MEET SUSAN
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE TRUST
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY
RESIDENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS
PLUS: FROM JESS
RESIDENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS BIRTHDAY FUN
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Hello everyone,
Happy New Year 2025! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and got to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. Thank you so much to all of the staff who worked over the Christmas period to give our residents and tenants a fun festive time!
2025 is set to be an exciting year for Lisieux Trust. We are in the process of setting up the two new supported living properties, one on Chester Road and one on Boldmere Road. I am thrilled that some of our existing tenants and residents who have
wanted to move for some time, will be moving to these properties. Lisieux Trust will always support residents and tenants who tell us that they want to move; this can be a lengthy and sometimes complicated process, but all residents and tenants have the right to live in a home of their choosing.
We have now engaged a full project team of architects, engineers and other specialists to deliver the development of our property on Grange Road. This property is currently a 4-bedroom supported living house and will be developed into a 6-bedroom care home. We anticipate the property will be ready for occupation in spring/ summer 2025. Michelle Sutton, our Head of Estates, will be leading this project.
I am due off on maternity leave at the end of February and Susan Hoath is starting with us as the Interim Chief Executive on
20th January. She is introduced on the next page.
Becky Crawford is due to return from her maternity soon and will resume her position as Registered Manager in Supported Living alongside Brendan Griffiths. We are thrilled to be welcoming her back.
I am incredibly excited to see what Lisieux’s Got Talent has in store for us on 16th January, it will be a fantastic evening and I am looking forward to seeing many of you there.
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 AlsopGreenacre CEO
MEET SUSAN
Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
I hope that you, your families and friends got time to laugh together and enjoy each others’ company over the holiday break and want to say special thank you to anyone who spent time caring for another person, to support them to enjoy the season too.
My name is Susan Hoath and I am very excited to be coming in to the Lisieux Trust to cover Jess’ seat while she is on maternity leave. She’s leaving a big gap, but promise I will do my best to keep the charity, the team and everyone we work with on track until she comes back.
As a short introduction; I used to work in the NHS designing community services that worked across health and social care but have spent the last 12 years working for charities like the Lisieux Trust, especially those who support people with sensory impairments, learning disabilities, long-term ill-health and complex support needs. I’ve even worked in the Birmingham area before and was at Focus Birmingham a few years ago over in Harborne so it will be nice to be back in the area.
Things you might like to know about me:
- Hoath is pronounced to rhyme with “both” or “oath”
- I fly kites and I love lego
- I like to make and eat cake but do not like seafood or marmite (yuk)
- I don’t have any pets, but I do have two sons which is pretty much the same!
I start on the 20th January and while I know I’ve met some of you already, I really look forward to getting to know you all better as I settle into the job and take up the reins. You are going to have to help me learn who is who and all about our services and of course, most importantly, you can help me learn about the trust by telling me about your own experiences, good and bad, so we can all learn about what could be even better.
MORE TRUST
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY: BY STEPHEN
As some of you may know, one of the Residents, Stephen, has been helping with the media output on Wednesdays for the last few months.
Just before Christmas, he did something extra special. First, he said he couldn’t write a story for the website, but with the help of Chat GPT he did exactly that.
So here’s his work below (slightly adapted for the newsletter).
Last week in the office, we enjoyed a cheerful morning filled with festive spirit as staff and residents gathered for our Christmas Jumper event. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with hot chocolate in hand and plenty of laughter. It was lovely to see everyone coming together, enjoying a moment of joy and connection during this busy time of year.
While Stephen didn’t attend, he shared his thoughts about the event. “I don’t like them myself, and I don’t wear them because I think it’s embarrassing,” he admitted, adding with a smile, “but the pictures are nice, and it looked like everyone enjoyed themselves as they should.”
Whether you’re a fan of Christmas jumpers or not, the event reminded us of the importance of coming together, sharing a laugh, and making memories. Here’s to many more moments.
We went to Luminate at the Botanical Gardens. It was open air and in the rain. It reminded me of Walsall Illuminations!
There was hands on stuff, so we could operate the beams. And there was an owl thing too.
We had a burger and some hot chocolate, and Sue [one of the tenants] liked the doughnuts!
MORE TRUST
ADE IN THE STUDIO
Our resident rapper, Ade, was back in the studio last month when he travelled to Birmingham with TJ, one of our support workers, to lay down his latest beats.
The talented tenant was thrilled to return to where he feels most at home, saying: “It was good to get back into the recording studio and back into the music scene again.”
Following in the footsteps of his hero, Eminem, Ade recorded one of his original raps. But for him, it wasn’t just about creativity, as he shared: “Me and T just had a good laugh and stuff.”
Ade has been incredibly prolific lately, with his raps becoming a weekly hit on social media every Tuesday.
A very, very early date for your diary. We have confirmed the date for the Dinner/Dance in 2025. It’ll be December 4h 2025 at Aston Wood Golf Club. Tickets will be onsale much, much later in the year.
RESIDENTS AND TENANTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS JOANNE
I had a great time with my brother, Robert. We went to the station and got the train to London.
We had to get the underground to Excel Centre.
There was an exhibition of Grand Prix cars and I got to stand next to Lewis Hamilton’s old car.
Then we went to Canary Wharf for something to eat. Robert had a kebab and I had a Burger King.
The Trust family had a fantastic Christmas period, 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!
TALKING TO ST JOHN’S CADETS - BY MAURA
On 8th December 2024, Alison [Our Head of Operations] collected Rosa, Tom and I.
We went to Blackheath [in the Black Country]. We all had something to eat at the Red Lion, then we went to the Community Centre, where the cadets were.
We all introduced ourselves to them then Alison put on the CQC video [where many of the Trust family spoke of their hopes and dreams].
Then we spoke to them and were able to answer any questions. It helped us a lot.
My mum lives near Moseley Bog, and on Boxing Day in the fog we went for a walk. It’s a walk by her new house. It’s a nice walk and there’s a wood there and a forest.
PARTY: BY DUNCAN
I went to the Special Olympics Christmas party. Loads of the Trust were there. We danced and it was good. I am here with Amy.
THE BOG IN THE FOG - BY ROSA
THEIR OWN WORDS AND TENANTS
I went to my brother Gerry’s house for Christmas. I had a nice dinner. We had turkey, gammon and mince pies.
I had some games as a
present, it was nice. I went for a walk, but it was cold. It was foggy. I stayed at his house on Christmas night and came home on Boxing Day.
And we watched telly, some films, but they were rubbish!
ANOTHER DAY OUT: DAVID AND DANIEL
We go on loads of walks with Dermot [one of the Trust’s Support Workers]. We went from Knightswick, West of Worcester. Dermot said it was a place that was not visited often.
The Malvern Hills are in the background. We walked eight miles.
A few of us went to Sutton Coldfield we saw “The Grannys”. They were doing a dance on their boxes. It was really good and really fun. They were dancing to music, and it was nice to see.
THE GRANNY’S: BY NICOLA
CHRISTMAS BY STEPHEN
A AMII’S BISCUIT UPDATE
Biscuit had a fantastic Christmas! She did a kids’ party, and we dressed her up (as pictured).
There weren’t many lessons over the holiday period, so she’s been chilling. I did visit her on Christmas Eve with my dad, and we brought her presents. I got her some minty treats she can lick—she absolutely loves them.
It’s been cold and icy, but she hasn’t been bothered by it. She’s got her coat to keep warm, and right now, she’s like a woolly mammoth at the moment!
She’s fully recovered from her foot injury, and now we can’t keep her inside! She’s been spending time outside with her friend Barnaby. It’s lovely to see the companionship thing they’ve got going on.
With Christmas and New Year over, I’ll be heading back to the stables four days a week. After finishing my work in the stables, I always make time to visit her. I just stand at the gate, call out to her, and she comes running down the field as she knows I’m there.
She usually runs around for about 10 minutes, and during that time, we can’t catch her!
When the warmer weather arrives, I’m looking forward to doing some shows with her.
RESIDENTS AND TENANTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS
When I went on holiday with my brother and sister-in-law [you will have seen it in other newsletters] and as well as doing loads of things, we went to Cheshire Oaks on the way home. I bought some DVDs.
I was in a show called Countdown To Christmas. It was really good. I was dancing and singing.
I was glad to see the YMCA staff at Steppin’ Up and especially Joe Brown.
This is Wrinkles. He’s my teddy, and he’s my friend. He goes everywhere with me. He came to the Christmas Dinner/Dance with me and had a great time.
PS: He might be showing up in the newsletter some more in the coming months.
CHRISTMAS AT THE TRUST
All things Christmas dominated life at The Trust this December, spreading joy and festive cheer across the community. From the moment December arrived, the holiday spirit was unmistakable, with twinkling decorations brightening every corner and an ever-mischievous Elf on the Shelf making daily appearances to bring smiles and laughter.
Christmas jumpers were a highlight, with staff and residents alike donning their finest festive knitwear, from jolly Santas to sparkling reindeer. The creativity didn’t stop there—festive nails added a touch of glamour. Fancy dress saw everyone embracing the magic.
For those staying at home, a special Christmas lunch brought the community together. The tables were adorned with crackers, and the aroma of traditional holiday fare filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
At The Trust, December wasn’t just about decorations or events; it was about the shared moments of joy, togetherness, and a reminder of the importance of community spirit.
DECEMBER 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
Contact Denise Johnson for all roles on Denisejohnson@lisieuxtrust.org.uk
We have three birthdays in the Trust family this month, so please join us in wishing Emily on the 8th, Susan on the 23rd and Nick on the 28th, the very best of days. Many happy returns!
Meet Gareth: The New Trustee
I’m 42 years old and live with my husband in Aldridge. I have lived in the West Midlands since I was 18 when I moved here to attend University.
I grew up in Leicester, so I haven’t come from too far away. I have a very large family most of whom live in the Leicester area.
Career wise I work in finance as I always enjoyed numbers and problem solving. My superpower at work is
to be both organised and flexible.
Outside of work
I like to garden, read and cook. I am currently growing Broad Beans and Chili plants, reading the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and learning to cook some sea food dishes from Rick Stein’s cookbook.
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, Gareth Chandler.
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
As ever, training and developing the staff is a key ethos of the Trust, and there are always plenty of avenues available for learning.
There will be opportunities throughout the year for staff to broaden their skills as well as mandatory personalised programmes that all staff are required to undertake.
We ‘d like to thank everyone who kindly donated this years stunning array of prizes at the annual dinner/dance.
It was incredible to see all that you gave us (below). Thank you!
NEW YEAR HOPES
ADE’S RAP CORNER
Christmas is over for another year.
2025 is here.
Hope it’s better than the last one,
So many people dying in earthquakes and
wars we need to stop all the pain and deaths they cause.
Looking at a positive note, there will soon be warmer weather and going out without a coat.
MORE CHRISTMAS AROUND THE TRUST
Christmas is always special at the Trust. 2024 was no exception. Here’s just a flavour of some of the fun around the houses.
