that recently merged with Kent County Councils European Unit.

He also sits as a non-executive director on the Board of Retirement Security Ltd; provider of very sheltered (extra care) housing for sale,

and attends the Board of the Care Management Group which provides residential care and supported living for people with learning disabilities.

Peter is married with three adult children and six grandchildren.

Peter Smallridge replaces Brian Munday, who has been Chairman of Avante Partnership for over 5 years.

During Brian’s time as Chairman he has overseen

growth, development and rebranding of the organisation and helped ensure the organisations prominence throughout the South East.

Brian has stepped down as Chairman but will remain as a Trustee.

Of this appointment Peter said “I am delighted to be appointed Chairman of the Board of Avante Partnership. Since the early 1990’s (when it was Kent Community Housing Trust) it has developed a reputation

for delivering high quality services for vulnerable people, young and old. I know that the organisation will face some tough challenges over the next few years, given the reductions in public expenditure taking place across the country, but I am confident that we will be able to withstand them and compete on price and quality with the best in the business. I look forward to working with the Board to that end over the next few years”.

Elaine Rose and Sandra Hendry We are also pleased to announce Elaine Rose and Sandra Hendry have joined our board of Trustees.

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Avante Partnership would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to Amanda Cottrell, Molly de Courcy and John Bragg for all their hard work and dedication and wish them all the very best for the future.

Trustee Amanda Cottrell, OBE

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manda, who has devoted most of her life helping to make Kent a great place to live, is Chairman of Visit Kent as well as a Trustee of Canterbury Cathedral, Avante Partnership and Kent Wildlife Trust has reluctantly taken the decision to step down to focus on perhaps her biggest challenge ever.

In recognition of Amanda’s success as Chairman of Visit Kent, she has now unsurprisingly been asked to become Chairman of Visit England, requiring Amanda to step down from a number of non-executive roles.

Amanda joined Avante Partnership back in 2001 and her work and support throughout this time has made a hugely positive impact on the organisation.

Amanda Cottrell has been a great asset to Avante Partnership and her unfailing support and dedication has been a major reason why the organisation is where it is today.

Trustee John Bragg, OBE

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ohn Bragg has stepped down as a Trustee of Avante Partnership after serving for over 20 years, having joined the Board as a founding Trustee.

John became a qualified pharmacist at the Chelsea School of Pharmacy (now Kings College, University of London), becoming a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 1950 and a fellow in 1951.

John was also the Mayor of Sandwich from 1989 – 1992 and Chairman of Sandwich Port and Haven Commission.

John has been Avante Partnership’s Vice Chairman and Chairman of its Finance and Resources Committee for many years and his knowledge and insight has proved to be a valuable resource.

Known on the Board for his wit and unfailing support of the organisation, John will be sorely missed.

Trustee Molly de Courcy

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fter serving as a Trustee for over 20 years Molly de Courcy, founding Trustee has stepped down from the Board of Avante Partnership.

After a successful career in teaching Molly served for twelve years as a Kent County Councillor, during which time she chaired a number of committees.

Molly became Chairman of Kent Social Services and executive of the National Association of County Councils. It was as Chairman of Kent Social Services that she was responsible for the birth of KCHT, now Avante Partnership and has served on the board from its inception.

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Molly has been a great asset to Avante Partnership and her support and dedication will be missed.

Fancy a J pint?

ane Wiltshire and all the staff at Pilgrims View continually work hard to create an environment in which the residents receive person-centered care at all times. Jane and the team wanted to introduce something a little bit different into the home for the residents to enjoy which is where Deborah O’Neill and Marcelline Handyside came in. Deborah and Marcelline are both Occupational Therapy students from Canterbury Christ Church University, on their final practice placement before qualifying.

“We were asked to take on the project of developing a space for the residents to sit and chat with their friends and family in privacy.

Following on from an idea

by Julia Schooling, we have set up a pub for the residents, complete with bar, comfy chairs, a key board, darts, dominoes and other table top games, this became the Pub Project” says Marcelline.

Occupational Therapists believe that what people do has a direct influence on their health and wellbeing. The rationale behind the ‘pub project’ is that it will provide an age appropriate space, avoiding the infantilisation that people with dementia can be subjected to, and that it will provide a space where residents and their visitors can have some privacy, encouraging social interaction, thereby promoting health and wellbeing.

On the 25th November 2011 The ‘Chaucer Arms’ pub opened its doors at Pilgrims View with many families and relatives flocking through the doors for a pint and a chat with friends.

“The ‘Chaucer Arms’ pub has been a huge success, we have many visitors on a day to day basis and it is a good place for relatives and families to meet for a drink and a chat or even a game of darts or snooker!” says Jane Wiltshire.

Making dreams come true

O

ne resident at Court Regis had her dream come true in October as she finally got to see her hero, Sir Cliff Richard, in concert at the O2 Arena. Staff from the home attended the night with Eileen Rose, as she bought souvenirs and a pint of beer before the 3 hour concert and sang along to every song. When Eileen returned

to the home, her excitement lasted for several days, with staff often finding her wearing her new Sir Cliff Richard T-shirt or showing people her new Sir Cliff Richard cushion.

Eileen has dementia which affects her memory yet she was able to recall the events for weeks afterwards, using her souvenirs as a prompt.

The local press had heard

about Eileens concert trip and in less than a fortnight Eileen was in the local paper, prompting people coming into the home to ask her about the concert.

And that’s not all. A member of Sir Cliff’s management team was shown the article by a friend of Eileen’s family and he showed it to Sir Cliff, he

was delighted with the news that Eileen had finally come to see him in concert after being a lifelong fan and wrote her a letter,including some signed merchandise, which is now framed and proudly displayed above Eileens bed.

Some of us will always be ‘Young Ones’ at heart.

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Second Interview

Owl or Lark ?

Lark, but at weekends we like to go out and socialise with friends so the weekends are usually ‘owl’ territory.

Daily alarm set for ?

6.00am and at weekends, when there’s no alarm, I’m awake at around 7.30am.

Tea or Coffee?

Builders tea at work, Earl Grey at home and strong coffee when I’m out.

Smart, casual or scruffy?

All of the above. Smart for work, casual for socialising and scruffy around the house – I enjoy the chance to change.

Highlight of week ahead? (work) Difficult call, but it’s the opportunity to meet up with colleagues in our services and hear about the work they’re doing. Having said that, I know that many of the conversations we are having at this time are very challenging and I appreciate the honesty and passion people have for their work.

Highlight of week ahead? (my time) It’s my mother’s birthday shortly so at the weekend we are going to visit my parents in Cardiff and take them out to dinner. My parents are now elderly so I’m very aware just how precious the time is.

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Favourite meal?

Curry – and the hotter the better. This usually fits in with socialising with friends.

Evening unwind?

If time allows, getting a half hour on the Playstation, Call of Duty 3.

Favourite music/artist?

I like all sorts of music and at the moment I’m back into jazz. Getting a regular airing on the playlist of my ipod is the iconic Miles Davis, arguably the most influential jazz musician of the 20th Century.

Favourite holiday destination?

The town of Banff in Canada.

If you like skiing, it has two great mountains (there is a third, but I don’t rate it other than it has the second steepest slope in North America).

The snow is always terrific with more than 9 metres of snowfall a year so there is frequently a chance to ski powder or cruise around on well groomed trails.

Favourite hobby?

I like DIY and we have an old house that I’m renovating. It’s a long term project and it’s really satisfying seeing it take shape.

Admiral Nurse joins Partnership In October Avante Partnership very gratefully received £60,000 funding from Dementia UK and the Peoples Health trust to fund a new Admiral Nurse post in partnership with the organisation.

Using money raised through the local Health Lottery, The People’s Health Trust - the independent charity responsible for administering the money raised - awards grants to local good causes and projects that help create healthier environments and communities.

Richard Macintyre Operations Manager Practice Development said:

Name: Derek Lindars

“The appointment of an Admiral Nurse working within Avante Partnership, funded by The Peoples Health Trust, is an excellent opportunity for our partnership with the DSDCse and Dementia UK, to insure best practice for those living with dementia type conditions and those providing care and support”.

Job Title: HR Director

Jacqui Wharrad, Dementia UK Pioneer for the South East, who was presented with the cheque, said:

Which football team do you support?

No team in particular. I’m more of a rugby and golf fan.

“As well as the distress felt by the person with dementia

- which can affect anyone from any background and of any age - the impact on family carers and loved ones is immense. Admiral Nurses provide a lifeline to all those affected by this complex and distressing condition.

Admiral Nurses are specially trained dementia nurses who provide essential support and practical advice to family carers. We are delighted to be awarded this grant from the People’s Health Trust as we are now able to establish a new Admiral Nurse post in Kent in partnership with Avante Partnership.

We are very much looking forward to working with Avante Partnership to bring this specialist support to more families affected by dementia in Kent. This partnership also means that we’ll be able to share best practice, skills and knowledge with more health and social care professionals.”

From Purple to Pink.....for the day On Friday 28th October some parts of the organisation took part in the ‘Wear it Pink’ day for the Breast Cancer Campaign to help raise money for the charity.

H

ead office staff at De Gelsey House took to their pinkest clothes they could find and all wore them for the day on the Friday. However it appeared Debbie Pert, Finance Director and Darren Carrett, Quality Assurance Administrator have more pink clothing in their wardrobes than the rest of us!

There was a raffle on the day with all prizes donated from staff including a lunch for two at Reads Restaurant, Faversham, donated and paid for by Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive. As well as pamper vouchers from Sues Healing Hands who also spent the day offering head massages and Angel Card readings to staff at head office with some of the proceeds being donated towards the charity day. The local sandwich shop Fillers

very kindly donated a tray of pink cakes for staff to buy, with all money raised going towards the grand total for the day.

Stepahead Support held a large raffle with all funds going towards the charity as well as Northbourne Court, Riverdale Court and Amherst Court taking part to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

A great day was had across the organisation with those that took part and the final figure raised for the ‘Wear it Pink’ charity day was a total of £454.11.

Avante Partnership would like to thank all staff that took part in the great day of fund raising for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Ship Shape The new hair and beauty salon is now open at Amherst Court. If you fancy a new hair style, a manicure or even a stylish eyebrow tint then Ship Shape is the place to go.

Whilst the colour of pink was still in the air Amherst Court very cleverly decided to have a pretty in pink fundraiser for their own home amenities fund. The fundraiser involved the very brave Lesley Entwistle, who had boldly offered to dye her hair bright pink if people would sponsor her…so with staff and families not wanting to miss out on

a great opportunity Lesley very impressively raised an incredible £680 and as you can see from the pictures dyed her hair a very bright pink!

Well done to Lesley for a great fundraising idea and for all of her efforts, the colour suits you!

Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday booking is advisable 10% discount offered to all staff Address Palmerston Road, Chatham, ME4 6LU Call

01634 400009

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The New Kingfisher Suite T

he New Close at Bridge nr Canterbury very proudly opened its doors to the new Kingfisher suite in December. The new suite boasts six beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms with beautiful views across the gardens at The New Close.

Each room has been specially designed and equipped to provide a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for residents with dementia.

The interior of the suite has been designed to stimulate the

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senses, particularly through the use of striking and highly original colour schemes and textures. Many of the rooms have an added luxury of patio doors leading out to the secure gardens surrounding The New Close. Sue Keiper, Home Manager, said “I am so pleased with the new Kingfisher suite, it is exactly how I had imagined it to be if not better!� For more information on the Kingfisher suite or to arrange a viewing please call 01795 597431

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Fundraising for the House of Mercy

W

hen we went into town today, we got more than a big surprise!

Three of our Participation Volunteers, Terri Barry, Hannah Messam and Emma Coles, had been kind enough to give up their Saturday to collect money for The House of Mercy, a hostel attended by many of our Service Users, old and new. They have a day centre for the homeless, which is open seven days a week, providing hot meals, washing facilities and other services.

Just as we were about to call it a day, Emma suddenly grabbed me by the arm, crying “Look! Look! It’s that Tom Vaughan from Hollyoaks!”

It was indeed Tom! He was really friendly and kind enough to have a photo taken with Emma and the staff. We discovered that he was there with several other celebrities, promoting a pantomime they were appearing in.

Up on the stage, Kim Southwick, a finalist on The X Factor, was singing. She had such an amazing voice, and managed to attract a sizeable crowd. Kim too was kind enough to have her photograph taken with Terri, Emma and PCSO Dougie Barr, who keeps a keen eye on our Service Users.

Thanks to Kim and Tom, our collection pots were getting heavier and heavier, we were concerned that we would have to go back to the hostel to empty them because of the risk. Luckily, PCSO Barr was around to safeguard us, so we didn’t miss out on the arrival of the Sleeping Beauty cast!

Fortunately, we had brought a camera, which was put to great use by Emma, posing for photographs with Dougie and all the celebrities.

volunteer participants had helped to raise a grand total of £407!

Staff at Stepahead Support would like to say a huge thank you to all our participation volunteers.

Please keep those great ideas coming in! Also, many thanks to PCSO Barr, House of Mercy, The Grove Hostel, and Depoel UK. Special thanks go to Walk Tall Academy for the Stepahead Support film, which would not have been possible without their generous input. This will be posted on YouTube in the near future.

Last but not least, we would like to welcome two new participation volunteers, Terri Barry and Tony Grimmod.

Once Brother Roy had finally finished counting the money, we discovered that our

New counselling service now available Are you, or a member of your family, suffering? Do you want to make sense of things that are worrying you, or find it difficult to put into words what’s on your mind?

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Stepahead Support has now launched a new counselling service in Tonbridge,

Tunbridge wells, Canterbury and Thanet.

With over 16 years experience of providing Support to children, young people and their families, Stepahead Support is a well established and respected organisation. It is a lifeline

for many communities and is renowned for its transformational skill when helping those in need.

Stepahead Support’s counselling service strengthens its commitment to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people,

their parents, carers and other family members. Offering you the opportunity to purchase a high quality and timely service which can respond to your needs as quickly as possible.

For more information call 01795 597432

Stepahead Support’s Unsung Heroes!

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he achievements of Service Users were acknowledged at an Awards party held at the Gravesend Stepahead office in December. Certificates were given to thank the young people for their contributions, ranging from fundraising work for The House of Mercy, volunteering at Porchlight, to participating in Stepahead Support activities. Brother Roy from the House of Mercy was also in attendance.

Community Police Officer, Dougie Barr, presented the award certificates.

He spoke about ‘Unsung Heroes’. People who make a substantive, yet unrecognized, contribution; those who do great deeds but receive little or no recognition. He said that our Service Users and staff were these special people, doing good work, without in many cases expecting or getting praise or recognition.

Dougie thanked everyone on behalf of the community, and those that are being helped, now and in the future.

A great day was had by all!

Do you remember The A-Team? The popular American action adventure in the 80s, where four veterans travel the world protecting the innocent. Well Stepahead Support have their very own A grade team.

One of the sayings in this popular American series was.......

“I love it when a plan comes together” Let us introduce you to the A grade team:Angela Johnson Richard Macintyre (Mr T) Jayne Reynolds Julie Ward Anna MacCormack Phil Strong Sue Amos Our Mission was to gain an A grade for the young peoples service we deliver in the Stepahead West Kent

area, and that is exactly what we did! Our funders Supporting People have very high standards, and to gain the grade A in the Quality Assessment Framework took sheer determination, hard work and commitment over several months. Supporting People is a Government funded programme that aims to make sure people get the housing related support they need to live more independently. The programme offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of

life by providing a stable environment, which enables greater independence and reduces the need for people to unnecessarily move into a residential setting.

Richard Macintyre, Operations Manager Practice Development came to our aid, having already obtained a grade A in previous employment he gave the Mission depth and kept us all on the right track (a true Mr T) The Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) has two main purposes:

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To provide a means for administering authorities to assess the quality of services.

•

To encourage and facilitate the raising of standards within the sector.

The QAF enables providers to demonstrate the continuous improvement of their services.

The Manager of West Kent, Sue Amos would like to thank Richard and the team for their hard work and determination to achieve this grade.

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Proud Service User of Avante Community Support

M

rs Kathleen Stockbridge is supported by the Avante Community Support Team and lives on the Isle of Sheppey - she recently had a proud moment when a new road was opened on the Island which was named after her late brother, long-serving County Councillor Gerry Thomsett, who died in 2004.

The press covering the event, wrote that the Thomsett Way runs from the A249 Neats Court roundabout to Rushenden Road and is aimed at regenerating and revitalising the area

by encouraging investment, business growth and more jobs.

At the time of the opening in January this year Kath wasn’t able to attend the ceremony but is hoping to go and visit the road sometime when the better weather arrives.

The opening ceremony was attended by Kath`s sister Maureen Smithers, who cut the ribbon to officially open the road. Kath was thrilled to have a photo of the event and the newspaper showing the press coverage and said that she feels very proud of her late brother.

Festive Fun E

very Christmas for the past 14 years Community Carer Bonnie Huntley has requested to work on Christmas day and has made our Service Users Christmas extra special by donning a Father Christmas suit to do her rounds. Bonnie said that the Service Users faces are a picture when she walks in on Christmas morning! For some of them Bonnie is the only person that they may see over the Christmas period, so her spreading a bit of fun and joy makes it a memorable time for many.

Alzheimer & Dementia Support cafés

One Christmas Bonnie recalled that she was accompanied by an `Angel` (being an earthly one who also took part in the festive fun). Unfortunately the `Angel` had a bit of a mishap when a wing became trapped in the car door and resulted in a bit of wrestling to free her!

Bonnie lives in Lynsted, Nr Teynham and has been a Community Carer with Avante Community Support for over 17 years and is a valued member of the team.

Last issue we ran an article on the Alzheimer & Dementia Support Services regarding their dementia cafes that they run. The cafés are for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and we would like to let you know where they are located. They are in the following areas Dartford Conservative Club on 3rd Wednesday of each month, Swanley Whiteoak Court 2nd Friday of each month and Gravesend Emmanuel Baptist Hall 4th Wednesday of each month.

For further information regarding the cafes please call

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01474 533990

Burns Night from Barclays Burns Night from Barclays involved shortbread and sherry at Northbourne Court, when 15 staff from branches of Barclays Bank in the Dartford area organised an afternoon Tea Party on January 25th.

Barclays provided the shortbread and cakes, served the tea, led the singing and games, as well as mingling with residents. Some of the staff were delighted to recognise former customers among the residents and have a catch up.

We are planning more projects for Barclays in

our Bexley Homes over the coming months, which will be a great contribution.

Barclays employees around the world are strongly encouraged to give their time, energy and skills to support the causes they care about, supported with paid work time and team grants. Thank you Barclays (Avante’s bank).

Ground-Force at Court Regis Community minded staff at Calor Gas, Sittingbourne gave up a week of their time towards the end of last year to develop some raised flower beds for the gardens in and around Court Regis care home. This will enable the

residents to be able to reach and plant their own flowers this year and that’s blooming marvellous!

Thank you Calor Gas.

New volunteers for Stepahead Support

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ecently trained as volunteer befrienders, Emma Park (left) and Vicky Owen (right) are both students at Canterbury Christ Church University.

They expressed an interest in supporting young people at the Volunteer Fair for students at the university last Autumn and will work within Stepahead Support in the Canterbury area.

Emma is an undergraduate studying education studies combined with sociology on a BA Hons/BSc course and hopes to be a social worker.

She has volunteered before in the UK and Africa, supporting underprivileged children and young adults. Emma wants to help by being there for young people at a tough time in their lives and wishes to develop those supportive skills for her future career.

Vicky is studying psychology and music; she has taught children ballet and tap dancing and volunteered for the mental health charity MIND, as well as Oxfam.

She also hopes to support young people through a difficult period in their lives and feels this volunteer work with Stepahead Support will help in her future career, and in finding a job.

We deeply appreciate the contributions our volunteers make in each of Avante’s services, working with the young and the not so young.

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Eden Alternative UK Conference On the 4th November 2011 at the third Eden Alternative UK Conference held at the Holiday Inn, Chessington; Jacqui Morris, Practice and Development Director for Avante Partnership was awarded her Eden Alternative mentor status of which there are only five in England and Ireland.

Mentors are associates who have distinguished themselves through their work to create better living environments for our elders and ourselves.

Eden Mentors are volunteers who work closely with the Eden home office staff and Eden educators to help Eden to grow. They are committed to serving Eden in many different ways, depending upon their skills and talents and availability.

Eden mentors meet twice yearly to bring ideas and proposals to the Eden board, and to help with Eden events.

The conference was a two day event opened by June Burgess, regional co-ordinator, after which followed Dr Bill Thomas, co-founder of the Eden Alternative and Chris Perna, CEO both giving presentations, there were further presentations from homes implementing the Eden Alternative including on the second day, Julie Ayres, Home Manager at Honeyfield care home in Hextable, where Dr Thomas also held a question and answer session.

Goodbye Tracey I

n December 2011 Avante Partnership said farewell to Tracey Jones, Property and Business Development Director. Tracey has worked at Avante Partnership for over 16 years and her skills and expertise have certainly been influential to put the organisation where it is today. On the 14th December

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2011 the organisation held a gathering for Tracey at Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham, inviting all her colleagues she had worked with throughout her years at Avante Partnership. Below are a few words that Tracey spoke on the day regarding her time with Avante Partnership, “I have always had a steadfast belief in what Avante can achieve and for me it has always been about making our services better and better. I have always wanted to do the best we possibly can with the resources available to us.

I have always valued the importance of helping people to live happy lives, whether that be an older person living in a care home, a young person starting out in life, or an asylum seeker

thousands of miles away from home. Happiness at work is also so important and I hope that I have created a positive atmosphere for my colleagues.

All the achievements I have played a part in have been possible because of everyone working together and supporting each other.

Avante is about its people and we have some really great, hardworking and caring people in Avante�.

And the winner is.....

Maureen Callaghan, Amherst Court Avante Care and Support are very proud to announce that back In November 2011 Maureen Callaghan, Receptionist from Amherst Court won The Ancillary Worker Award for the Great South East Care Awards.

Maureen was short listed other colleagues from Amherst and respect through Avante Partnership would back in October for the Court attended the dinner at ancillary services. like to say a big Well the Brighton Dome, which award which included being Maureen will now interviewed in Brighton by was hosted by Jeff Brazier, Done to Maureen for her automatically go through several judges, providing which is where Maureen was amazing achievement and to the National Awards examples of initiatives and announced as the winner. shortlist taking place in wish her all the luck for excellence in her work.

The award recognises London on May 12th.

This process then led on to May’s award ceremony excellent person the awards dinner which took place on Friday 25th November. Maureen and 9

our Check out e! sit New Web

centered service to clients, demonstrating dignity

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ership.org

ntepartn www.ava

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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 November at The Bridgewood Manor Hotel in Chatham, where over 100 members of staff were invited to receive certificates of achievement from Trustess, Bob Bushell, Michelle Gardener and Ron Owttrim. Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive, 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 Rosie Irvine Jacqui Morris Kim Bailey Rachel Miles Ruth Brown Carol Booker Esther Igbinadolar Jo-Anne Baker Lauren Wright Eddie Hall Heather Primett Jenny Holmes Naomi Maxim Elizabeth Allen Blessing Adu Rosemary Nyoni Princess Amadi Chris Reggler Georgina Hawkes Fiona Caird Louise Harvey Kirsty Stevenson Margaret Stevenson Tracey Mead Yvonne Smith Kaylea Jemmett Kay McClarron Darren Morgan Ben Durey Beattie Smith Michelle Davidson Helen Goulding

CATEGORY Prince 2 Foundation BSL Sign Language Lead Auditor Training for ISO 9001 Certificate in Human Resource Practice Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2

SERVICE Head Office Head Office Head Office Head Office Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Northbourne Head Office Honeyfield Honeyfield Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Head Office Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt Hevercourt

Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court Court

NAME

CATEGORY

SERVICE

Pat Towner Wendy Ford Tracey Richards Siobhan Joy Nadine Linton Sophia Rumble Beverly Campbell Lorraine O’Donnel Ferdinand Fernandes Edith Iyoha Himali Rana Esther Dafiago Jacqueline Gloyn Glennys Whitehead Claire Evans Gemma Jordan Jodie Shearer Dawn Philips Joanne Thompson Baljit Bains Heather Primett Eddie Hall Regina Woodhouse Dianne Cavender Naomi Maxim Blessing Adu Christine Ndororwi Clare Thompson Caroline Fumagalli Princess Amadi Philomena Cooling Nkechi Onyemaraeme Irene Scott Pushpa Ranasinghe Kay McClarron Joan Rogers Susan Johnson Pamela Cecil Pauline Griffiths Richard Macintyre

Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Customer Care Services NVQ Level 2 Lead Auditor Training for ISO 9001 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Housekeeping NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 Foundation Degree in Dementia Care Foundation Degree in Dementia Care Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Palliative Care NVQ Level 3 Dementia NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medicines NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medicines NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medicines NVQ Level 2 Safe Handling of Medicines NVQ Level 2 Equality and Diversity NVQ Level 1 Equality and Diversity NVQ Level 1 Equality and Diversity NVQ Level 1 Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years Long Service Award - 20 years BSc (Hons) Degree in Inter-professional working in Health and Social Care NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Pilgrims View Pilgrims View Pilgrims View Pilgrims View Perrygrove Perrygrove Perrygrove Perrygrove Perrygrove Perrygrove Perrygrove Parkview Parkview Parkview Parkview Amherst Court Amherst Court Amherst Court Homeleigh Homeleigh Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Northbourne Court Perrygrove Northbourne Court Hevercourt Riverdale Court Amherst Court Bowes Close Northbourne Court

Trupti Khristi Royal Khristi Susan Castle

Head Office Barnetts Barnetts Northbourne Court

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And the Blooming Winner is......

Barton Court care home On the 19th September Home Manager Dawn Lowin, Peter Larkin, Lesley Clark, Beverly Savage and two residents from Barton Court, Christine Gull and Mabel Davenport, attended the ‘Minster in Bloom Awards’ at Minster Abbey Hall.

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ver two hundred people attended the event, which was opened with a brass band.

Barton Court care home had been short listed back in the Summer for the ‘Community Garden in Minster Award’, so the home was invited to attend the event on the 19th September to see who would finally scoop the first prize.

The Mayor of Swale Ben Stokes also attended the event presenting awards to all of the deserving winners. There were four award categories on the evening with Barton Court coming first in the

‘Best Community Garden in Minster’ award.

Home Manager Dawn Lowin said “It is such a great achievement for all of us at Barton Court to win this award. I know that residents and staff gain so much enjoyment maintaining the gardens; we have also now introduced chickens to the gardens which the residents thoroughly enjoy too! To be recognised as best Community Garden in Minster is certainly something that we are all proud of and we will be displaying our award plaque for everyone to see!”

We are Sailing

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n Tuesday 13th September residents from Northbourne Court care home in Sidcup set sail on a leisure cruiser from Greenwich Pier to the Thames Barrier, courtesy of Viscount Launches.

Residents enjoyed the sights of the 02, Canary Wharf and also the Trafalgar Tavern where Lord Nelson used to visit, amongst other attractions.

Many of the residents lived locally to these areas and whilst sailing past Canary Wharf one resident remembered playing in the park as a little girl and enjoyed telling her stories to the rest of the cabin crew.

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The cabin crew also passed the Navel College which sparked off so many memories for one resident as he was in the Navy.

After enjoying a midday picnic staff and residents decided to pop into the Trafalgar Tavern for refreshments and discuss the events of the day. One resident said “That was fantastic I want to go in a helicopter now!”

Northbourne Court would like to say a big Thank You to Viscount Launches for their generous offer for this day to take place.

Patter Cake, Patter Cake, Bakers Man....

Annie is

100 A

resident at Court Regis became a Century old in January and to celebrate the home threw a huge party for her. Annie Bishop turned 100 on the 3rd of January and on the guest list was our Chief Executive, Cedric Frederick, Trustee Bob Bushell and various others from head office. Also, the Mayor and Mayoress of Swale and all of

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Annie’s family came, along with the local press. Annie received numerous cards and gifts including her infamous telegram from the Queen.

Residents ate and danced until the evening and a good time was had by all. The next day Annie let all of her balloons free in the garden with notes attached to each one, saying, “If you find me, please let me know where I end up.” Watch this space.

n November Sunbury Lodge asked the cook to make some cakes that could be sold to raise money for Children in Need. The cook, Elizabeth Callaghan at Sunbury Lodge jumped at the opportunity and made some beautiful cakes, which were sold to staff family visitors, and Service Users.

The home also popped along to Perrygrove and their staff, Service Users and visitors bought some cakes as well.

Sunbury lodge raised a grand total of £142 for Children in Need.

Not only did Sunbury Lodge raise money for Children in Need the kitchen assistant Susan Richardson organised the Christmas raffle,which raised a brilliant £154 to go towards the amenity fund.

Mary O’Conner at Sunbury lodge would like to say a huge Well Done to her team for all their efforts and hard work throughout 2011.

Residents enjoy a bit of gardening

Fun Times at Honeyfield

The Christmas staff Panto Gingerbread time

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Art Sell donation for Stepahead Support West Kent and Medway Stepahead Support Area Manager Susan Amos will be exhibiting her paintings on 3-15 March 2012, Nucleus Arts Chatham Gallery.

www.nucleus-arts.com

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usan will be donating the money from the first painting she sells from the exhibition to Stepahead Support, her paintings can be viewed online at:www.artsusanamos.com Susan said “Part of my childhood was spent in a formal way, visiting Art Galleries and Museums with my Grandmother (Omi ), Marie-Luise Rabe, who was a well established artist. Omi was my mentor, teacher and was responsible for kindling my interest in art.

Later, I attended the Medway College of Art and Design”.

Dont just take our word for it.......

Below is a case study from a former service user from Stepahead Support

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I am a former client of Stepahead Support. I was a disadvantaged young person benefiting from its services in Thanet from around 1996 - 99, during which time I received mentoring support from a dedicated Keyworker. I was also the first ever client to

complete a work experience placement the the former Head office at Rocherster. I have an incredible amount to thank Stepahead Support for, including the voluntary sector career that I have since developed. If it hadn’t been for seeing the fulfilment that volunteer mentors and paid staff got from their roles, and taking the opportunities presented to young people like myself to get involved in initiatives such as Thanet Youth Council and the Thanet Youth Conference, I would

not be where I am today.

That’s without mentioning the even more vital housing, employment and benefits support that proved so crucial to my physical and mental health and well being. To say a big Thank you to Stepahead Support I have decided to run the Paris Marathon, and donate all what I raise directly to Stepahead Support Charity fund. Thank you again Stepahead Support.

Mr Gale

As part of our ongoing programme of talking and listening to the staff at Avante on key business issues, I am rolling out ‘Snack and Chat’ sessions across all sites.

Over the course of the next 6 months, The HR team, along with members of the Leadership and Management Group, will visit and chat with you all to get your help, support and ideas on some

key business issues and iniatives facing us all going forward.

Our aim is to have the opportunity to meet with as many of you as possible, so sessions will be held from

breakfast to supper so as to catch all shifts.

We hope to start this in late March, early April and information will be forwarded through invites and posters to all sites with dates and times.

-Derek Lindars, HR Director

Coming to a Venue near you Date

Location

Breakfast

Lunch

Tea

23-Mar

Barton Court

Court Regis

Kent Community Support

5-Apr

Pilgrims View

Honeyfield

Hevercourt

Amherst Court

20-Apr

Northbourne Court

Riverdale

Homeleigh

Parkview

4-May

Head Office

Perrygrove

Sunbury Lodge

Weybourne

18-May Stepahead Ashford

Stepahead Folkestone (Covers Dover, Folkestone and Route 25 at same Venue)

1-Jun

Stepahead Tonbridge

Barnetts

15-Jun

Stepahead Thanet Stepahead Cliftonville (Covering Family Support and Community Impact at same venue)

29-Jun

Stepahead Chatham

Stepahead Gravesend

13-Jul

Stepahead Canterbury

The New Close

Supper

Bexley Community Support

A

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Tribute to

Lyn Owen I

t is with great sadness we announce the death of our dear colleague Lyn Owen, who passed away on 9th December 2011, following her fight against cancer.

Lyn transferred from Bexley Council in April 2000 to Avante Partnership and continued working for the next 10 years as an Area Manager and Operations Manager in our London care homes. Lyn retired from the organisation in October 2010.

Twelve years previous when Lyn was the Home Manager at Baugh House, one of the residents, a lady called Ann wrote a tribute to Lyn and gave it to her. Lyn treasured this keepsake, never sharing it with others. Lyn’s family asked that the tribute be shared with others at her funeral on the 29th December.

To Lyn

A Personal Tribute From me to you I’ll never forget when you brought me To reside at Baugh House I crept inside, like a frightened mouse I’d left behind all I held dear My life would now change That was very clear But you were with me all of the way And helped me through each sad and lonely day You helped me make friends Who’ve proved loyal and true And all this dear Lyn I owe to you.

Love Ann.

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In memory of Lyn Owen who will be sadly missed by residents and colleagues

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Dartford

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Maidstone

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Tunbridge Wells

KENT

Canterbury 21

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Ashford

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OUR SERVICES 1

AMHERST COURT CHATHAM

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NORTHBOURNE COURT SIDCUP

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STEPAHEAD SUPPORT ASHFORD BRANCH

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BARNETTS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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PARKVIEW BEXLEYHEATH

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ROUTE 25 FOLKESTONE / DOVER BRANCH

3

BARTON COURT MINSTER

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PERRYGROVE CHARLTON

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STEPAHEAD SUPPORT CHATHAM BRANCH

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COURT REGIS SITTINGBOURNE

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PILGRIMS VIEW SNODLAND

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5

HEVERCOURT GRAVESEND

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RIVERDALE WELLING

HOMELEIGH ERITH

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HONEYFIELD HEXTABLE

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8

THE NEW CLOSE BRIDGE

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HEAD OFFICE Faversham

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SUNBURY LODGE WOOLWICH WEYBOURNE LONDON COMMUNITY SUPORT Crayford

01795 597400 www.avantepartnership.org.uk De Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD

STEPAHEAD SUPPORT GRAVESEND / DARTFORD BRANCH SWANLEY / SEVENOAKS BRANCH

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STEPAHEAD SUPPORT TONBRIDGE BRANCH

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STEPAHEAD SUPPORT CANTERBURY BRANCH

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STEPAHEAD SUPPORT COMMUNITY IMPACT THANET BRANCH

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Avante Partnership is a registered charity

Most days Jenny feels lost She has dementia

We can help 01795 597 431

We understand dementia

www.avantecaresupport.org.uk

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