Issue 2
All Disabilities Matter group fundraise to support Options
Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) received a generous £200 donation from the All Disabilities Matter group to support their Options service, dedicated to adults with learning and physical disabilities. Both the PCP and the All Disabilities Matter group are based in Newton Aycliffe, and the funds will support Option’s adult day service members with fulfilling and engaging sessions. Jackie McFadden, Founder of the All Disabilities Matter group, said: “All Disabilities Matter is for anyone of any age or background who has any form of disabilities, mental health issues, or there for anyone who just wants or needs to chat, so nobody has to feel alone anymore, especially at night.
“The group was set up by myself and Anne West who used to be a carer for my daughter, we are both proud to help local organisations who do great work supporting people across Newton Aycliffe, and so we were delighted to raise £200 for Options. “We know how the Options members are to use this money for engaging activities once restrictions allow.” Carol Gaskarth, Chief Executive of PCP, said: “Jackie and the team at All Disabilities Matter did a great job fundraising at the Family Funday whilst also raising awareness about disability. “They’re passionate about their work and keen to work in collaboration, which fits well with our ethos."
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New team member
Working with local radio station
Everyone at PCP and Healthwatch South Tees would like give a warm welcome to their latest team member, Joanne Newton, who has joined as a Research & Intelligence Officer.
The HW South Tees team have been working with local radio station, Community Voice FM, to develop new adverts in both English and Urdu, in order to reach out to more communities in the area.
She will be a great asset to the team, having had lots of experience working in the social care sector supporting local communities. She has previously worked for Age UK, Carers Together and the Citizens Advice Bureau, so brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She said: "I’m really excited to have started work with Healthwatch South Tees. "I’ve worked in Health and Social Care for over 25 years now, specialising in both Dementia and Carers services. "I am hoping to use my experience and knowledge of local services to help me in this role." Welcome aboard Joanne. We're really happy to have you!
The broadcaster has a large Asian following and regularly host their shows live from local mosques, community centres and Mela events. Project Lead, Lisa Bosomworth, appeared live on air during Ramadan celebrations to chat about the benefits of Healthwatch, and encourage people to get in touch. HW South Tees' Community Champion, Rachel Gault, from Middlesbrough based social inclusion project, Community Ventures, also joined the discussion. The adverts can be found at healthwatchmiddlesbrough.co.uk or healthwatchredcarandcleveland.co.uk in the ‘news and views’ section.
Debbie Fox, Frailty Team Link Worker
Catch up with our Frailty Link Workerer Debbie Fox works out of Darlington Memorial Hospital alongside the Frailty Team. She often accompanies the team on Ward rounds and any referrals she receives, she will visit the patient on the ward then follow up once they are discharged either by telephone or a home visit. Debbie also receives referrals from SDEC - Same Day Emergency Care, (which is part of A&E), if a frail patient has been identified of needing a bit of extra support. Most referrals are from patients that are socially isolated or lonely, and need meaningful connections and activities.
As part of her work, Debbie also supports families, who are usually the carer and need signposting to services. She looks at it as a whole, and if she can support the carer in turn it is of benefit to the outcome of the patient. The aim of social prescribing is to support the wellbeing of the client and improve their quality of life through a personalised plan, to find out what matters to them and work with them to make meaningful connections. The ultimate aim is to build personal resilience, and improve the patients outcome, hopefully to reduce repeat admissions into hospital.
Safe Haven and the Happiness Hubs See behind the scenes of the Happiness Hubs Funding The TCR Hub – Teesdale Community Resources, applied for a grant from the Happiness Hubs Fund to support their Happiness Cafe. A representative from the organisation, said: "We would like to open our atrium and cafe area once a week for a weekly Happiness Cafe. "Specifically for people who have been brought to our attention as being lonely, in need of company and support. "We know that transport can be an issue for our service users so we would like to offer a service, using our own community transport, to the Cafe each week free of charge from the town centre to the Hub."
The Happiness Cafe concept fits within the Happiness Hubs Fund aims to support and connect with local communities in and around County Durham. Many other organisations and charities have been awarded grants from the funding, and look forward to being able to utilise them now we are returning to pre-pandemic times. PCP's Safe Haven Development Officer, Jane Cunningham, recently visited the site to see how the funding had benefitted the community.
PCP Cancer Awareness Team engage communities with the #DoItForYourself campaign The PCP Cancer Awareness Team have been continuing to utilise social media to engage with local communities by sharing posts and videos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Their focus has been on promoting the #DoItForYourself relaunch, a campaign that spreads awareness of lung cancer and the signs of early prevention. The team have been out and about in Pelton Fell, Chester le Street, Horden and Easington, talking to shop staff, café owners and everyone in the community about the campaign. The awareness campaign has been received well with only a few places not displaying posters. The team have developed a new Head and Neck awareness presentation to support a charity deliver four workshops. They have also continued awareness work with the Better Health at Work team to deliver nine workshops during July. Partnership work is being planned with CRUK, cancer champions and the new cancer coordinators to offer a more uniformed approach. The team have been reminding people to keep trying to contact there GP surgeries if they require care in these very busy times, as they are still open for business.
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Catch up with Wellbeing for Life There has been lots going on across all of Wellbeing for Life's (WBFL) four bases in County Durham. They have had 351 new clients join their service since April 1, 2021. All clients will be receiving bespoke support tailored to their needs and goals, many of which include living healthier and more fulfilled lifestyles. Currently the WBFL teams are planning and organising more face-to-face groups out in the community, including Eat Wise to Drop a Size, Craft groups and Family Fun days. As the team return to this style of community work, there are also virtual groups running for Eat Wise to Drop a Size and Poetry for Positivity. The WBFL virtual training team is successfully delivering online training in chair based exercise, basic diabetes awareness, building resilience, menopause awareness, basic mental health and assertiveness skills, and more.
Catch up with Joining the Dots Macmillan Joining the Dots has worked with 157 clients since April 1, 2021, supporting them in a variety of areas including with not limited to housing issues and end of life care. The team work across County Durham to offer a free, personal service for people aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with cancer. They're also there for friends, carers and relatives of any age too. Preparations are underway for upcoming Macmillan Coffee Morning events taking place on Friday 24 September across the area. Make sure your team gets involved! The Joining the Dots team are sad to be saying goodbye to Jo Foy, a Joining the Dots Facilitator in the North Hub, she will be a big miss to the team.
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Healthwatch supporting communities access dental appointments Many local people have been in touch with HWCD regarding the difficulties they are experiencing accessing an NHS dental appointment. This is a national issue and Healthwatch England recently arranged a webinar with Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer for England, where Healthwatch colleagues across the country shared your experiences and frustrations. Healthwatch collectively asked for the issues raised by patients to be reviewed as a matter of urgency, and assurances were given that all comments and concerns would be considered as part of the dental reform work. Accessing Appointments Currently, dental practices are working with a reduced number of appointments due to the infection control protocols that remain in place under the government guidance. Despite this, the advice to patients remains the same: • You do not need to be registered with a dental practice to access NHS treatment • In a dental emergency, you can call any NHS dentist and ask to be triaged for an emergency appointment • The NHS Choices website can help you find a dentist based on your postcode. If you are able to travel, then you may wish to broaden your search
Healthwatch England were asked to facilitate regular updates from the Chief Dental Officer and HWCD will share any new information as it becomes available. If you have any experiences about using health or care services that you would like to share with us, or need any help finding services please get in touch, call 0800 3047039, text 07756 654218 or email healthwatchcountydurham@pcp.uk.net
HWCD's Annual Report for 2020-21 is now live. Visit www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk to download a copy.
New team member joins the COVID-19 Community Champions Meet Brian, the new COVID-19 Community Champion Development Officer, and find out more about his role at PCP... To act as a pivotal communicator between Champions, their communities, and Public Health on COVID-19 issues. I respond to Champion questions and queries that arise from the guidance released by official health organisations such as NHS England, Public Health and the World Health Organisation as well as supporting communities and Champions to manage and adapt to pandemic restrictions in both social and business settings. I have a vast catalogue of contacts from previous employment which I utilise in my new position to establish lasting connections with individuals who may benefit from some COVID19 advice and guidance. As a team we aim to make the perception of COVID-19 less daunting by empathising with Champions whilst listening to the issues that
directly affect them and their communities. We are here to provide clear and reliable information to ease any uncertainty and anxiety surrounding COVID-19. I have a long and varied working career which will I feel will help me in this position. Over the last five years, I have worked rs with numerous charities, mostly within a grant funding and development role, the most well-known would-be Zoe’s Place and Jeans for Genes Day. For the last 20 years a lot of my spare time has been taken up being a swimming coach at Eston Swimming Club, where I have coached a wide variety of ages and abilities. When not coaching I like to walk in our lovely countryside and reading.
A leading family owned business has achieved recognition for prioritising their staff’s mental and physical wellbeing. The Banks Group in County Durham have united with the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) to lead the way for future workplace health and wellbeing in County Durham. They are proud to have achieved their Maintaining Excellence Status from the BHAWA, which means they are continuing to boost wellbeing in their workplace through training, awareness and activities. Chris Kelsey, Communications Manager, at The Banks Group, said: “The Better Health at Work Award
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helps us to provide a structured programme of health and wellbeing to our employees and encourages them to maintain or improve their physical and mental wellbeing. “The support in place from the BHAW team is invaluable in helping us shape our future monthly health campaigns, which in turn motivate and engage our staff. We are extremely proud to be a part of the BHAWA scheme.” The Banks Group are a minerals, property and renewable energy company, that operate throughout the North East of England and Scotland and employ over 300 people.
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Befriending Service launch new 'Befriending Group' PCP Befriending Services will now be delivering support face-to-face, with a focus on the GAMP area. They currently have ten volunteers, also known as 'Befrienders' supporting their service, but are seeking to recruit more volunteers to support clients. The role of a Befriender will see individuals provide short term support to clients living in County Durham aged 18+. This includes face
to face visits, telephone support, helping clients with shopping, access to appointments and helping facilitate befriending group sessions. Please share and spread the word to any individuals or groups you may deem interested in both befriending services and volunteering opportunities. Contact befriending@pcp.uk.net for more information.
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Success story for Step Forward Tees Valley Nicky lives in Middlesbrough and has been working with Step Forward Tees Valley since March 2021. As well as support from Lisa her Navigator, Nicky is working with Liz Godfrey from Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), Ruth from Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA) and Susan from Changing Lives. Due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, Liz supported Nicky via online group Zoom sessions entitled ‘Healthy Me'. The aim was to improve her overall health and wellbeing and increase her confidence. The small and friendly group sessions covered goal setting, relaxation, mindfulness and healthy eating. PCP also offered Nicky the chance to join a small wellbeing social Zoom group, which aimed to reduce loneliness and connect participants who were isolated. Ruth (MVDA) supported Nicky to find a volunteer placement that complimented her degree and that would give her the experience she needs when applying for paid employment in the humanitarian sector. Susan (Changing Lives) supported Nicky with the ‘Stepping Stones’ course aimed at increasing self awareness and self development and moving Nicky closer to being ready to look for work.
This partnership approach has enabled Nicky to move towards her ultimate goal of regaining her self belief and confidence, overcoming her mental health problems and gaining employment. Nicky kindly shared her story of her remarkable journey in her own words. Nicky said: "Last year I was left devastated by the sudden loss of my oldest son, and I was unable to cope with life. "I could not see a way forward or how I would be able to live properly again, I just couldn't function anymore. "I had depression and anxiety and COVID19 made it easier for me to escape the world and lock myself away. "After receiving counselling I realised that I had to move forward and get control back of my life, I just didn't know how to do it. "This is when I was introduced to Step Forward and Lisa suggested that I attended the Healthy Me taster sessions with Liz, I completed the four sessions on Zoom, which surprised me so much because it was group sessions."
I" think that because it was relaxed and there was no pressure it made me feel safe. "I gained so much from such a short time and the breathing exercises I use a lot now and it works to help combat my anxiety. "Following on from these sessions Liz suggested the social group. "I admit that I was a bit skeptical about it, however I am so glad that I attended them. "Talking to new people in a safe environment was exactly what I needed to build my independence back up. "When I first started working with this project I would do anything not to go outside, even watering my milk down so I didn't have to go to the corner shop. "However two weeks ago I volunteered with a gardening project for Roseberry Park. "I sat on a bus for the first time in over a year and enjoyed watching people instead of looking at the floor just wanting to be home.
" I will start volunteering with refugees in a couple of week time. "The next step for me is to apply for jobs in the humanitarian sector the reason I went to university and gained my degree in history. "Before last year I had a full life, with my children, university and friends and I had lost it. "So to me getting on a bus and feeling happy and positive means so much, it means that I can start to live again. "This project and the wonderful people that I have had the privilege to meet and work with have helped me to start to reclaim my life, and for that thank you will never be enough." Keep up to date with Step Forward Tees Valley and their work within the area, on their website at www.sfteesvalley.co.uk
Cancer Awareness Team
Catch up with Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees are appealing for people to complete a short survey that will ask you questions about your views and experiences of your own mental health over the past year. The information you send will be anonymous - with their team ensuring that you cannot be identified through your responses.
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their views. Feedback concluded that access to GP services proved very difficult, but maternity services were positive. Responses to the feedback are due this week and a report will be issued soon after. For further information visit Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees' website.
Please share there link via any networks your deem appropriate: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Healthw atch-Stockton-Mental-WellbeingSurvey
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees have been working with A Way Out, a outreach and prevention charity in Stockton that support vulnerable women with homelessness, substance abuse, violence, mental health issues and more. Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees worked with A Way Out to collect views and experiences of clients accessing health and social care services over the past two years. Care workers from A Way Out supported the engagement, with a further eight women sharing
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees' Annual Report for 2020-21 is now live. Visit www.healthwatchstocktonontees.co.uk
To celebrate all staff's contribution to PCP, we are hosting a celebration event on Friday 17th September. Please RSVP via the Microsoft Teams invite ASAP. If you would like to know more about the event, contact hr@pcp.uk.net
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Together 21 reunite in Hardwick Park
Together 21 (T21) is the Pioneering Care Partnership's group for children and young people with Down syndrome.
At the end of July, T21, families and friends came together to see one another and enjoy life skills sessions.
The activities from the group sessions provide the opportunity to build friendships within peer groups as well as support their development in reaching their full potential. This is a chance for parents to get to know each other, providing a vital friendship and peer support network for families.
There was lots of smiling and happy faces and children played with each other and enjoyed the outdoor surroundings.
Over the last 18 months T21 have been adapting to learning from home. The children and young people have reached incredible milestones that have been shared on the T21 social media pages. As PCP, projects and services prepare to head back into the Pioneering Care Centre, we'd like to share T21's recent meet up.
It was great for everyone to reunite ahead of a curriculum of activities set to be launched in September at the Pioneering Care Centre for T21 service users. Keep up to date with T21 and connect with them on social media. Visit www.facebook.com/Together21PCP
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Catch up with the Befriending Research Project The Befriending Research Project (BRP) team have been underway mapping out current befriending peer support provision throughout the North East, with a focus on mainly County Durham. Their first report is set to be completed in September and will establish research so far, including the current mapping of delivery within these areas. To achieve their research, Research Officers, Kelly Carswell and Victoria Dixon have continued engagement with community groups, organisations, and members of the public. New contacts and organisations are still welcome to get involved and support the ongoing research. Have you used befriending services in the North East of England? The BRP team would like to continue to gather feedback from organisations, members of the public etc and would appreciate people completing online surveys.
Befriending services are typically delivered by mental health charities to provide support and companionship to people, share your views in their survey at https://bit.ly/3cyyGF7 The BRP team are planning to hold focus groups towards the end of September and into October. Future plans of these focus groups will be revealed soon. If you can offer support or contacts to the BRP team, contact their Research Officers: Kelly Carswell kelly.carswell@pcp.uk.net Victoria Dixon victoria.dixon@pcp.uk.net
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Healthwatch Sunderland celebrate International Day of Happiness A leading independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Sunderland celebrated International Day of Happiness. International Day of Happiness took place on Thursday 20 March, and Healthwatch Sunderland and their team of volunteers came together to honour the occasion and discuss what makes them happy. Wendy Hadlington, Engagement Officer at Healthwatch Sunderland, said: “International Day of Happiness offered an opportunity to spread positivity and meet together with our fantastic team of volunteers, staff and supporters to connect with one another. “We also took the opportunity to say thank you to our volunteers for their commitment to supporting Healthwatch Sunderland and local communities.” Meeting a the Hope Street Xchange, Sunderland, the team of dedicated volunteers, staff from Healthwatch Sunderland, friends, family and members of local community groups enjoyed games, quizzes, sharing stories and a general catch up.
This year’s day of celebrating happiness is more important than ever, as many of us have faced unprecedented challenges, wellbeing matters more than ever. In these difficult times, let’s take action to be happier and kinder, together. Healthwatch Sunderland is supported by a team of 24 volunteers, who offer their own time to engage with communities in Sunderland. Throughout 2020-21, Healthwatch Sunderland’s volunteers contributed an amazing 511 hours of support to the organisation, which has massively supported the work they do. When asked what makes her happy, Grace Weir, a Healthwatch Sunderland volunteer, said: All the little things make me happy, like a piece of cake from a neighbour, talking over the back wall, walking along the coast everyday and buying small items from Ebay.” To connect with Healthwatch Sunderland or find out more about their work, visit www.healthwatchsunderland.com
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Catch up with the COVID-19 Resilience Service The COVID-19 Resilience Service have had 28 referrals to date, with this expected to increase now they are welcoming self referrals and the option to refer an individual. The service is delivered across County Durham for individuals 18 years or over, not in crisis, whose emotional wellbeing and mental health has been affected by COVID-19. The team work with each person on what is important to them, whilst supporting them through their own referral pathway (shown below).
For more information on the service, to self refer or to refer someone else, contact covidresilience@pcp.uk.net
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Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) For any enquiries regarding this publication, contact jenny.lee@pcp.uk.net
Registered Office: Pioneering Care Centre Carers Way Newton Aycliffe DL5 4SF Tel: 01325 321234 Email: enquiries@pcp.uk.net Website: www.pcp.uk.net
@PCPandCentre @PioneeringCare @PioneeringCare Pioneering Care Partnership Pioneering Care Partnership