YOUR POTENTIAL PLUS OUR COMMITMENT CHANGES LIVES Autumn / Winter 2023
In his own words Leslie’s journey to a happy life.
Made with Care How Steph & Kate are making a difference. Plus...
Meet our Changing Lives Cover Star
I’m delighted to bring you the Autumn / Winter edition of Changing Lives magazine, featuring just a glimpse of some of our achievements. Achievement really is the key theme running through the magazine’s pages. From the significant steps the organisation is taking to improve and evolve, to the accomplishments of our colleagues, and of course the remarkable progress made with those at the very heart of what we do – the people we support. Since the last edition of Changing Lives, National Care Group has been named Community Care Provider of the Year at the HealthInvestor Awards. I am immensely proud that our colleagues are recognised nationally for all they achieve in empowering the people we support to live as independently as possible. More recently, we’ve welcomed Edel Harris OBE to the National Care Group Board. Edel will bring a huge amount of valued sector experience and we look forward to collaborating with her.
Contents
3–7
Keeping you Updated News from across the organisation.
8 – 21
Our People
Celebrating our colleagues.
Along with other members of the Executive Team, I continue to divide my time between support function offices and visiting our services as often as I can. There’s no prouder moment for me than when I get to witness first-hand the relationships between our operational colleagues and those they are supporting. As we can’t always be together in person, the launch of our colleague engagement app this year has been a brilliant introduction to the organisation and brought us all closer. I’m delighted to see from the feature on page 3 that Engage has been so well received. It’s gratifying for me to be able to instantly see and acknowledge all the wonderful things happening, and to witness the exchanges of support and encouragement between one another.
20 – 21
Hello from Wales / Helo O Gymru
Integra in the spotlight.
Enjoy the read and let’s keep achieving together! James Allen Chief Executive
22 – 27
Our World
Stories from the people we support.
Changing Lives
Spring / Summer 2023 Edition Regional Operations Manager Caron Cook enjoyed reading through the last edition of Changing Lives during her visit to Abbeyvale Care Centre in County Durham. Caron said “What a fantastic, well put together magazine. If I didn’t already work for NCG and read this, I would definitely be applying.”
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We got engaged! Since its launch earlier this year, the colleague Engage app has been a welcomed introduction to National Care Group. So much so, it has fast become the centre of our activity and I’m delighted that over 90% of colleagues are now registered and actively ‘Engaging’. If you’re a colleague who hasn’t yet registered, I encourage you to, so you’re not missing out. Engage will be available for operational colleagues to use via the new handsets, making it even easier to access. Let’s keep Engaging! Claire Leake, People Director
The numbers speak for themselves Filled with useful news and information, the app pages have already been viewed almost a quarter of a million times. That’s news and information, directly available to colleagues at a touch of a button. From across all regions, there’s been over 2,900 posts, generating almost 50,000 likes and 7,500 comments of encouragement, praise, or advice for one another. The most engaging campaign so far has been in support of Chief Executive James Allen making the Social Care Top 30 recently. It was viewed 2,772 times and received 144 likes and comments. The campaign was hugely successful, and James went on to take 2nd place!
During ‘Speak Up Month’ we supported the campaign to raise awareness of Freedom to Speak Up. The hub of support has driven over 3,000 views as we continue to encourage open and honest communication.
Meet two of our Super Engagers Paula Grufferty Support Worker, Yew Tree House There’s nobody embraced Engage quite like Paula. Not many a day goes by when she doesn’t post a story of an outing or activity or her latest creative piece for Yew Tree. Occasionally she’ll appear with a simple sentiment, but so very often sharing words of gratitude and support. Paula is without a doubt our Super Engager.
Kelly Smith Registered Manager, Endurance Care Worcestershire Kelly is our most Engaged registered manager. Not only that, but she’s become quite the Engage auditor too. Kelly always volunteers invaluable insight and suggestions, sharing updates on any obstacles her or her team might face, yet never wavering in her commitment to keeping ‘Engaged’. Kelly is our Superstar Advocate.
Not Engaged Yet? Scan the QR code and follow the colleague set up instructions so you’re not missing out.
Many colleagues have truly embraced all that Engage has to offer and (unknowingly) demonstrated what it is to be a Super Engager. It’s been a delight to see Paula and Kelly, along with so many of you, championing Engage.
*Data is taken from Feb 2023 launch until mid-October 2023. nationalcaregroup.com
Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 3
Transforming
our Delivery of Support
Some of the ways we are unlocking the potential of digital technology to improve our support. Through digitised care plans Replacing paper-based care plans with stateof-the-art technology in services, brings an abundance of benefits: • Real-time note recording • Faster access to critical information • Timesaving when documenting and handing over • Digital scheduling for support and escalation • Improved communications with relatives • No paperwork; increased security, efficiency, less environmental impact
“Nourish is already proving to be a daily game-changer. It’s super easy to use and it’s enabling us to spend more time with the people we support and less on paperwork – you’re going to really like it I promise”. Katie Robinson, Deepdale Registered Manager
The series of pilot projects to introduce Nourish Care Plans at two of our Acquired Brain Injury services have been a huge success. Don’t just take our word for it!
Visit the Nourish Hub in Eng age for the late st updates
Systems Support Trainer Simon Doe demonstrating Nourish to Affinity Supporting People colleagues (l-r) Melanie, Megan and Amy.
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A time of progressive change at National Care Group We’ve embarked on this journey of transforming our ways of working, through the implementation of new digital processes and platforms. It’s an exciting time for us at National Care Group as we adapt and evolve. Paul and Faith, Walliscote Road
Through digitised medication management Our transformational new approach to medication management will empower operational colleagues to:
Equally, we know the changes may seem daunting for some. We appreciate adult social care is a sector that’s been dominated with paper admin processes for many years. The benefits to making better use of digital technology are endless and perhaps none more important than giving our operational colleagues more time to focus on the people we support and their needs.
• Increase quality and safety
As we rapidly embrace digital transformation and the changing sector, our colleagues should feel confident in our commitment to ensuring they’re very much part of the process of introducing new technology and are always encouraged to ask questions and share feedback.
• Reduce avoidable hospital admissions
David Rowe-Bewick, Chief Financial Officer
• Improve accuracy in medication recording
• Reduce manual paperwork • Support more people to independently take medication The Electronic Medication Administration Record System (eMAR) technology will be rolled out to services after a bid of over £300,000 from the Adult Social Care Technology Fund was secured this year.
Through in-house compliance software A new service delivery platform and the introduction of two new roles in the Estates Team brings compliance risk in-house, along with on-going reactive and planned maintenance management for residential properties. This means: • Full control over the quality of work • Increasing quality of compliance service delivery • Reduced turnaround times • Easier access to compliance documentation • Reduced compliance risk management cost • Supporting local trades
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Continued Growth Events are back! Exhibitions and conferences are back to their prepandemic glory and have been keeping the Commercial Team busy over the last few months. We’re proud of our long-standing relationships with the community of health and social care professionals around the UK, and it’s great to have exhibitions back in full swing to help enhance those partnerships. The Team attended the recent Community Care Live Show in London and made some great new connections. Pictured above are Samantha, Belinda and Mike at the National Care Group exhibition stand. The college transition events ensure the National Care Group Team is there to support people on their journey into adulthood, helping to navigate what choices are available and what person-centered solutions we might be able to create for them.
There have been several over the past few months with our own Regent College event due to take place in December. Holly from the Referrals Teams is pictured attending the recent St. Piers Transition & Moving On event in Surrey, along with a very familiar magazine to share with her visitors!
Welcoming two new faces to the Commercial Team Jill Davis
Marta Yohannes
Jill has joined the team as Business Development Manager, working with Belinda to give a greater focus on development and growth. Together they contribute to the delivery of NCG’s growth strategy with Jill focusing on the midlands and north region.
Marta is Head of Referrals – Peripatetic. Working alongside Samantha, Andrea, Holly, and Mateusz, the team oversees the quality of our ‘customer journey’ from an initial enquiry through to the provision of support we offer, ensuring the individual remains at the centre of the full process.
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New service opening
Scooping a prestigious sector accolade
We opened a new Cornerstones supported living service in Salisbury in October, increasing our presence in the south west region. The new bungalow, designed for three people, was developed in partnership with Wiltshire Council. Working collaboratively with the Operations Team, we were proud to open the new service fully occupied.
Earlier this year, National Care Group was named ‘Community Support Provider of the Year’ at the HealthInvestor Awards 2023.
Our Director of Development Belinda Robinson, said: “The successful partnership we have established with the team at Wiltshire Council has enabled us to work collaboratively and develop a service that will meet an identified local need. Through careful planning, we have worked with partners at Golden Lane Housing to create a service that perfectly matches the requirements of the three new people we will be supporting. We look forward to seeing them enjoy their new home and grow their independence with the expert support of our colleagues.”
After being named ‘Complex Care Provider of the Year’ in 2022, winning such a prestigious industry award for a second year is a tribute to everyone’s hard work and the commitment. As our continued growth focuses on gaps in local services, it enables us to ensure there are choices and opportunities for the people we support to remain within their home regions and communities. They’re then empowered to be able to live as independently as possible in those communities through the remarkable work our colleagues do each and every day. The award is an incredible achievement and recognition of the progress we are making. The HealthInvestor Awards promote excellence and recognise innovation in the independent healthcare sector.
New Partnerships
2022/23 Quality Account
We’d like to take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the achievements of Rachel Stokes, Tender & Bids Manager, from the Commercial Team.
Our latest Quality Account reports on what has been achieved in the year and the progress we’ve made against the priorities we’ve set.
Not only has she successfully secured new tender agreements for National Care Group to join Worcestershire County Council and Southend on Sea City Council’s supported living frameworks in recent months, but she has only got married too!
The Account ia available to read on-line via Engage or on the National Care Group website. Copies have been distributed via regional offices.
Congratulations all around to Rachel.
Please take a moment to read the report and feel proud of all we’ve worked together to accomplish over the past year.
Being part of the frameworks will further establish NCG’s regional partnerships with the local authority commissioning teams and enable Endurance Care Worcestershire in the west midlands, and Nexus Support in the south east, to develop further supported living services. nationalcaregroup.com
Guided by our values of Passion, Empowerment, Respect and Collaboration, we continue to move towards our vision of becoming the best and most trusted care provider in the UK.
Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 7
Meet the Estates & Procurement Team The Estates and Procurement dream team supports our residential services by working to ensure that all properties are compliant, pleasant places to work and live. They also support new acquisitions and developments.
The Boss Head of Estates & Procurement, Mark Mason Mark heads up the team that is responsible for all reactive, planned and compliance service delivery facilities management across all National Care Group residential properties. He is responsible for the management and delivery of renovation and development projects at those properties too. Aside from his primary role, Mark works closely on group projects such as Health & Safety and Corporate Social Responsibility. Mark is known in the team for being calm and collected, regardless of the situation.
The Area Team Marc Mead Area Facilities and Construction Manager Marc manages continuous environmental improvement across residential services, through surveys and projects. He monitors general maintenance and Health & Safety issues on-site, working collaboratively with the operations teams to provide solutions. Marc also provides technical support for, and quality assessment of the reactive works.
Natasha Croydon-Fowler Area Facilities Business Partner Natasha manages the planned programme of works for our residential services. This involves the planning and management of each redevelopment and refurbishment. Natasha is often on site at services, attending meetings and reviewing the condition of the buildings and assessing the environment the working and living environments. Mark is known as the go-to person for supporting the team to understand requests as he knows the buildings and the people who work and live there so well. He also has a fox red Labrador named Emma.
FUN FACTS
Natasha is the one in the office who is always cold (and eating), but always positive. She’s also ambidextrous and loves water sports.
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The Helpdesk Team The helpdesk is divided between a reactive team and a newly formed compliance team (see story on p6). They all work together to support the delivery of maintenance requirements across our residential services and assist with some project works.
Mark with (l-r) Leanne, Linda, Denise & Aimi
Mark with (l-r) Hannah & Charlotte
Linda Fox Helpdesk Team Leader
Hannah Watkins & Charlotte Cox Compliance Helpdesk Co-ordinators
Linda manages the helpdesk team, providing training and support and a point of escalation for them. She also liaises with our area operations managers when they are visiting services.
Hannah and Charlotte organise the pre-planned maintenance requirements for helping to keep our residential services compliant. They manage routine works like water and electricity testing and boiler services.
*Linda has since left National Care Group but as she was involved in this feature, we want to acknowledge the contribution she has made to the team over the past few years. We wish Linda every success for the future.
Leanne Stilgoe, Denise Price & Aimi Sherratt Facilities Helpdesk Co-Ordinators Leanne and Denise handle the day-to-day facilities maintenance requests to help our services run smoother. Their duties include liaising with local contractors and researching new ones to have on board. They obtain and process quotes for reactive works and keep a full log of each process.
Hannah is known as the local technical support in the team, she also has two nationalities, and her great-grandfather was a carpenter for Walt Disney and Lucille Ball!
FUN FACTS
Charlotte is always cheery and happy; she loves penguins and can wiggle her nose (you try it). She also used to train with Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Aimi is responsible for checking and processing invoices related to the works, but also provides support to Leanne and Denise. Linda is somewhat of a mother figure in the team, but she’s also known for having a laugh.
FUN FACTS
Leanne is the niece of Oscar winning movie producer Graham King who works with some of the biggest names in Hollywood – we’re talking Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio & Martin Scorsese! Denise is known for sharing her pockets of wisdom with the team, and she used to be mates with famous comedian Lenny Henry. Aimi is chief tea maker in the team and has hung around with racing driving Mick Schumacher.
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On-site Maintenance Support The team has the trusted support of onsite maintenance colleagues to rely upon too. Lee Jones at Shelton Care Group Rob Boil at 8 Acres Peter Nicholson at The Willows Bob Shields at Abbeyvale Care Centre
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Rachel Oram, Steps
Hayley Molloy (centre) & Donna Walklet (right), Shelton Care Group
Gavin Balecke, Cornerstones
Paul Oliver, Shelton Care Group
Jodie Edwards, Shelton Care Group
Suzy Burnop, Cornerstones
Happy Work-A-Versaries
Over 120 colleagues have reached a career milestone of 5 years or more since the last edition of Changing Lives. Here’s just a few of them celebrating!
Karen Clarke, Shelton Care Group
Alison Sargent, Shelton Care Group 10 | Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023
Nicola Thorne, Newfield View
Amador Fuentes, Jamesons
Megan Pearson, Jamesons
Amy Parsons, Chosen Care nationalcaregroup.com
Ann Burton, Shelton Care Group
Kate Wood, Highlea Care
Meena Mistry, Wellington Support
Kaye Chapman, Cornerstones
Jordan Smart, Regent College
Gary Soderland, Essential Care & Support
Sarah Brimacombe, Atlantic Way Care
Rebecca Thompson, Affinity Supporting People
The Personal Touch Chief Executive James Allen personally recognises each and every colleague’s career milestone.
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John Wragg, Highlea Care
Kimberley Barker, Highlea Care
Thank you
for making National Care Group your employer of choice!
Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 11
h t i w Made
e r Ca Steph’s making a difference Area operations manager for Gloucestershire Steph White shares her career story and tells us why social care is her career for life. What inspired you to begin a career in social care? I suppose my mum really. She’d worked in care when I was growing up and we’d often bump into people she supported when we were out. I knew I wanted to work in care, but my dream was to be a nurse. Did you fulfil your dream? No. After six months at university, I felt overwhelmed and quit. What did you do after quitting university? I’d been working part-time as a bank support as part of my health and social care college course. I applied for a full-time support worker role and never looked back. I then worked in various challenging behaviour residential services, progressing from support worker to senior deputy over a period of 16 years. What kick-started your National Care Group career? I’d been covering maternity leave as an acting manager before taking maternity leave myself. When I returned to work, I knew I was ready for more. That’s when I saw the role at Merry Den in Cinderford and the rest is history, working there until my recent promotion.
How did you turn things around? I needed to drive change and my first challenge was getting backing from the team. Some left, but thankfully the majority were on board. It was a tough first year but receiving a ‘Good’ CQC rating with a glowing report 12 months later, made it worthwhile. For me, and for the team, who were over the moon. Was there a moment when you reflected on the difference you were making? Yes, at Merry Den’s first annual fun day. It took some planning, but it was special and people were talking about it for weeks. I remember the team thanking me, saying to me ‘Look around. You’ve done this”. It was emotional. I was amazed by the joy it brought to so many families, local professionals, and people from the wider community who attended. I’d always dreamt of holding an event that showed how incredible Merry Den is and the brilliant work the team does. One that brings the community together to have fun, while raising money at the same time.
What was it like starting your new role at NCG? Switching from residential to supported living was a big change – it was all so new to me. The service I’d been working in was CQC rated ‘Good’ (borderline outstanding) and Merry Den’s was ‘Requires Improvement’, so I almost didn’t apply. In my first week I thought, ‘What the hell have I done?’ but I’m a fighter so I carried on.
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The value of community Steph knew how meaningful sponsoring the local women’s football team could be. It’s connected Merry Den to wider groups, and even supported recruitment needs. Ultimately, it’s brought joy and a sense of engagement as they root for their team.
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Are there any personal or professional challenges you face that colleagues may relate to? I doubt myself, doubting if I know enough or if I’ll be taken seriously. How do you try to overcome this? I’m lucky to have my partner at home, reassuring and encouraging me. The strong core senior team at Merry Den have boosted me during hard times, and we’ve always worked through troubles together. I’ve been greatly supported by regional director Alex Costa too. He takes the time to break things down for me if I don’t understand and assures me there are no silly questions. Congratulations on your promotion. What gave you the confidence to apply for the role? I’d been supporting other services in Gloucestershire, driving to improve quality in the absence of a manager, so I’d dipped my toes in the water.
Kate is inspiring the next generation of care Walliscote Road residential service in Weston-Super-Mare is working to develop our future social care heroes. In collaboration with Weston College, health and social care students will be offered work placements at Walliscote Road which will be built into their studies. They will also have the option to complete an apprenticeship, enabling them to study and work at the same time. Awarded by the college in recognition of the opportunities they give to students, Kate, and her team at Waliscote Road are delighted to be contributing to shaping and developing the careers of the next generation of care.
Over the past 18 months I’ve been completing my Level 5 diploma too and when I was awarded a distinction in all areas it really boosted my confidence. The job opportunity came at the right time – I felt ready for the challenge.
Celebrating Steph’s promotion The Merry Den family congratulated Steph at a celebratory coffee and cake morning. Although sad that Steph won’t be around as often, they are delighted she will still be taking care of them. What advice would you give to an aspiring leader who might lack confidence? It’s only natural, but don’t let it stop you from trying. Find your reason. Colleagues where I previously worked told me I’d never make it as a manager. When I’m feeling like I can’t do it, I remember what they said, and it drives me. Not only to climb the career ladder but to make a difference.
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Kate and Claire receiving their award from Weston College at the Health and Active Living Skills Centre, Loxton Campus
Looking back, are you happy you made social care your career of choice? Yes! I feel I’ve made a difference to the lives of the people we support and encouraged my team to progress. When families acknowledge my hard work and how valued I am, it’s lovely to hear. Yes, it is challenging at times, and the pace is fast, but I wouldn’t want to work in any other sector.
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Ifeoluwa Olafejo, Shelton Care Group
Sarah Agyei, Integra Shimza Mahmood, Affinity Supporting People
Mary Campbell (centre), Affinity Supporting People
Susan Beckett (left), Affinity Supporting People
Leah Lewis, Walliscote Road
W E L C O M E to our new colleagues
Faith Ayeni, Walliscote Road
Nick Chmiewliski, Walliscote Road
Inspired to make a difference! Reaching a milestone in their commitment to a fulfilling career in social care, some of our new colleagues proudly present their Care Certificate or All Wales Induction achievements.
Tina James, Endurance Care Worcestershire Yetunde Ajibade, Integra Ryan Rees, Integra
Hannah Styles, Endurance Care Worcestershire 14 | Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023
Kimberley Irving (right), Steps Rotherham
Vincent Faweya, Walliscote Road
Carrie Anderson (right), Walliscote Road
Ben Banwell, Walliscote Road nationalcaregroup.com
N E W C O M E R NAME CHECK Our new colleagues who’ve joined the NCG family since the last edition of Changing Lives – all 535 of them! Linda Underhill, Endurance Care Worcestershire
Jordan Bayliss, Endurance Care Worcestershire
Amy Lewis (left), Walliscote Road
Kimmy Wood, Cornerstones nationalcaregroup.com
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Wellbe ng HUB Karen’s Winter Health & Wellbeing Tips
Boosters:
Try to:
l unprocessed ra tu a n h c u m s a Eat ur vitamin o y e s a re c in to food as possible tarve of colds s to lp e h y ll ra e intake and gen and flu. rcise by doing e x e r la u g re e Get som . A brisk walk y jo n e u o y t a something th ill not only top w y a d s r’ te in on a sunny w eep your k to lp e h t u b D up your vitamin heart healthy. by covering s rm e g f o d a re Limit the sp ising hands it n a s d n a s e z ee coughs and sn ns. and workstatio rest more. We d n a lf e rs u o y Be kind to g winter due to n ri u d p e le s re need mo peratures. m te r le o o c d n less sunlight a f getting us to o y a w ’s re tu a It is n hibernate.
Due to lack of s unlight throug h the winter mon ths take a vitam in D supplement to support your im mune system. 15mcg (600 IU) is reco mmended daily dose for a dults. 70% of immun e cells are conta ined in your gut. Incre asing your gut health with probiotic supp lements will go a long way to maintaining optimum healt h. Dosing yourself daily with Echin acea drops or tablets can p revent colds an d flu or even reduce the sym ptoms more qu ickly. Book your seas onal Flu & Covid -19 boosters. You c an find the links to the NHS website via the Wellbeing Hub in Engage.
Wellbeing at Regent College Karen Twigg is a Wellbeing Champion at Regent College and NCG’s Wellbeing Champion of the Year. Karen, and college Wellbeing Champions, Amy Booth, and Jordan Smart, are passionate about encouraging colleagues to share their thoughts on Health and Wellbeing. Topics are discussed at the informal sessions they regularly hold. Together the team plan activities, initiatives, and sponsorship participation.
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Tutors Andy Hall & Julia Bossons after a sponsored bike ride
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John’s
Colourful Mission Support worker John Howarth’s Colourful Mission campaign coincides with Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September. John, from Affinity Supporting People in Burnley, hoped his colleagues would support his campaign of wearing loud, bright, and colourful clothes that could brighten the day of someone who may need it. And support they did! John was moved. He said “It was very emotional to see. Let’s keep people smiling and talking. The biggest thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
John’s Story John launched his Colourful Mission Campaign after his daughter Jessica sadly took her own life in 2018. Following a difficult time, Jessica had felt she had no reasons to smile, no one to talk to, and no other option. Since the tragedy of losing Jessica, John has made it his mission to make someone who may need it smile, encourage conversations, and make sure people know there are always options no matter how dark the days may seem.
Colleagues & the people we support joined John’s Colourful Mission
He supports other grieving parents and has even helped to save the life of someone else attempting suicide. John’s message of light is inspiring.
We are delighted that John is now NCG’s Men’s Health Advocate. John will help to create an open and supportive culture for men who need support and champion men’s health.
It’s good to talk! Registered Managers Kate Harvey (left) and Mandy Berry (right), opened up about supporting the wellbeing of their teams, as well as their own, when they were invited to join discussion panels at the Care Managers Show. Kate from Walliscote Rd and Mandy from Affinity Supporting People South, joined tv personality and menopause advocate, Davina McCall to chat about the challenges faced and the rewarding moments.
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Talking menopause was the subject of National Care Group’s very first wellbeing podcast. Menopause Advocate, Highlea Care Registered Manager Julie Cowens, joined People Team’s Claire Leake, Helen Mallows, and Heather Sweeney for a conversation on the importance of our colleagues not feeling alone. The podcast is available in the Engage Wellbeing Hub. As lead NCG’s lead Wellbeing Champion, Heather would love to hear suggestions for future podcast themes. Reach out to Heather via Engage or by emailing her.
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Our brilliant people, doing brilliant things Our Outstanding Achievement Award winners are recognised for demonstrating our company values of Passion, Respect, Empowerment, and Collaboration. The Executive Team feel immense pride when reviewing the nominations. Congratulations to our worthy winners who have been acknowledged over the past few months. Well done to all those recognised with a nomination, and to our recent Academy graduates.
Outstanding Achievement
Award Winners
Charlene Scothern Service Manager, Essential Care & Support Nominated by: Caron Cook, Regional Operations Manager Charlene was instrumental in developing a new service at Richmond Terrace. Working with children’s services, mental health teams and housing to implement the first ever young person’s tenancy for an under 18-year-old and helping her gain independence and thrive in her own home.
You are all brilliant! Karen Lewis, Chief Operations Officer
Tara Fewster Regional Operations Manager, Kent Nominated by: Jill Hopcraft, Regional Operations Director Tara’s passion for supporting people goes beyond the remit of her role. Particularly her commitment to helping a person we support who’d become isolated due to escalated behaviours. Tara worked with him, his family, colleagues, and social services to improve understanding his behaviours.
Ash House Team - Stephanie Batty, David Ferrol, Tracey Blenkinsop & Julie Pritchard, Highlea Care Nominated by: Charlotte Lumley, Regional Operations Director Recognised for their dedication to a person we support who had, in his own words, ‘completely lost his way in life’. He put his own story together in gratitude of the life-changing progression he had made which he said is thanks to the incredible support he’s received from the team.
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nationalcaregroup.com
Claire McCabe Registered Manager, Essential Care & Support
Simon Doe Systems Support Trainer
Nominated by: Charlotte Lumley, Regional Operations Director
Nominated by: Charlotte Lumley, Regional Operations Director
Claire has been dual registered covering managing 260+ colleagues with responsibility for 150+ people we support. She is always flexible to meet the needs of both services, never complaining and always smiling despite some challenges. Claire is consistently committed and dedicated and works hard to improve quality and promote the best possible outcomes.
Simon has provided outstanding support to colleagues in new systems training, going beyond to help with with a wide range of queries and concerns with passion. He has proactively become involved in new system pilots and implementation and generated extensive plans and step-by-step guides which can be found on Engage in the Nourish Hub.
Congratulations to NCG’s Academy graduates! Level 5 Leadership in Adult Care
Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor
Eddie O’Connor & Rachael Marriott Endurance Care Norfolk
Chelsea Callan Affinity Supporting People North
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but had never been given the chance to do before. I had support from my managers to ensure I set time aside & my team leaders who kept me motivated.”
“I was in my role as Team Leader & thought it would be useful to learn more about leadership. I feel more confident, and since completing the qualification I’ve been promoted to Service Manager.”
Rachael
Chelsea
Emma Stott, Florin Cosma & Gabrielle Dennehy Endurance Care Kent Stephanie White Merry Den, Gloucestershire – now promoted to Area Operations Manager!
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care Alison Morgan Yew Tree House, Gloucestershire
Roxanne Blamire Learning & Development “Completing a qualification is a commitment, but a huge achievement which is something to be very proud of. The qualification has helped me manage, motivate & support my team.” Roxanne
Anne Hooker, Catia Pereira, Donna Hutchinson, Lina Kilciauskaite & Rebecca Watt Endurance Care Norfolk
Level 2 Adult Care Worker
Wendy Bamford National Neurological Services Springvale
Ellie Gelsthorpe Steps Rotherham
nationalcaregroup.com
Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 19
Hello from Wales
Helo O Gymru
New ‘Good’ ratings at our Integra services Congratulations goes to the teams at Integra’s Elm Lodge and Ty Undeb for their recent ratings of ‘Good’ by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), following unannounced inspections. Since the introduction of the new rating system by CIW, Elm Lodge in Carmarthen was the first of our Integra Wales-based services to achieve a rating, soon followed by Ty Undeb in Llanelli.
“All staff have their own sparks of brilliance; they tell me I can do it and then I believe it!” A person we support at Elm Lodge
“We talk a lot here. But it’s good to do that.” A person we support at Ty Undeb
The Active Offer
More than just words… Our colleagues in Wales work hard to ensure the people we support live in an environment where they feel confident their needs are being met, and that no assumptions are made about the language they communicate in.
Elm Lodge and Ty Undeb are just two of our Integra Wales services providing the Active Offer. The Active Offer is part of the Welsh Government’s ‘More than just words’ framework to better promote the use of Welsh language and culture in social care.
Mike Cleasby, Quality Director
CIW has a role in ensuring Welsh language services are provided. The first thing they’d have noticed during their inspections is dual signage in Welsh and English languages. Our services proactively providing the offer focus on Welsh traditions, including traditional Welsh recipes and arts and crafts activities. At Caewern Lodge, there is a Welsh themed engagement room.
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Support Worker Kirsten Clark giving the thumbs up to Ty Undeb’s fact board
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Star Photo Winner Meet Anthony, NCG’s ‘Our World’ photography competition winner.
The competition was held for the people we support, and our Exec Team judges were blown away by Anthony’s beautiful picture of the early morning sunrise. He captured the moment on his journey to Warner Bros Studio Tours for a dream day out. This was Anthony’s first ever supported day trip and it was key to him building confidence with the team and gaining trust. Anthony, aged 18, made home at Ty Undeb a year ago, making his first steps into independent living as a young adult. Following an overwhelming transition from child services, Anthony has built trusting relationships with his support team over the past year and is now generally beaming with confidence.
adventures. He took over 500 on his day trip to see his favourite Harry Potter films come to life! Winning the Star Photo competition was a huge achievement for Anthony and when he received the news that he’d won, his response was “That’s great, thank you!”. Ty Undeb home manager Carla Day said, “Anthony’s lovely grin was the real answer”. Congratulations, Anthony!
His creativity and passion for photography have been key to unlocking his confidence, it’s a hobby he’s been able to enjoy with the Ty Undeb Team. They’ve supported and encouraged Anthony to take many, many photos of his life and
This is ‘gnome’ joke When Ty Ddol Awel home manager Chris Dickson read support worker Andrea’s concerning letter, it was light relief after a challenging day. By sharing it, he hopes it will do the same for others.
Chris with the resident gnomes enjoying the new wild section of Ty Ddol Awel’s garden. The upcycled old tyre planters are a great addition - the gnomes seem to think so too!
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Dear Chris, Ty Ddol Awel is an attractive five-bed room residence nestled within the vill age of Dunvant in Swansea. The house is spacious and comfortable and boasts a sm all front garden with a parking area and a large back garden consisting of a wellkept lawn, a variety of shrubs and a seating area. All in all, a nice pla ce to relax for staff, clients, and visitors alike. At least, it used to be a nice relaxin g area. For the past few months there has been a steadily growing infestation aff ecting both gardens for which there seems to be no readily available solution. To begin with, this infestation was barely noticeable. Silent and subtle. Sneakily proliferent. And it must be said, dis mayingly fertile. Fertile in the sen se that there has been a relentless increase. The situation can no longer be ign ored , as the formerly unobtrusive epidemic has lately become mercilessly, almost mo ckingly brazen. Previously, the only sinister and oth er-worldly creatures we had to conten d with were our neighbours, but now it seems that we have an even strang er and infinitely more sinister variety of being to contend with. Garden gnom es. Gnomes of all shapes and sizes hav e been appearing throughout the gar dens, and no-one knows how or when or why this is happening. For the most part we, the TDA house team are a sober and seri ous-minded group of people, and som e of us are even quite intelligent, so althoug h names have been put forward reg arding the suspected identity of the gnome-lo ving culprit, it remains a mystery, and the creepy little garden dwellers contin ue to proliferate. Of course, being that we are a sober and serious-minded group of people, we are fully aware that the garden gnomes are just plastic garden ornaments and are not actually sentient beings. That goes without saying, obviously! Although, having said that, night staff who have gone into the back gar den during the wee small hours have occ asionally reported hearing a quiet but ominous, high-pitched giggling em anating from somewhere in the shadows... Written by concerned Support Worke r Andrea Nancarrow
Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 21
TO REMEMBER Stories from Pennings View View Rewarding moments at Pennings ‘Grape’ful for the gift that kept giving In summertime last year when the Pennings View team explored ideas to brighten the home’s 6ft garden fence, the outcome became more rewarding than they could have imagined.
Alex, Louise, and Alice became the ‘grape-keepers’, and with support, they watered the plants each evening and kept a record of their progress. By the following springtime the grapes started to appear, and by July, they were a good size. Nothing prepared them for the month following when Pennings View was hit with a grape explosion – appearing in their thousands. With the grapes ripening quicker than they could be used or gifted, service manager Chris had a moment of brilliance. Alex, Louise, and Alice had never stomped grapes before, but when Chris asked them, they were excited about the prospect of trying. So, with the help of support workers Betsy and Ellen, they picked the grapes and threw them into the bath. The ladies were in their element. The initial reactions of ‘yuk’, soon turned to giggles then bursts of laughter which echoed around the house. It was truly a sensory experience they had not encountered before, and it was magic.
They wanted to plant some greenery that would grow high enough and spread wide enough to cover the fence. After failed attempts due to the garden’s hard soil, they discovered growing grapes could be the solution. It wasn’t quite what they’d had in mind, but grapes it was, and when they couldn’t decide between red or green, they decided to plant both.
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The ladies thoroughly enjoy grape stomping, and with the guidance of support worker Vittrina, they have now learnt how to crush and strain grapes to make juice. Not one grape gets wasted and the team are proud of all the produce they grow. As well as the grapes, they’ve grown potatoes, spring onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
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Destination Pennings for the National ‘Care Group’ Express
When Darren became reluctant to leave his room, avoiding being around others, the team got their creative thinking caps on. Considering Darren’s love for buses and that he is unable to use public transport, the idea of the big red bus was born.
Darren is making huge progress, thanks to the arrival of a shiny new red bus at Pennings View.
Pennings View’s entrance hall – which Darren’s room leads directly from is where a shiny new red bus takes centre stage. Led by support worker and skilled artist, Laxmi, the whole household was ‘on board’ the sixweek project, especially Darren and Martin who both love buses. During this time, Darren often came out of his room to watch the progress, even helping with the painting. He was thrilled when everyone agreed the bus number plate should carry his initials and year of birth. Since the arrival of the bus, the progress Darren has made is more than the team had hoped for. He regularly sits in out in the hallway just to admire it and has been playing games and interacting with others.
Pennings View is one our Cornerstones residential services in Wiltshire. If you’d like to your stories to be featured, share them in Engage using #MomentsToRemember
Star Photo Cover Story
support team with house duties. He especially enjoys being supported to go out in his car. The photo of Richard was taken by support worker Venus Brown as he watched the boats on a day out at Harwich Quayside. When Richard is happy, he smiles and gives a big thumbs up, which is the moment Venus has beautifully captured. Congratulations to Venus for her winning entry into NCG’s colleague Star Photo competition. Also, well done to team leader Grace Mason, who saw the photo’s potential and entered it!
Meet Richard, our Changing Lives Cover Star. Richard has been part of the Jamesons family in Colchester for many years. He is celebrating his fourth year of moving from a residential setting to supported living. He’s very sociable and will talk to anyone he meets when out in the community. Since progressing to supported living, Richard has become more independent. He enjoys meeting friends, visiting garden centres, and taking walks along the seafront – when the weather is nice. Richard takes pride in doing his own shopping and helping the nationalcaregroup.com
Venus
Grace
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My Journey to a Happy Life by Leslie
Leslie shares his personal journal of the remarkable progression he’s made since moving to Shelton Care Group’s Cauldon Place. About me My name is Leslie. I am 38-year-old. I have learning disabilities, autism, and some mental health needs. I have spent on and off the past 17 years of my life in and out of secure mental health hospitals until I moved into my home at Cauldon Place.
When in hospital I believed I couldn’t live in the community as I was told I was a risk to the public due to behaviours I can display when I am anxious. I was allowed out if “I was good” approx. once a week.
My life changing move The Transforming Care Programme helped to move me into the community. There was lots of work for them choosing a team of the right people and a home that could support me well to reach my goals and achievements I wished for. Before I moved into Cauldon Place, the team spent time visiting me in hospital to get to know me a little better and find out all about me and my interests and hobbies.
y flatmate Joe Spending time with m
When my anxiety was bad in hospital, I was often restrained by lots of staff. I was often put on medications and now I have tardive dyskinesia. This makes me lack confidence when communicating with others due to my speech sometimes being difficult to understand.
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Making progress Since moving to my new home, I have had professional support to help me use new ways of managing my anxieties and to help me reduce my medication safely. I have been supported to build my confidence by the local speech and language team too. I will now write down how I am feeling and do some breathing techniques which I learned with my psychologist. I now very rarely become anxious and hit out and I have been fully involved in all plans to support me to feel safe if I do. I have the capacity to be fully involved in all decisions for my care needs, which I lacked whilst in hospital settings.
When I first moved to Cauldon Place in June 2021, whilst I was getting to know my support team, I would access the community on 2:1 staffing ratio. I now access the community independently or with 1 support staff to build my confidence. I now live in a flat, with less support than the hospital, and with friends with similar needs to me. I have made some great friendships since moving into my new home. I am always happy when I am out doing activities I enjoy. I also see my family regularly and plan with my Mum often to visit her. I missed visits home a lot when I was in hospital. My support team have a close relationship with my family.
Enjoying a drink befo re my first Stoke City match (This was a big achievem ent for me!)
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I have been guiding the team on my choices and preferences on MAYBO techniques which I feel safer with as they are centred to me as an individual. I am proud of how I no longer get angry all the time, and the happy life I am living.
Rewarding Occasions Kay’s Transformation If anyone deserved a day of retail therapy, it was Kay. Chilling on my holiday with Dale, my senior suppor t worker
Life is good Since moving to Cauldon Place I have enjoyed lots of daytrips to the seaside, Alton Towers, the Zoo etc. I have also been on holidays again. These are all things I had not done since I was a child. I love being on holiday and my goal is to go abroad. I have never been on an aeroplane before, but I know with my support team I will achieve this goal soon.
In the 22 months Kay has lived at Endurance Care Worcestershire, her life has transformed. Kay has become more mobile and active, has a social life, and volunteers at the local hospice. She has also lost just shy of a staggering 22 stone! Nominated by registered manager Kelly Smith, Kay was awarded vouchers to spend on shopping and dining. Kay was joined by Kelly, and senior support worker Jodie, on her shopping spree. Kay had so much fun trying on new clothes and celebrating over a spot of lunch.
Sarah’s Bravery essed as Our fancy dress - I’m dr
Rambo
As a huge theatre fan, Sarah from Endurance Care Broadstairs was overjoyed to be awarded a dream visit to London’s iconic West End to see The Lion King. Sarah’s been through a very difficult period of loss, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis. She’s shown incredible bravery and has had to be very responsible by making some big decisions. Nominated by regional operations manager Tara Fewster, Sarah enjoyed her magical day out with devoted support worker Katy, who has been a huge support to her.
Lots of laughs out for di nner with my Cauldon Place family
Overall, my life is now a happy one and I continue to be happy in my new home – I tell people I never want to leave. My family are happy now I am out of hospital and living my life doing all the things I enjoy with the right support team.
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Kay and Sarah were nominated for Pollard’s Promises, a charity that helps to create happy memories and fulfil dreams for caregivers and care recipients. Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 25
JG’s new role at Endurance Care Since starting his new role as Endurance Care Deal & Hythe’s new maintenance man over seven months ago, JG has really embraced his new responsibilities. JG chose to invest in some new tools of his own and has been hard at work carrying out duties across the service’s six supported living sites. He has even managed a complete garden makeover, transforming an area that was overgrown and unusable, into a fresh, open space for all to enjoy. JG has impressed registered manager Dan Burgess, who is over the moon with the new garden area. He said, “JG has transformed the service, putting so much effort into his work, with such enthusiasm, and always with a smile on his face. I’m proud to have him as part of the team.” JG has felt so empowered, he’s also bought a jet wash and set up a car wash business. He’s passionate about pleasing people and is feeling a real sense of achievement as he continues to be congratulated for the outcomes of his hard work. JG was supported to apply for the position as part of National Care Group’s initiative to empower the people we support to unlock their potential with rewarding and valued employment.
JG & Stephen’s helping hands After completing his training, JG will join housemate Stephen in supporting local sick people with gardening and maintenance duties.
The support is provided through a collaboration between Endurance Care and Macmillan Cancer Support. The partnership began with Stephen helping an elderly lady in the community with her gardening pre-covid. Gardening is Stephen’s passion, and his own garden space is kept so beautifully, it’s been given a ‘Walmer in Bloom’ award every year since 2016. He has over 20 certificates for online gardening courses he’s completed. Stephen is so passionate; he’d be outside gardening 24/7 if he could. It’s his favourite topic of conversation and asks many questions on the subject.
Gardening is Stephen’s passion
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The gardening and maintenance support JG and Stephen offer is so valuable to those in need, while providing them both with an extra outlet for enjoying their passions.
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Congratulations to Community Champion, Jando! It was an immensely proud moment for Jando recently when he was announced as the Forest of Dean’s Volunteer of the Year at the Forest Volunteer Awards. Jando is a person we support at Merry Den supported living in Cinderford. He has been volunteering at St Stephen’s Church for 12 years. Voted by the public as the Peoples’ Champion, Jando was awarded in recognition of his dedication and passion as a community volunteer. Jando loves to volunteer his time and is involved in many projects, services, events, and prayer groups. He likes to feel
part of his community and to learn new skills, as well as sharing his talents with others. He is recognised in the parish as being a thoughtful, caring person who will do anything for anyone.
Walk, Talk, Action at Regent College time. Both tutors and learners put in lots of effort and dedicate so much time to its various voluntary projects. The college also benefits from a variety of volunteering work opportunities it gives to our learners. The partnership is hugely impactful, and our learners are finding it super rewarding. When they were asked the question, ‘What has volunteering done for you?’, below are just some of the words that summarise their responses: ✔ Confidence
✔ Meeting people
Volunteers from Regent College have been working hard to build a wilderness retreat, by transforming a green space gifted to a local charity.
✔ Working with others
✔ Teamwork ✔ New skills
✔ Making new friends
✔ Helping others
✔ Sense of achievement
Tutors and learners from our specialist day college have been attending weekly sessions, where they’ve worked with other volunteers to create the new space. They’ve already made two pathways, cut back, and planted new trees, and created dedicated areas for wildlife. Fen Park Fields in Stoke-on-Trent has already hosted some public events, and once the work is completed, it will be fully opened for the community to enjoy. The space was gifted to local mental health charity, Walk Talk Action, a charity the college has been involved with for some
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Changing Lives Autumn / Winter 2023 | 27
Summer Event Highlights Atlantic Way Care New Summer House Opening
8 Acres End of Development Party Cauldon Place Group Blackpool Holiday
Yew Tree House New Sensory Garden Opening