DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER by LisieuxTrust

CHRISTMAS PARTY FUN

FESTIVE QUIZ

PERFOMING WITH THE ROYAL BALLET

HEALTHY EATING

PLUS: JESS’S LATEST RESIDENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS MEET MICHELLE NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Hi all,

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are all having a wonderful festive season. I always feel that Lisieux Trust goes all out for Christmas and this year is no exception. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the dinner dance for food, dancing and a good catch up. I hope you all had a fabulous night!

Thank you to everyone involved in supporting some of our residents and tenants to move between houses during the last few months. All three of the residents and tenants that have moved are now settled and getting on well in their new homes. I know how much work goes into these moves, so a big thank you to everyone who helped.

Following on from the last newsletter update, we have now leased two new properties, one on Chester Road, a 7-bedroom supported living house, and one on Boldmere Road, a 5-bedroom supported living house.

Over the next few weeks, we will be talking to current residents and tenants who have told us they might like to move house and also talking to their loved ones. If these people would like to move to the new properties, we will be trying to make this happen.

We have lots of people on our waiting list who would like to move into a Lisieux Trust property. This means that some new tenants and residents will move into any vacancies in our existing properties and the new properties. It is fantastic to be in a position to offer homes to new people who are in need of care and support.

This month Charlotte Atkinson, our Roaming Manager working in Supported Living is heading off on maternity leave. We are sending her all of our best wishes for the safe arrival of her new addition to the family. Emma McEvilly, the Deputy Manager working with Charlotte will be able to deal with any queries from tenants and loved ones. You can reach her on 07955 204962 or emma@lisieuxtrust.org. uk.

As always, if anyone would like to speak to me about this information or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07719 329088 or at jessica@lisieuxtrust. org.uk.

Jess Alsop-Greenacre CEO

DINNER/DANCE FUN

If it’s the annual dinner dance, then it must be time for Christmas! And the 2024 event went with a real bang!

Aston Wood Golf Club, as ever, provided the backdrop for the party of the year, which saw hundreds of Residents, Tenants, their friends and family, as well as Trust Staff and Directors, join in the revelry.

The atmosphere was electric, with festive decorations creating a magical setting that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. There was a sumptuous three-course meal, and a disco that saw people dance for hours, but as ever it was the raffle that provided the real excitement, with prizes that brought smiles and cheers from the crowd.

It was a wonderful evening, and we hope that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves – but as ever, there are a number of people to thank.

First, the staff at Aston Wood for their continued hospitality, and also everyone who donated the fantastic raffle prizes – we are truly grateful.

And last, thanks to Lauren from Head Office for all her hard work organising the evening and ensuring every detail was perfect.

MORE TRUST

TOM PERFORMS WITH BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET NEWS

There was a momentous occasion last month as Tom, one of our tenants, performed at The Hippodrome in Birmingham.

Tom was one of the stars of the Birmingham Royal Ballet Freefall Dance Group’s annual showcase, performing in front of hundreds of people.

The evening began with a demonstration by Fox Hollies Special School, who—after just five sessions—performed After Lunar, a companion piece to the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s recent production.

Next came the main event: Seaside Rendezvous. Lee Fisher, Head of Creative Learning at the ballet, explained during his introduction that this performance was a reprise of a much-loved earlier production. The 2024 version featured Queen songs brought to life as the dancers depicted a narrative of a 1960s seaside holiday.

The lavish production, complete with a stunning light show and wonderful visual aids, showcased Tom performing throughout the event, including a solo. He was proudly supported by his housemates and staff from the Trust.

The evening concluded with a rousing finale, a standing ovation, and thanks from Paul Reeve Jackson, Interim Director of Learning, Engagement, Access, and Participation (LEAP).

Tom, who was billed second in the programme, is no stranger to the limelight. He was previously nominated for awards for his film Happy, Ok Mate and, just last month, appeared at a conference in Birmingham, where he demonstrated his routine.

AMII’S BISCUIT UPDATE

Biscuit has been busy this month, but her infection cleared up in her foot so she’s been given the all-clear.

Also, she’s been in the snow for the first time. I don’t know if she knew what to make of it. She was like: “What is all this white stuff?”

Because of the weather, we’ve had no lessons, so she’s just been a lady of leisure and chilling.

I’ve braided her, though and she’s ready for Christmas.

MORE TRUST

NEWS

CHRISTMAS QUIZ COMPETITION

We would like to thank two members of the Trust family, Stephen and Amy for their help in completing the newsletter this month.

The festive spirit was in full swing at Lisieux Trust as teams from across the houses came together for our highly anticipated Christmas Quiz! The event featured a variety of rounds, including Christmas-themed music and films, creating a merry and competitive atmosphere.

After a close contest, it was the team featuring Luke, our Finance Officer from Head Office as well as Residents Ben, Debbie, Janet, Tom and Deputy Manager John who emerged victorious, showcasing impressive knowledge and teamwork.

The quiz was another wonderful event organised by Rosa, one of our tenants, who continues to impress with her creativity and enthusiasm. Following the success of last week’s card-making session, Rosa once again brought people together for a memorable evening. Reflecting on the event, Rosa shared:

“The quiz went well. Everyone enjoyed doing it, and I enjoyed organising it.”

We’re so proud of the way our community comes together for events like this, and we look forward to seeing what Rosa has planned next. A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the evening such a success!

RESIDENTS AND TENANTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

NICOLA

I go to the Girl Guides every week.

I started going when I was a girl and now I help there.

I have got loads of badges.

AMY

We went to the Boldmere Show and it was very rainy. It was good, though and we enjoyed looking around all the shops and they closed the road.

MARK

The Birmingham Christmas market was great. I had hot chocolate and a hot dog.

The Trust family had a fantastic November, doing all sorts of things.

IN THEIR RESIDENTS AND

They wanted to tell you all about it, so let these Residents and Tenants tell you their stories.

Loads more next month!

HEALTHY EATING - BY

MAURA

In October 2024 four of us started going to a healthy eating course at Elwood Centre in Erdington.

It is really interesting because they are teaching us the right foods to eat and when they are important to everyone.

With our breakfast we have a bit of fruit, a good lunch and dinner, but each person has a plan to follow for fruit and veg and carbs and protein - on 12th December it was the last one and we had a party.

I went to RAF Cosford with Steven, Simon and Rob (pictured) and Manjit from the Trust. I enjoyed it, we walked around and saw all the planes. It was interesting.

We saw the Bomber plane outside, and there was a lot of history.

I didn’t buy anything at the shop but Steven did. He got a model plane.

MICHAEL I went to watch Here and Now with Gary at the Alex Theatre.

We had great fun and it was a great show.

I’d love to see it again.

RAF COSFORD: BY STEPHEN

THEIR OWN WORDS AND TENANTS

STEVEN

We went to Skegness on holiday.

It was good. We went to the beach, we played golf and had a nice time.

I played bingo and I had a beer, but I didn’t win and we are going to go again.

It rained sometimes but it didn’t matter.

DAVID AND DANIEL

Me and Daniel went on a walk with Dermot. We like to go out.

We walked from Clent village to the highest point, Four Stones, on the Clent Hills, as part of a long walk.

[Dermot explained he was tracking it and they walked almost 10k]

I had my hair cut and I think it looks good.

I enjoyed it very much. It was nice and I enjoy being pampered.

I also have done all my work at college this term. It has been hard.

MY HAIRCUT - BY ROSA

RESIDENTS UNDERTAKE

WELLNESS PROGRAMME

Around The Trust

As you have seen elsewhere, Maura told you that four of our residents – herself, Kate, Elizabeth, and Mark – are currently participating in an engaging and transformative course with Birmingham-based organisation, Beezee Bodies. This innovative program focuses on fostering healthier, happier lifestyles through sustainable, long-term changes. While previous lessons have centered around diet and nutrition, the most recent session took a different approach, emphasising mindfulness and the importance of sleep. The session highlighted how taking care of the mind and ensuring proper rest can significantly alleviate stress and contribute to overall well-being.

Trust Family to embark on the Beezee Bodies the inspiring success of a similar initiative spring. Residents from the earlier cohort experienced remarkable improvements, and their experience has paved the way for more of our community members to benefit from this unique opportunity.

I went to the smallest house in Britain with my brother. It was fun. It was very small. We did lots of things when we went on holiday.

Me and Michael went to to see UB40 in Birmingham. It was a brilliant concert and we sang along and got new t-shirts.

I am still doing all my steps. I walk over 10,000 every day, but I am also doing my healthy lunches too. I do them all myself.

RESIDENTS AND TENANTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

UB40 GIG

ELIZABETH

NOVEMBER AT THE TRUST

BY STEPHEN

This month I chose the photos on this page.

I chose the ones below because they were happy and good photographs.

My favourite one was the one on the top right of John and Paul because they were smiling.

I also liked the one of Lucy (middle, left) and the one of Emily (bottom, right) because they are my friends.

I liked the ones of the residents reading and writing, I like to do that too, sometimes. I also like the ones of the Boldmere show, because I go walking there a lot.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY

FOR US FUN

WORK

SUPPORT

WORKER

We are looking for candidates who are kind, honest, reliable, organised and good listeners. Experience in a care environment is beneficial; but not essential.

In this role you will provide support to adults with learning disabilities and autism with aspects of their daily lives such as leisure activities, hobbies, mealtimes, taking medication, washing and dressing, shopping, seeing family and dealing with money.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We hope you’ll join us in wishing theese people the happiest of birthdays. John on the 1st of December, Jill on the 12th and Duncan on 23rd. Have a brilliant time.

MEET MICHELLE

My Name is Michelle Sutton, and I am newly appointed Head of Estates. I have joined the team to look after our homes. I have spent the last 5 and a half years managing a commercial estate of assessment centres & head office spaces for a company called Atos. Before this time, I worked in transport and logistics for more than 20 years. I was recently made redundant and have been fortunate enough to secure a job here at the trust.

I love to travel when I can with my partner, Lee and my children. I love spending time with friends & family socialising whenever the opportunity arises. I am a keen swimmer and swim 4 or 5 times a week.

Contact Denise Johnson for all roles on Denisejohnson@lisieuxtrust.org.uk

I am a mum of two beautiful children, Isabella and DJ who are 13 & 11 years old. DJ loves to play football and more recently golf. Isabella loves musical theatre & performing arts. They both keep me very busy and are currently writing and re-writing their Christmas lists!

I am currently getting to know everyone at the trust, and I am really enjoying meeting residents and colleagues alike. Please do come and say hello when you are visiting the office I look forward to meeting you all really soon.

Trust News and more

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TRAINING

Kevin Nagle (Chair), Pauline Lucas, Gary Harris, Elizabeth Fruer, Sarah Ann Moore, Asma Nafees, Nigel Downs.

As ever, where training and developing the staff is a key ethos of the Trust, and there is always plenty of opportunities for learning.

Things slowed down in the run up to Christmas, but 15 attended formal diabetes training, we had some new starters undergoing their inductions and others carried on their personal development programmes.

WRITING SONGS

We are delighted to announce our Talent Night on 16th January 2025.

Residents, Tenants and Staff will be strutting their stuff on the stage at Sutton Town Hall. Tickets are £10 - and can be purchased right now from Denise or Lauren at Head Office. 0121 377 7071

Alison, our Head of Operations, would like to thank Ade (right) and John for the penguin she’s holding below. The kind-hearted duo wanted to give her a present and these are both now in her office.