Edition 8
Together, we enable people to live later life well
Featuring Finding Nana - children’s book Befriending - two’s company MHA Sunday - how to get involved Get tea-gether with Communi-tea party 2024
Welcome from Sam The power of connections is something we truly understand and value at MHA. From powerful, long lasting connections, such as the one Dot and Grace have built up through our befriending scheme, to the day to day connections of bonding over a football match or an old movie, connections and time together is vital. I am delighted that we are focusing on these connections throughout this magazine and celebrating the way they enable people to live later life well.
Sam Monaghan, CEO As we prepare for MHA Sunday I’d like to thank everyone who has supported this campaign in the past, and all who will support us this year. Without your support, during MHA Sunday and beyond, we simply wouldn’t be able to facilitate these life giving connections for those we support.
Thank you.
About MHA
Get a free, professionally drafted Will with MHA We all need an up-to-date Will, but it’s one of those jobs many of us put off. With MHA’s free Will service you can get started straight away. If you would like to know more: • •
visit mha.org.uk/freewills call our team on 01332 221651
©2024. Methodist Homes is a registered Charity in England & Wales (No.1083995).Company limited by Guarantee (No. 4043124).
For more than 80 years, families have been choosing MHA to support the needs and aspirations of their loved ones in later life. People have been forging friendships through our community programmes. Fundraising to drive our charitable goals. And spreading the warmth, comfort and spirituality that you’ll find across every MHA home, community and development. It’s always for one reason, which will always stay the same. Helping older people to live later life well.
For more information visit mha.org.uk or find us on social media 3
Latest news
‘Brand’ new for 2024!
Christmas Friendship Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2023 Christmas friendship campaign. We received 468 cards which were shared with residents and members across MHA’s services, bringing smiles and festive cheer to many. The cards included a beautiful selection of handmade cards from The British School of Beijing, Sanlitu. Sally Metcalfe, National Befriending Manager, says ‘these thoughtful cards have helped brighten many days. Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2023 campaign and helped make it such a success.
We’ll be launching a new website later in the year!
Up...up and away to seize the day! MHA Langholme took two residents for a helicopter ride as part of their Seize the Day. The two residents were accompanied by staff members to Perranporth Airfield by a volunteer minibus driver, who himself used to be a helicopter pilot. At 99 years young, Doreen was one of the oldest passengers they had ever had, but she had no trouble climbing in and out of the helicopter and a great day was had by all. Speaking after the trip she said: “It was very liberating and we got a great view of the coastline.
Sheila Fowkes, Activity Coordinator at MHA Maple Leaf House enjoying some of the cards sent by the pupils.
Alexander added:” I want to thank Linda, our activities coordinator for arranging this trip. It was something and somewhere different, I am not scared of anything and would love to do this again.”
You may notice throughout Heart & Soul, some fresh new colours! That’s because we have reviewed our brand to make sure that we are accessibility compliant. Keep an eye out for a ‘brand’ new look and user experience coming soon, at mha.org.uk
Gold Star Sponsors Lyreco UK & Ireland generously served as the Gold Sponsor for the MHA Christmas Wishes Silent Auction, donating to support MHA Communities Shifnal. Colleagues from Lyreco joined members and volunteers at the scheme's Christmas party. They joined in activities including a festive-themed workout, lively Christmas carols, and a delicious Christmas lunch. Their generous contribution brought much joy and warmth to the holiday season for MHA Communities Shifnal. (Pictured left - MHA’s Emma Dawson, Kirsty Millward, and Rachel Powell with Paul Driver, National Account Manager – Public Sector, Lyreco UK & Ireland. Below - MHA Communities Shifnal members enjoying their festivethemed workout)
OSCAR Awards We celebrated our amazing colleagues at an award ceremony in November. Congratulations to all of our award winners! 4
Pictured left - Sonia Haithcock, Jaide Foster-Howarth, Lesley McNeill, Tracy Campbell
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Meet Dot
9 June 2024 MHA Sunday Befriending two’s company This year, our MHA Sunday service is based around Mark 4:30-32, the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This passage showcases how it can be the smallest of gestures that make the biggest impact, something Dot and Grace know all about through their story of friendship. Their telephone friendship After being carefully matched by MHA’s befriending team, their weekly half-hour conversation soon turned into regular texts checking in on one another, as family members would, which is what the pair now refer to each other as.
Despite this usually being an over the phone befriender role, MHA recently supported the pair to meet up in-person for the first time and it was immediately apparent how much their friendship means to them both. Such a wonderful thing, formed through something as simple as a conversation.
“Befriending really brings the outside world in for a lot of older people. We need volunteers from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s knowing that someone wants to take the time out of their day to talk to them. It’s feeling heard, seen, and listened to.” - Sally Metcalfe - MHA National Befriending Manager.
Following the pandemic and the loss of her husband and sister, Dot confided in her family, who live further away, about feeling lonely. With support, Dot applied to MHA’s telephone befriending service where she was later introduced to Grace.
“Grace is like a daughter to me. She is very caring.” - Dot.
Meet Grace Similar to Dot, the pandemic resonated with Grace and brought up some ‘memories of [her] own grandparents’. Grace decided she wanted to spend some of her time volunteering, with the aim of finding a new friend and that is exactly what she found in Dot.
“Dot brings so much to me, in terms of how I feel at the end of the conversation.” - Grace. To host your own service or to download and order your free resources, including Gift Aid envelopes, visit, mha.org.uk/Sunday
From a simple conversation that started with asking Dot if she liked music, Grace and Dot began to learn more about each other and even bonded over the band AC/DC.
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Premier Christian Radio and Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes (pictured right), is an MHA Patron, and presents this year’s MHA Sunday video
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Meet the MHA Central Befriending team
Befriending can help a person feel seen and heard. For an older person to feel that they do not have the desired meaningful connections can have a devastating impact on them. When we introduce someone to a befriender we often hear it’s just knowing that someone is thinking of them, and takes time out of their day to speak to them that makes such a difference.
Carol, MHA Central Befriending Member
Rachel Marshall, Deborah Harrison, Sally Metcalfe and Julie Clancy
Befriending explained Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer and an individual which is overseen by an organisation such as MHA. Befriending can help to bring the outside world in for people who are currently experiencing or at risk of feeling lonely. The MHA befriending service aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people who can be particularly at risk. Factors including living on their own, facing bereavement or living with an illness or disability that affects their ability to connect with the wider community can all reduce the opportunity and ability of an older person to engage in meaningful conversations and interactions.
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“Everyone I have spoken to from the befriending team have been so kind and I have never felt like they have been reading a script, it’s all been straight from the heart. I would recommend the service to others”.
“I have been part of the team of volunteers for MHA since January 2022 and I couldn’t recommend being a part of the befriending service more. I’ve been lucky enough to build a lasting friendship over my regular befriending calls and I couldn’t imagine my week without them. Sharing stories across generations and catching up on each other’s day to day lives and interests is such a joy and I always look forward to our calls.” Louise, MHA Volunteer
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, from younger volunteers looking to gain experience to older volunteers who may be preventing their own isolation or looking for a renewed purpose following a life change such as retirement. For volunteers the support starts the moment they apply. From the time the application is received they are supported by a dedicated volunteer coordinator from our Central Volunteer team who will support them through the application process until they are ready to start volunteering. All our volunteers are vetted and given training which supports them and reassures our members.
Sally Metcalfe, National Befriending Manger says “We often hear feedback from our volunteers and members that they feel safer having the support of MHA. For our volunteers it takes away the pressure, they know if they have any concerns the team are ready to support. It enables them to enjoy conversations with the member without worrying about taking on responsibility of the person they are talking to. For members, and their loved ones it helps them to feel safe knowing they are being supported by a trusted organisation.”
To find out more about our befriending services, including about volunteering for us, please visit: mha.org.uk/befriending Could you support MHA befriending to continue our vital services? Please visit: mha.org.uk/fundraising or get in touch with the team at befriending@mha.org.uk 9
Fix Care For All It is our colleagues who are critical to helping older people to live later life well. That’s why last summer we launched the latest phase of our Fix Care For All campaign - in order to champion the voice of care professionals and to raise awareness of the vital work they do each and every day. We all know that social care is in crisis: • Nearly half a million people are waiting for a care assessment. • There are 152,000* vacancies in the sector. *Source - Skills for Care
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• Local Authorities are strapped for cash and unable to meet the true cost of care, creating a postcode lottery and putting immense pressure on care providers. • Care homes have faced huge financial pressures due to inflation – especially the cost of heating homes. We can’t let this go on. So our campaign is calling for the creation of a Social Care Council that will be a powerful voice for better pay, terms and conditions for our colleagues and will make the case for the sustainable, long term funding that the social care sector so badly needs. Pictured right colleagues from MHA Assisi Place, Leeds
So far we’ve had some big campaign successes: • More than 1,800 people have signed our petition • More than 50 MPs have received letters from our supporters • We’ve held meetings with the Minister of State for Social Care who has committed to exploring the creation of a Social Care Council • We met with the Shadow Minister for Social Care, who confirmed that Labour would implement a Social Care Service should they win the next election. But there’s still more to do. The Prime Minister has confirmed that he intends to hold a General Election this year and we’re determined to make social care a key issue throughout the campaign. We’ll be working with other organisations to ensure that all political parties prioritise social care in their manifestos.
Pictured left - Professor Vic Rayner OBE - CEO of the National Care Forum, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Daisy Cooper MP - Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans, Sam Monaghan and Abiodun Williams MHA Hall Grange, Croydon
We will also be helping our colleagues and supporters to get involved and reach out to their local candidates – whether you know someone in one of our care settings, work in one of our services, or are an MHA member, we need your help to put social care on the agenda. If you’d like to find out more about taking part in our campaigning work, please get in touch by emailing campaigns@mha.orh.uk
Pictured above Andrew Gwynne MP
Meanwhile, you can find out the latest about our campaign, including how you can get involved by visiting our website: mha.org.uk/get-involved/ campaigns/fix-care/ 11
New beginnings..
Finding Nana
An inspiring story from one of our newest chaplaincy volunteers
We’ve produced a new book, Finding Nana, aimed to support children whose grandparents are moving into a care home.
‘Recently I moved home to West Yorkshire, after living and working in London for 15 years. Shortly afterwards our dear mum was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and sadly passed away a short time later. Thankfully mum was still able to enjoy a good quality of life and her adventurous spirit meant that we were still exploring the moors until almost the end. A few months later I moved into mum’s house and slowly began my own healing journey. I would say that this is when I started to feel God taking me by the hand each day, as I walked the familiar paths through the fields, immersed in nature and feeling the unforced rhythms of grace. I realised that God had not just led me back home, but he’d brought me home to Him. The loss I felt after losing mum gave me a heart for people who might be lonely and missing loved ones. As Isaiah 40:1 says, “Comfort, yes, comfort my people!” I began to think about how I might be able to offer my time, as a listening and caring friend, to people who might need some fellowship and support. In September I began working at MHA Glen Rosa as a Chaplaincy volunteer. It felt like a natural progression from the befriending volunteer work I’ve been involved with over this last year.
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Follow Ellie on her journey of discovery, learning how a loved one going into residential care, isn’t as scary as she thought. The book was the brainchild of the late Crispian Acher, Head of Chaplaincy - South, who sadly died as the book was being published. Scan the QR code to order your copy.
(Pictured above - Alexandra D)
Once a week I visit an elderly lady in our village, called Betty. Over the many months we’ve spent time getting to know each other, sharing stories and singing songs. It’s very rewarding to know you’ve helped someone and made a difference to their day, even if it’s just in some small way. It’s been such a blessing for me too; I really look forward to my time with Betty. It’s taught me to listen and be attentive to the things that matter most to people. The role of the Chaplain is very much at the heart of providing care and compassion to the residents in the home. Every encounter is a chance to share experiences, joys, worries with peaceful and prayerful reflections. I am really enjoying ministering to the residents with the guidance and support of Fiona, the Chaplain. It’s a real privilege and a blessing to work alongside Fiona and to feel part of the community at Glen Rosa.
Colour me in
Share this with younger family members and friends. We’d love to see the pictures once they’re coloured in. Take a photo and tag us on social media @MHA #findingnana
(Pictured - Sue Meehan, MHA Lifestyle and Engagement Lead, demonstrating Key2Me)
The key to great communication For the past 33 years, The Chapman Charitable Trust has been a committed supporter of MHA’s mission to improve the lives of older people throughout the UK. Their consistent biannual grants have been crucial in driving essential projects that enhance the health and wellbeing of our members and residents. In their most recent act of kindness, The Chapman Charitable Trust donated £6,000 to help launch ‘Key2Me’, a new and unique reminiscence product designed and developed by MHA. This practical and thoughtful product uses themed keyrings and cards featuring images and conversation cues to stimulate reminiscence and encourage meaningful 14
conversations, especially for individuals living with dementia. It’s a tool that was inspired by a heartwarming moment when someone with dementia reconnected with treasured memories through a visual prompt related to a past seaside holiday. ‘Key2Me’ has made a positive impact not only on those with dementia but also on all MHA residents. Previous grants from The Chapman Charitable Trust have supported MHA Communities and Music Therapy, in addition to offering unrestricted grants for projects where the need is most pressing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Grants from trusts and foundations, such as The Chapman Charitable Trust, are crucial for MHA. They provide consistent financial support, ensuring that MHA can plan, grow, and continue our vital services. These grants enable MHA to allocate resources where they are needed most, ensuring
the wellbeing of our residents and members and supporting our vision of helping older individuals live later life well. The unwavering support from The Chapman Charitable Trust and similar organisations plays a pivotal role in making this vision a reality.
MHA is always grateful for the support we receive from volunteers, donors, organisations, trusts and foundations. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness in supporting our life-enhancing services.
The Chapman Charitable Trust’s regular support has made a profound impact, and their story is an inspiration for all who believe in the power of consistent and heartfelt support. Fully in support of MHA’s vital work, Richard Chapman, Trustee at The Chapman Charitable Trust says “As a charity with a Methodist background The Chapman Charitable Trust has been supporting MHA for many years. Organisations like MHA are now more than needed more than ever as our population ages.”
Since our last edition, we have received generous donations from: • The Bryan and June Amos Foundation • Chapman Charitable Trust • City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council • Mendip Crematorium – Shepton Mallet • Heathrow Community Trust • Marjorie Coote Old People’s Charity • Meet A Need With Christian Care • National Lottery Community Fund • NOVA Wakefied District Limited • Sir George Martin Trust
The generous support and contributions from trusts and foundations play a critical role in helping us achieve our mission: eliminating isolation and loneliness among older people by connecting them in caring communities. Find out more at https://bit.ly/trustsfoundations
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Enriching lives through gifts in Wills Film nights, football matches and robotic pets all made possible by gifts in Wills. The residents at Claybourne, our dementia care home in Stokeon-Trent, have been coming together over the winter to enjoy film nights, quizzes and even films of local walks thanks to the purchase of a new projector and smart TV screens. They provide a fabulous way of bringing the community at Claybourne together, whether it’s to watch a football match or a classic movie, and it was all made possible thanks to several local supporters generously leaving a gift in their Will to the home. These gifts have gone a long way to improving the quality of life for the residents, they were also used to buy therapeutic robotic pets, bringing companionship and calm to those in our care living with dementia.
As Kerry Rafferty, Home Manager, explains “tthese gifts have allowed us to really enhance the lives of the residents by providing additional resources and equipment. We used the kind donations to buy smart TV’s and robotic pets and we’ve also got quotes for a new summer house which we hope to have ready in the spring. One of these legacies was from a lady who helped to fundraise for the foundations of Claybourne and left a lasting legacy of a large financial donation to further enrich the residents lives during their time at Claybourne.” Claybourne. Gifts in Wills are crucial to MHA across all of our services, over half of the donations that we receive come in this special way. If it’s something that you are considering, you can find more information at mha.org. uk, email giftsinwills@mha. org.uk or call Richard for a confidential chat at 01332 221651.
Celebrate your loved one’s life by giving in their memory to MHA We understand that choosing how to remember your loved one is an important decision and offer a number of ways to support you in honouring their memory. This includes funeral collections, donating in memory and creating an online tribute page, which can be a special and touching way to remember a loved one forever. To find out more visit mha.org.uk/tribute
Recycle 4 Charity Recycle, Recycle, Recycle! Did you know that by recycling your old ink cartridges you can help raise funds for MHA? Recycle 4 Charity takes your used ink cartridges and turns them into a donation free of charge, supporting MHA to enable older people to live later life well. To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/474n0Uz.
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Fundraising made easy! You can also find us on Easy Fundraising and help raise funds for us by simply shopping online. From over 7,000 brands to choose from, all you have to do is go through our charity page, find your chosen retailer and as soon as you shop with them, you will have created a donation for us. The best part, its free of charge! To sign up now, visit, https://bit.ly/46Mq4nY.
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Feeling competitive? Join us for a Board game-a-thon Grab your board games out of the cupboard and get involved with MHA’s very own Board game-a-thon on the week commencing the 5 February 2024. Raise funds for MHA by finding your competitive spirit and spend the day playing as a team or maybe go up against each other. For more info visit mha.org.uk/boardgame
Over 3,000 Volunteers
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Win a £25 Amazon Voucher
For a chance to win, test your knowledge of the finer details noted through this edition of Heart & Soul.
To enter, just answer this question...
What is the name of the children’s book featured in this edition? MHA Heart & Soul Spring 2024 Competition
Hands up... who’d like to volunteer for us? You can join the thousands of MHA volunteers who are continuing to make a positive difference to the lives of older people in our care homes, retirement living, and MHA Communities across the UK. There are a variety of volunteering opportunities currently available. Whatever time you’re able to give, we can work together to find something suitable and flexible for you and the needs of your local community.
Competition
Answer ....................................................................................................
Available opportunities can be viewed at mha.org.uk/volunteer
Title ....................... Full name ................................................................ Address ................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................. Postcode .................................... Telephone .................................................................. Email ........................................................................... Send your answer along with your name and contact details on the form above, by 5pm on 31 May 2024 to: Methodist Homes (MHA), Donation Processing Centre, 126 Fairlie Road, Slough SL1 4PY. One application per person (who must be aged 18 or over) permitted. Winner will be picked at random. The draw will take place w/c 10 June 2024. The decision of MHA regarding any aspect of the prize draw is final and binding. Full terms and conditions including details regarding privacy are available on the MHA website mha.org.uk/competition-terms. Personal details will be used as outlined in our privacy policy (mha.org.uk/privacy) and to contact winners with regard to their prize. All entries and personal details will be destroyed 12 months after the winners are announced.
Thursday 18 April 2024 Get your baking hats on and kettles boiling, for the return of our annual Communi-tea Party. Could you host a tea-themed event to support MHA? Why not hold your very own traditional afternoon tea, or maybe a tea-themed cocktail party? How about a tea party with music and dancing? The possibilities are endless! For free and paid-for resources, full of ideas and games for your party, as well as printable bunting, cake labels, and more, visit
mha.org.uk/teaparty
© 2024. MHA is the trading name of a group of companies. Methodist Homes is a registered Charity in England & Wales (No.1083995) and Company limited by Guarantee (No. 4043124) with registered office:- MHA, Epworth House, Stuart Street, Derby DE1 2EQ. mha.org.uk