Inform Newsletter June 2017

June 2017 Issue 23

MUCH LOVED COUNTESS MOUNTBATTEN SADLY PASSES AWAY A SPECIAL VISIT FROM UKRAINE NATIONAL CARE HOME OPEN DAY HOME CARE AND SUPPORT WELCOME TWO NEW TEAM MEMBERS

STRONG FOUNDATIONS One of my first tasks as the new Managing Director at Avante Care & Support was to develop a three year business plan that builds on the strong foundations laid over the last few years. I am pleased to say that the Trustees have agreed the new business plan, which incorporates three key strategic goals.

Our first goal is to focus on the quality of care that we deliver so that we constantly improve and all our services are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by CQC. As part of this, we will revitalise the Eden Alternative as our Philosophy of Care with more staff qualified as Eden Associates and all our services encouraged to become Eden Accredited.

Our second goal is to ensure we have a strong financial base from which to grow and invest in our services and staff. We will do this by making sure we are attractive to future residents and service users and by ensuring we charge fairly for

the services we provide. At the same time, we want to reduce the amount of money we spend on external agency staff. Importantly, as a not for profit organisation, any surpluses we make will go straight back into the care we deliver through investment in staff, our homes and new services.

Our third goal is to develop our services by investing in our existing homes, but also, in time, to grow our services by taking on new homes or home care services.

Back to today, and I am delighted to tell you that we have had successful CQC inspections at Parkview, Puddingstone Grange and the Kent Branch of our Home Care service. Each received an overall rating of ‘Good’ and scored ‘Good’ in all five key lines of enquiry. Well done to everyone concerned! We also had an inspection at Bridge Haven, and it was clear from the report that there has been a lot of hard work at the home and great progress had been made. Our thanks to all of you for your hard work.

Finally, many organisations have a vision statement - a short sentence that says what it is that the organisation is trying to achieve. Although we have a Mission statement….

- To understand and enable the journey through care in older age by providing personalised home support and residential services ….and we have agreed our values….

- SPARKLE ….we don’t yet have a stated vision, and I’d like your help in writing it.

Our vision will be more than saying ‘to provide care’. It’s more about why we provide care; and why we do it the way we do it. It’s about what motivates us.

In order to get your ideas about why you do what you do, I will be asking the Managers of our homes, services and at Head Office to hold a series of short meetings to collect everyone’s thoughts. When we have these we will draft a statement that will express what we are trying to achieve in a clear way which can be shared with new and existing residents, service users, relatives and staff.

In the meantime, please keep doing what you are doing. You are making a big difference to lots of people.

Stuart Cross, Managing Director Avante Care & Support

Avante Care & Support Limited A Company Limited by Guarantee: Company Registration No. 2565021 (England)

ouse, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD A Registered Charity Registration No 1002727

MUCH LOVED COUNTESS MOUNTBATTEN SADLY PASSES AWAY ON TUESDAY 13TH JUNE Countess Mountbatten of Burma, a British Peeress and former lady-in-waiting to her third cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her children on Tuesday 13th June. The Countess Mountbatten was a Trustee before becoming the founding President of Avante Care & Support and served the organisation from 1990. The Countess was not only a figurehead, but an inspiration to the staff and volunteers who met her at various meetings and functions she attended over the years. From opening a new suite at Court Regis care home in 1997 to launching the first ever ‘Big Kent Coffee Morning’ during Fairtrade Fortnight in 2004, to being the guest of honour when she unveiled a commemorative stone at the opening of Northbourne Court care home in Sidcup in 2006, the Countess was always willing to give her time to support our work. More recently in 2011, Countess Mountbatten attended Avante Care & Support’s first Star Award ceremony at the Priestfield football stadium where she presented the Mountbatten Award.

Avante Care & Support was fortunate to have been supported by the Countess Mountbatten for many years and she was very much valued and respected for her commitment and contribution to the organisation’s work of caring for vulnerable people in our communities.

On behalf of the Trustees, Executive Management Team and staff of Avante Care & Support, our deepest sympathies are extended to the family of The Countess Mountbatten of Burma, for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

A SPECIAL VISIT FROM UKRAINE On Wednesday 17th May Avante Care & Support hosted a day for thirteen visitors from the Kharkiv Institute for Social Research in the Ukraine. The Institute is responsible for a wide range of projects including improving policy and practices across a broad range of services, within their local communities.

Manager, Tracey Creasey Assistant Manager.

The visitors were extremely interested in the Willows day care service and spent time with Jeanette Spooner and her team. Emma provided a tour of Court Regis and we ended the day with afternoon tea provided by Court Regis and a questions and answers session.

The morning commenced at Amherst Court with a series of presentations by Avante Care & Support on the services we provide.

Presentations included policy, procedure, practice, auditing and regulation. The visitors then broke into two groups and Lorraine Eastmead, Registered Manager and Julie Ayres the Care Manager from Amherst Court kindly provided a tour of the home, where our visitors spoke to staff, residents and visitors. The tour was followed by a buffet lunch in the Harbour Lounge with an opportunity to network, meet new friends and join in a joint photo session.

Our visitors remarked how impressed they were with the warmth and care provided by Avante Care & Support staff in all three locations they visited, and they appreciated the honesty and openness of Avante Care & Support staff. Bob Milne the person responsible for arranging the visit said “It was lovey to meet Emma again who had progressed her career through the organisation, she was a brilliant advert for staff training and development within Avante Care & Support�.

We then travelled to Court Regis in Sittingbourne where our visitors received another warm welcome form Emma Hodges Registered

Jacqueline Morris, Director of Quality Standards & Compliance Avante Care & Support

AMHERST COURT CARE HOME OPEN DAY We invited local organisations to join us and set up information stalls for their services. We had MS society, Royal Voluntary Services, Coreen Ayres from TG Baynes, and other dementia support services.

The sun was shining all day, with everyone outside playing games, enjoying the refreshments and food.

Entertainment was provided by Fred who played throughout the day with our residents, staff and visitors all joining in to dance and sing along to. Some of the Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) patients and staff also came down and enjoyed the day. Towards the end we held a raffle which helped us raise ÂŁ100 for the Amherst Court amenity fund.

Julie Ayres, Care Manager Amherst Court Care Home

PUDDINGSTONE GRANGE CARE HOME OPEN DAY Pupils from St. Margarets School were invited to the home to sing, along with saxophonist Michael Flack, giving visitors and residents some wonderful entertainment throughout the open day.

There was also a mini Spa Day, giving residents and visitors some much appreciated pampering and relaxation.

Some residents even took the chance to get their nails painted for the occasion.

MISSION TO MELE - MUKU 2017 Mary Oyefeso, Bridge Haven Care home Manager recently took part in a three week mission to Mele-Muku in Nigeria. Mary joined Avante Care & Support as Home Manager at Bridge Haven in December 2016.

Mary had always wanted to take part in a mission so in May 2017 she set off for her first Mission in Nigeria which was arranged and supported by her local church the Endtime Evangelical Church based in Chatham, Kent.

Preparing for the mission in the UK Members of the church got involved in contributing, donating and assisting towards the mission. We had food sales for a few months before the mission and all proceeds went towards funding the mission. We also donated money, clothes, shoes and toys for the locals.

All the donations were shipped and cargoed to Nigeria.

Arriving in Nigeria Two weeks prior to the mission we began preparations. The cargoed items were sorted according to gender, size and age range. We also prepared health and hygiene packs which included Paracetamol/Ibuprofen, sanitary towels, deodorants, toothpaste, toothbrush and cotton buds.

We visited the local market to buy books, colouring notebooks, sweets and treats for the school kids in Abese primary school.

Prior to the medical health checks volunteers were trained on their roles during the checks. It was essential to ensure that they were clear on the importance of confidentiality and data collection.

I trained the volunteers on how to take blood pressure and blood sugar readings, what the results meant and the interpretation.

Visiting Gideon Orphanage On the 1st May we visited an orphanage in Nigeria called Gideon Orphanage. On our arrival we were greeted by the children and we sang with them. They all spoke to us about their experiences and we were told about some of their heartfelt and emotional stories.

Visiting Abese Primary school Last year during our visit at Abese primary school they requested for a computer because the children had never used or seen a computer before. The school was given a computer and school uniform for all the students.

Mission in Mele - Muku rural community The mission took place from 4th - 6th of May. It begun with a forum for the ministers that lead Mele and surrounding communities. We discussed the importance of family and striking a balance between work and family time. In the afternoon, ministers were given the opportunity to get a free healthcare check up. Free health checks for the locals took place the following morning, with over 200 adults attended eager to have free healthchecks.

Day 3 was a day filled with singing, dancing and performances from choirs and a drama group. The atmosphere was vibrant and we prayed and ended the mission with a ‘love feast’. We paid for caterers to cook large portions of a traditional meal of jollof rice and beans with chicken or fried fish.

This was a life changing experience and we look forward to continuing in this adventure. For further information and details please visit our website eeczionhouse.com or visit our youtube channel eeczionhouse.

Mary Oyefeso, Home Manger Bridge Haven

NATIONAL CARE HOME OPEN DAY AT PARKVIEW On Friday 16th June, Parkview care home took part in the National Care Home Open Day, inviting and welcoming anyone who wished to view the home or just enjoy the terrific garden party.

With great food and drinks on offer, visitors were welcomed into the home to take part in celebrating such an amazing event. It was a very special afternoon with entertainment provided by the residents, who all took the chance to show off their karaoke skills. Muriel a resident of Parkview said, “I really enjoyed myself today”.

Jo Thompson, Activity Coordinator Parkview Care Home

RIVERDALE COURT TRIP TO TEAPOT ISLAND Residents from Riverdale Court enjoyed a recent trip to Teapot Island in Yalding, Maidstone. We were all fascinated by the many different styles and how many were on display!

As the weather took a turn for the worse ….hailstones to be precise, we had to make the most of it and enjoy our picnic on our bus.

Annette Kelly, Activities Coordinator Riverdale Court

PILGRIMS VIEW CARE HOME CELEBRATE DEMENTIA FRIENDS CUPCAKE DAY Staff, residents and family celebrated Cupcake Day with some amazing creations, with all funds raised going towards the Alzheimer's Society.

Sharon, the Cook at Pilgrims View showed her talents and crafts, baking this wonderfully large cupcake. Sharon made sure that all the colours and names of the suite were present on the cupcake. Family and friends all joined in, providing a great selection of cupcakes and other yummy goodies for everyone to enjoy!

ON 16TH JUNE 2017 THE WILLOW DAY CENTRE TEAMED UP WITH COURT REGIS CARE HOME TO CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL CARE HOME OPEN DAY. A wonderful buffet lunch was prepared for the open day by the catering team at Court Regis.

Representatives from the Upchurch Golf Club were invited to officially open the new ‘Summer House’ cabin at the home. The ladies Captain was sponsored to play golf for 30 days in a row, raising funds to help purchase the cabin. Since the opening, residents and families have enjoyed spending time with the new addition to the home.

The weather was glorious and there was plenty of fun, laughter and entertainment throughout the day. Music was provided by Storm King who sang songs from the 50s and 60s era. It was a great afternoon and we send out our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making it a success.

Jeannette Spooner, Day Care Officer The WIllow Day Centre

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY CUPCAKE DAY AT HEAD OFFICE Thank you to everyone who joined us at Head Office for the Alzheimer’s Cupcake afternoon, quite a few of us enjoyed various cupcakes and entering the competitions, we even had some visitors from local companies!

THE BEXLEY BRANCH OF HOME CARE AND SUPPORT WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME TWO NEW RECRUITS TO THEIR TEAM. Mel Kichenside started her new Coordinator role in March after originally being a Home Care Worker for the Bexley Team for 5 years.

Mel said “I never thought the role would be so challenging and varied, Sophie O’Sullivan, Senior Coordinator did warn me that no two days will be the same, which is so true, I’m thankful for the help and support I receive from the team, also the carers out there are so nice and helpful”.

Gabi (Gurbaksish) Birdi has been with Avante since 2014 and originally worked in the Avante Staff Bank team. Gabi then worked as a Health Care Assistant for 2 ½ years at Puddingstone Grange, eventually leading on to an Administrator and Receptionist role.

Gabi started in April as a Care Coordinator with the Bexley Home Care and Support team.

Gabi also continues to support Puddingstone Grange with covering the reception.

Gabi said “I am enjoying my job as a Coordinator, I’m still learning as I have only been here for 2 months, but I have picked up the system really quickly and feel confident now doing things on my own”.

Bexley Registered Manager Dawn Dwyer said “I would like to welcome them both to the team, the Coordinator role can be a difficult one and is often demanding, both are doing extremely well.

Gabi and Mel have joined an established team and have fitted in really well and we look forward to continuing as a strengthened team providing excellent support to both our Service Users and Care Workers”.

BAKE OFF AT BRIDGE HAVEN Bridge Haven care home held their annual Bake Off on Sunday 25th June. The theme for this year was Cheesecake.

The day was off to a good start with some lovely weather. We had a lot of families and friends, new and old attend our annual Bake Off event.

Eleven amazing cheesecakes were entered into the Bake Off competition, to be judged by 3 pub Landlord’s from Bridge, The Plough and Harrow, The White Horse and the Red Lion.

After some careful sampling of each cake, the Landlord’s eventually came to a decision, announcing Caroline Holt as the winner, making it her second win at the Bake Off! And as you can imagine lots of residents and staff with families enjoyed the afternoon, with plenty of music and entertainment. Once the winner was announced, everyone was able to try out all the gorgeous cheese cakes entered into the competition.

Julie Westbury, Activity Coordinator Bridge Haven Care Home

If you would like to find out more about Avante Care & Support please call us on 01795 597400 or visit our website at www.avantecare.org.uk