TALENT SHOW
RESIDENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS SPECIAL
SAM SKIING TRAINING
AMII’S HORSE UPDATE
PLUS: UPDATES FROM JESS AND SUSAN BIRTHDAYS JANUARY ROUND UP AND MORE!
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Hello everyone!
This is my last newsletter update before heading off on maternity leave. My last working day is 13th February. I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all the best for the next 9 months. I know our residents and tenants will do so many wonderful and exciting things during that time and I am already looking forward to hearing about these when I return.
Susan Hoath has been with us since 20th January and will be taking over the CEO role from 14th February. Please do not hesitate to contact Susan should you need anything.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising and attending the Talent Show on 16th January, it was an incredible evening, and I was so proud of everyone who took part. Huge congratulations to our winners – Tom Dolan, Ade Holloway and Jo Desmond! A special thank you from me to Alison O’Meara, Head of Operations, for coordinating the event and to our judges who had the hardest job on the night!
Best wishes, Jess
Jess Alsop-Greenacre CEO
Since Jess wrote this we have had the wonderful news that she has had a baby boy called Roscoe. We are delighted to say they are both doing well.
FROM SUSAN
It’s really good to be here in person now, putting names to faces and learning about all the magic that happens here at the Lisieux Trust.
Last month, Alison O’Meara, Head of Operations, held a meet and greet for the tenants moving into 631 Chester Road. It was fantastic to meet the newest members of the Lisieux Trust community, including family members, and introduce them to some of the staff team who’ll be there to support them. Some of the tenants are moving to the property from their family homes and we know this change can be exciting and difficult in equal measure for both the tenants and their loved ones and we are here to support everyone involved, including family members.
After lots of hard work, the Tenants will start moving into both 631 Chester Road and 399 Boldmere Road during March. Setting up these new services will involve transferring some Support Workers from existing services into the new properties and some new people joining our teams. We know that being asked to transfer can be unsettling for employees and the residents, tenants and loved ones from their existing service. We are asking for your help and understanding – we were all new once. Lisieux Trust exists to give people with learning disabilities and autism happy homes where they can be as independent
News From The Trust
as possible. Setting up new services enables us to offer this to more people and it is so important that new residents and tenants receive support from experienced employees who know how Lisieux Trust works.
We are working on the plans for the development of our property on Grange Road. Once the plans have been finalised, these will be shared with the residents at Lisieux House who will be moving there and their loved ones. The whole project will take many months, so we’ll have lots of time to talk and plan but if you have any questions or want to talk about this development, you can contact our Head of Estates, Michelle Sutton, at michelle@ lisieuxtrust.org.uk or on 07720 677741.
While Jess is just leaving us to go on maternity leave, Becky Crawford is now back again after her time off with her baby. The return of Becky Crawford also means the return of the Lisieux Trust panto of course and Becky will be coordinating the next pantomime so watch this space for news on this!
Finally – a quick note to say happy Valentines Day to anyone who likes to use February 14th to remind the people close to them how much they are loved and looking a bit further ahead we’ve got St David’s Day on 01 March and all sorts of foodie feasts coming up including Fish and Chips Week (20-26 February), Pancake Day (04 March) and National Pie Week (04-10 March). Let us know if you do anything special to celebrate!
Susan Hoath Interim CEO
LISIEUX’S GOT TALENT
Oh, What a Night!
Lisieux’s Got Talent 2025 was nothing short of sensational! Nearly 200 people gathered at Sutton Town Hall to cheer on the performers, as almost 20 acts took to the stage and gave it their all.
The evening was expertly compered by Steve Walls, a seasoned entertainer with an impressive CV that includes appearances with Ant and Dec and at The Champions League Final. The show kicked off with a high-energy dance performance from Tom and featured songs by legendary rock artists like Abba, Elvis, and Maroon 5.
A standout moment in the first half was a full-cast performance of The Greatest Showman by Francis House, complete with stunning costumes that wowed the audience.
The second half brought even more excitement, with Janet belting out Shirley Bassey classics, Steven unleashing his inner Freddie Mercury, Lucy delivering her signature take on Phyllis Nelson, and Danny embracing his “Irish blood” with a heartfelt
After such an incredible lineup, it was over to the judges. Chaired by a friend of the Trust Caroline, the panel included Trustees Kevin, Elizabeth, and Pauline, as well as Resident Rosa - who’s idea it was and who had been a wonderful help in organising. Their task was to narrow it down to the final three:
Tom Dolan, who wowed the crowd with his Pitbull routine. Ade, who impressed with an original rap, and Jo, who delivered an outstanding performance as Tina Turner.
Following much deliberation, the judges awarded the crown to the Queen of Rock herself: Jo, who was simply the best!
Reflecting on the night, Rosa shared her thoughts:
“Organising these events is hard work, but I love doing it. Thanks to Alison for volunteering me—I think she trusts me! Events like these are great for people’s well-being, and that’s why I do it.”
A NIGHT AT BOYLIFE
BY ELIZABETH
As you will have seen recently, Residents and Tenants in their own words hsas been inegral to the newsletter. Well, last month Elizabeth went to see Boyzlife and she wanted to tell you all about it.
My name is Elizabeth and on the 30th January 2025 I went to see Boyzlife 2025 at Symphony Hall in Birmingham with Helen [one of our Support Workers].
There were two acts before Boyzllife. They sang some songs from Westlife and some from Boyzone, and songs like Uptown Girl, The Going Gets Tough and Rise Me Up.
The Symphony Hall was packed. It was really really good, thank you very much for letting me have their tickets to see Boyzlife [the tickets originally belonged to another of the people we support, but they couldn’t go].
Their names were Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy.
Everybody was up in the aisles, dancing and singing with the songs.
They are really nice looking!
Thank you very much for the tickets, thank you to Carol for getting them
I think they filmed it because there was a man with a video camera filming the songs, No Matter What, Love Me For a Reason, Flying Without Wings, Fool Again, Seasons In The Sun, I Have A Dream, Words and When You Say Nothing At All.
The Trust family had a fantastic January, doing all sorts of things.
They wanted to tell you all about it, so let these Residents and Tenants tell you their stories.
IN THEIR RESIDENTS AND
Loads more next month!
TALENT SHOW - BY
MAURA
OMOOn Thursday 16th January, everyone from Lisieux Trust took part in a Talent Show at Sutton Town Hall.
We all performed by singing and dancing. It was a fabulous night.
We all enjoyed ourselves and at the end of the night, we had certificates and medals.
Although we didn’t win we had fun rehearsing.
Everyone who came to watch was surprised at how well a group of disabled people can perform. It was an amazing night.
We went to the new cinema in Sutton Coldfield. We saw Wicked - it really was wicked! The dancing was the best, but the singing was really good too.
most. I will make a decision nearer the time.
I have been making some more loom bands to sell.
I haven’t decided who I am making them for, but whoever needs to
TOM
MICHAEL AND ANOTHER TENANT
OWN WORDS AND TENANTS
My dad has a holiday home in Malaga and I went with my dad and my sister.
The holiday was good, I went swimming and had a couple of massages.
I have had two trips this month. I went to London and went sightseeing with my girlfriend - we went to Trafalgar Square and saw loads of things.
Then I also went to watch Leicester Tigers and saw them beat Ulster 3810. It was a great game.
I went to a ghosthunting night with Gio, one of our Support Workers. It was in Shrewsbury. I’ve been before. It was great. There was an Ouija Board, and it moved for me but not for Gio!
ADE
HOLIDAY - BY ROSA
NICK
AMII’S BISCUIT UPDATE
Around The Trust
This month, the big news for Biscuit and me is that she’s giving a lot more lessons—we’re now teaching six autistic children.
There are three boys and three girls, and we take things slowly with them. Sometimes, when they first get on her, they’re a bit nervous. But then they realise she’s not going anywhere—she’s lovely. We help them get settled and the stirrups. They range in age from 6 to 14, and they all seem to really enjoy it. Biscuit is their favourite!
I lead and teach during the lessons, making sure we don’t rush them. If they feel ready, they might try trotting between me and Kate, who also works there.
We’ve also got a Pony Day coming up, which is always a great event. Loads of kids come, and they even help clean out the stables—which saves me from doing it! They also put on a pony parade. We have the little ponies for the smaller kids, and, of course, the bigger kids ride the larger ones.
Alison, the Trust’s Head of Operations, recently came to see Biscuit, which was great. I’ve braided her mane, and she’s been looking fantastic.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to do some shows with Biscuit. It will be amazing to get back into competition, and doing it with her will make it even more special. I had my hair cut at Ubi Hair in Boldmere. I go there a lot to have my hair cut and I like it. I like having my hair cut and think it looks really nice.
RESIDENTS AND TENANTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS
I am going on holiday with my mum in March.
We are going to Spain to the place on my iPad - the weather will be nicer than here and I am really looking forward to getting away with her.
I am still doing my Oliver McGowan Training.
I have been to learn what it is going to be like and I look forward to doing my first one soon.
JANUARY AT THE TRUST
Despite the long, dark nights of January, the Trust family stayed as active and connected as ever! Braving the cold, some enjoyed trips to football matches, refreshing outdoor walks, and even a lively game of tennis. Indoors, others kept their minds engaged with word searches, board games, and creative crafts, making the most of the cosy winter days.
January also brought exciting changes, with some residents moving homes and making new friends, settling into their new surroundings with warmth and support. A special mention goes to John, who kindly gifted Jess a babygro for her new arrival—thank you, John, for your thoughtfulness!
Through every activity, big or small, the Trust staff continued to foster a sense of community, laughter, and shared moments, proving that no season can dim the spirit of togetherness that makes our family so special.
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
There are three birthdays in the Trust in February. We’d like to wish, Ade on the 12th, Wanda on the 15th, and John on the 22nd, many happy returns.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
Contact Denise Johnson for all roles on Denisejohnson@lisieuxtrust.org.uk
Amongst the new starters this month were Miriam and Susan - who you have already met. They have joined as Support Worker and Interim CEO respectively, and we wish them both a very happy time at the Trust.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kevin Nagle (Chair), Pauline Lucas, Gary Harris, Elizabeth Fruer, Sarah Ann Moore, Asma Nafees, Nigel Downs, Gareth Chandler.
TRAINING
Face to face training got underway for 2025 this month.
In conjuction with our partners, Curve Learning, there were three courses.
12 attended Fire Marshall Five attended First Aid and six attended Food Hygiene.
SAM’S SKIING SUCCESS
AUTISM
ADE’S RAP CORNER
Autism comes at different levels, we are gifted, we should be given medals. Although autism is significant, it doesn’t mean we are different. I like writing raps to make words rhyme and to snap’ there is storytelling and rhyme to come together and shine.
never a frown. I feel like a king wearing a crown.
I have got autism and learning disability, I try to do things to the best of my ability. I don’t let autism get me down, I’ve always got a smile and
I’m so proud of what I’ve become, people with the same condition I know it’s not easy for some, you need to understand the conditions to make life decisions.
Many of the Trust family volunteer at Roots To Fruit in Sutton Coldfield and they had a special present from one of the Directors. They all had a hi-vis jacket with their names on - here they are modelling them. They look brilliant, don’t they?! Thanks to everyone at RTF!
Congratulations to Sam, who has just been training on skiing in Pila, Italy.
His mum sent us these pictures and told us how proud she was of him.
“He did a so-called ‘black run’. They are the most difficult slopes you can do, not quite vertical -but I won’t do them anymore and he did it without falling.”
