Helping mirus to recruit the right staff
mirus Respite services recently put out an advert for a new Assistant Manager.
There was an initial formal interview in the mirus office but it was really important that whoever was selected was a great fit with the people they were going to be working with.
Lisa often joins the interview panel when new staff are needed at Respite, and this time was no exception.
The setting for the meeting was relaxed and informal, and Lisa gave the candidates around the house and garden while she got to know them.
She chatted with the candidates about what coming to Respite means to her, how long she had been coming and the type of things she likes to do whilst at Respite. Then she asked some excellent questions she had written herself, designed to get the candidates to open up and tell her a bit more about themselves.
Once the candidates had left, Lisa took part in a feedback meeting with the Respite Manager and Assistant Manager.
Feedback from Lisa was of equal importance and she delivered it in a very professional manner, and thanks to this inclusive method of interviewing, Respite has now appointed a fantastic new Assistant Manager who has settled in really well.
To enhance safety and promote independence, both Respite houses in Cardiff have added Ring sensors to their front doors, which are connected to Amazon Echo devices and alert staff if the doors are opened.
The addition of sensors have given the people staying at Respite greater autonomy, as they are free to explore the houses and gardens without being monitored. The staff at Respite have commented that the reduced number of check-ins has meant they can focus on providing an improved, more tailored experience for the people who are staying.
The success of the new technology has inspired the Respite houses to explore additional technology solutions that can further improve the quality of life for the people they support.
By embracing innovative technologies, they aim to enhance people’s overall well-being, increase their independence, and allow space to focus on offering a more personalised, tailored service.
Lisa (left) with Respite Assistant Team Manager, Justine
Promoting independence while enjoying a break
Going on a fun holiday away from home
Long-time friends, Daniel, Eddie and Gareth often plan their Respite breaks together because they get on so well and love spending time with each other. This time, rather than staying in one of our Respite houses in Cardiff, the trio decided to do something completely different!
Daniel’s parents have a caravan on a site in Porthcawl, which he absolutely loves visiting, especially when it’s sunny. Daniel really wanted to have a holiday there with his two friends, so staff at Respite got together with their parents and circle of support to plan how to make it happen.
Eddie and Gareth planned to arrive at the caravan park on Friday evening, supported by Respite staff Susan and William, with Daniel joining on Saturday morning. Because Eddie and Gareth hadn’t visited the caravan park before, they used Friday evening to explore the facilities and surroundings, so that they knew what activities were on offer ready for the weekend.
When Daniel arrived on Monday the three got together and made a plan of what activities they would like to try. There was lots on offer, including activities they hadn’t done before. The first thing they decided to try was crazy golf, and they absolutely loved it.
Making decisions together, and spending time on holiday without their parents really boosted their independence, and they enjoyed having so much freedom and choice to do what they wanted to.
Susan supported them on holiday and said:
“It was a really enjoyable weekend for the three of them. The weather was great, and they did lots of exciting activities, some of which they hadn’t done before. They loved spending time on holiday away from parents – and they all agreed they’d love to go again in the future!”
Over the course of the weekend, Daniel, Eddie and Gareth agreed on what to do together; they had fish and chips on the sea front, went to the fun fare, and strolled along the promenade and beach. They also agreed on what they didn’t want to do –and all decided against taking a dip in the sea!
Relaxing on a bench at the caravan park
Gareth was very proud of himself when he got a hole in one on the crazy golf course!
Susan, Eddie and Gareth playing crazy golf in Porthcawl
Listening to the feedback of carers who use Respite
Every year during Carers Week we arrange a get together for the carers of the people who use our Respite services.
At the event this year, we had a summery buffet, and did lots of chatting and snacking before asking the question “What’s important to you as a carer?”.
We got loads of great answers, including;
“I’d like to have access to all the information I need in one place, rather than having to go hunting for it. I don’t always have time to look, and we could be missing out on lots of great opportunities!”
We’re using the feedback we received to improve our Respite services, and put together an information booklet so that people can see what we offer all in once place.
“It’s important that the person I care for has a good break at the same time that I have a good break when using Respite”
“I want the person I care for gets to spend time doing things they enjoy, with people they like.”
Lots of people gave us feedback at the event
“I’m glad that the person I care for has experiences that get them used to being independent away from me - it’s a comfort to know that they’ll be more prepared for the future when they’ll move to supported living.”
One of the people who stays at Respite came to the event
Celebrating the achievements of our stars
We held a mirus stars awards event to celebrate the fantastic achievements and great things that the people we support and our staff had accomplished.
People connected with mirus used our mirus moments form to nominate others throughout the year, based on achievements that matched our values; Together, Respectful, Responsible, Empowering and Courageous. Our mirus reps from each region then had the difficult task of selecting 40 of the very best nominations out of a total of 192, and those people became our mirus stars semi-finalists.
At our mirus stars pre-awards parties, held in Cardiff and Swansea City Stadiums, we read out the nominations of our 40 semi-finalists, and encouraged everyone to vote for their favourite using electronic voting pads. Each category had 4 people selected to go forward to the final stage as mirus stars finalists, which were chosen by our Trustees.
The mirus stars awards event itself was a fabulous celebration, with Alex who is supported by mirus,
and staff member Jamie dressed as the greatest showmen to introduce the event and get the crowd cheering. Everyone was so excited to see who the winners for the events were, and to celebrate their success with them.
Our mirus stars winners were:
Together – Beth Broad, supported in Powys
Respectful – Allan Ramsahoi, staff member in Cardiff
Responsible - Sophie Scheeres, supported in Cardiff
Empowering - Andrea Romanga, supported in Swansea
Courageous – Matthew Clarke, supported in Neath Port Talbot
People from Cardiff cheering our winners at the mirus stars awards
To end the event, the fabulous drag collective ‘House of Deviant’ took to the stage, and lip synced, danced and encouraged the audience to take part in challenges.
House of Deviant is Wales’ first inclusive drag troupe for people with learning disabilities, and Sophie Scheeres, who is supported by mirus in Cardiff, performs as Miss Shade B****. They are fierce, sassy, and incredible performers, and their passion and excitement on the day of the event was contagious!
Edward, who uses our Respite services attended the mirus stars event with his father, and had a fantastic time (see photo of them on the right!)
We love celebrating the achievements and courageousness of people connected with mirus, and we can’t wait to see what amazing nominations next year’s awards brings.
House of Deviant provided fabulous entertainment
Sophie performing as Miss Shade B****
Our Greatest Showmen introducing the ceremony
The incredible mirus stars winners celebrating on stage
Edward and his father had a fantastic time at the awards
The whole crowd were up and celebrating
mirus-wales.org.uk HEAD OFFICE mirus Unit 5 Cleeve House Lambourne Crescent Llanishen Business Park Cardiff, CF14 5GP 02920 236 216 admin@mirus-wales.org.uk Social media: @miruswales
