Revitalise Heartbeat - Spring 2024

HEARTBEAT

HEARTBEAT

SPRING 2024

Dear Colleagues

Welcome to the spring issue of Heartbeat!

As this season of growth and fresh beginnings unfolds, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our achievements and look forward to the impactful work we are doing at Revitalise.

Our centres were the hub of spring-themed fun and excitement, giving our guests a fantastic programme during the season. Our guests couldn’t have enough of the West End excursions at Jubilee Lodge and live musical entertainment at Sandpipers.

I am proud to announce that Revitalise is now a Disability Confident Committed Employer! This highlights our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

A massive round of applause to Elaine Angell from the Sales & Reservation team and Roger Clare from Sandpipers for winning the top-notch ‘Colleague of the Quarter’ and ‘Volunteer of the Quarter’ awards, respectively.

Preparations are underway for the exciting Give me a break Campaign kicking off at Trafalgar Square on 12 June and the Southport Seaside 10K run for Revitalise with Sandpipers Fete on 4 August.

Best wishes and bye for now

Janine Tregelles, Chief Executive

What’s on at the Centres

Guests staying with us over spring were in for a special treat as both our centres went all out with their decorations and celebrations.

Egg-citing Easter at Jubilee Lodge

Jubilee Lodge was abuzz with Easter cheer throughout spring! Guests were treated to a jam-packed programme that overflowed with festive fun. From crafting delightful Easter keepsakes to participating in games and activities, there was never a dull moment.

A particular highlight was the mocktail mixology class, where guests enjoyed shaking and stirring up refreshing Shirley Temples and minty mojitos.

Easter fun didn’t stop there! Guests embarked on an egg-cellent Easter egg hunt, scouring Jubilee Lodge gardens for hidden treasures of chocolatey delight. The thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery painted smiles on everyone’s faces.

Our guests were keen on soaking up the fresh spring air and enjoyed accessible nature walk to the Epping Forest and a trip to Van Hage.

The week’s adventures extended beyond the holiday centre’s grounds as guests also enjoyed some well-deserved retail therapy at Westfield Stratford City and Queen ElizabethOlympic Park.

The undisputed highlight of the week were the unforgettable excursions to the West End. Jubilee Lodge residents were transported to dazzling worlds of theatre, watching iconic productions like The Mousetrap, The Lion King, Back to the Future The Musical and the captivating Diversity dance show.

These theatrical experiences were the perfect way to cap off a truly remarkable week at Jubilee Lodge!

Spectacular Spring Youth Week at Sandpipers

Sandpipers Spring Youth Week was a vibrant blend of Easter-themed activities, entertainments, food and exciting excursions.

Party duo Lovin’ It set the tone on the first night. The atmosphere was electric as everyone embraced the amazing experience, grooving to the beats in their own rhythm and style.

“Lovin’ It” was the sentiment echoed by all throughout the week, as everyone immersed themselves in a variety of spring-related activities. From egg decorating to outdoor excursions amidst blooming flowers, every moment was filled with joy and laughter.

Nat’s Silent Disco Party was an absolute blast! With wireless headphones piping in a diverse range of tunes, guests danced freely under the stars. The atmosphere was electric as friends grooved to their favourite beats. Nat’s creativity truly shone through, turning a simple idea into a night to remember.

Guests attending the excursion to Funny Girls Blackpool had an absolute blast, laughing the night away amidst dazzling performances and vibrant energy of the fabulous drag queens!

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the performance by pop duo Hush, who serenaded the crowd with their catchy tunes.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening of music and merriment, marking the perfect end to a memorable celebration of spring.

With Sarah, Nat, Lisa, and Hollie at the helm, the Centre’s Spring Youth Week was a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next Youth week in Summer!

Spring at the Shops

Spring sprung in our charity shop windows, too! A huge round of applause to the creative colleagues and volunteers who put together these dazzling displays. From playful Easter bunnies adorning windows to outfits bursting with colour, they’ve transformed the storefront into a springtime wonderland.

People and Culture Update

We’re proud to announce that Revitalise has been awarded Disability Confident Committed status! This achievement underscores our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we have committed to:

• ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible

• communicating and promoting vacancies

• offering interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job

• anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required

• supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work

This achievement goes beyond recognition – it signifies our ongoing commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive workplace. As an employer, we are committed to fostering a culture of understanding and respect among colleagues, removing barriers and ensuring inclusivity, and committed to employee retention and satisfaction.

Disability Confident Committed status is a positive step forward for Revitalise, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our company culture and our ability to attract and retain top talent.

New Store Opening!

Thrilled to announce our brand new charity store in North End is gearing up for its grand opening on 16 May. This store is a clearance outlet shop and will help us sell even more of the stock we receive. Here’s a sneak peak of the preparations for the big day:

Colleague of the Quarter

We had some heart-warming nominations for the Colleague of the Quarter award for the last quarter. Thank you to everyone who is working hard to go above and beyond to provide an exceptional service to our guests, customers and colleagues.

Congratulations!

We are delighted to announce that the winner for the Colleague of the Quarter for Q4 2023, has been awarded to

Elaine Angell

Elaine has gone above and beyond her job role by:

• making the seemingly impossible possible. With unwavering determination, she leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of the best deals and accommodating our guests’ desired dates, no matter how challenging it may seem

• What sets her apart is the genuine care and warmth she extends to each and every guest. Elaine greets them by name, making them feel valued and welcomed from the very first interaction. This personal touch undoubtedly sets the tone for an exceptional Revitalise experience.

• Elaine’s patience and active listening skills are remarkable, especially when assisting guests who may have difficulty communicating. Even in the face of challenges, she remains composed, providing top-quality customer service and ensuring that every guest feels heard and understood.

Thank you so much for all your hard work, Elaine! Congratulations, you have won a £25 Love2Shop voucher! Thank you again for you are a most valued colleague and we are lucky to have you with us at Revitalise.

Thank you for your support, Julie O’Neill!

A close runner up was Julie O’Neill, Area Manager for our charity shops. Julie’s dedication to facilitating the sale of Waterside House has been truly exceptional. As a keyholder, she has gone above and beyond, promptly responding to numerous calls to provide access to potential buyers and surveyors. Her willingness to accommodate these visits, even during her well-deserved holidays, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to our organisation’s success.

Julie’s proactive approach and readiness to lend a helping hand, regardless of personal inconvenience, exemplifies the very essence of our core values. Julie’s invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth progression of this important transaction, and we are immensely grateful for her outstanding efforts.

Revitalise would not be able to provide the service that we do without the help of our hard-working volunteers, who selflessly give up their time to help provide our guests with enjoyable respite holidays.

Volunteer of the Quarter Roger Clare Congratulations!

We are delighted to announce that the winner for the Volunteer of the Quarter for Q4 2023, has been awarded to

Roger’s unwavering commitment to Revitalise since 2003 is truly inspiring. He has generously volunteered his time across all our centres, becoming a familiar and beloved face within our organisation.

Notably, Roger has selflessly dedicated the past six Christmas and New Year weeks to Sandpipers, ensuring our guests experience the warmth and joy of the festive season.

Roger’s longevity as a volunteer is matched by his infectious energy and unconditional acceptance of all. He exemplifies our core values, tirelessly working to ensure that every guest’s social needs are met. With his approachable demeanour and genuine care, Roger has become a trusted presence at Sandpipers, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

His decision to spend his Christmas breaks helping our guests enjoy their time is a testament to his remarkable dedication. Roger’s hard work ethic shines through his effortless socialisation and engagement with every guest, ensuring they feel included and cared for.

Congratulations Roger, you are a very worthy winner of the Volunteer of the Quarter award! You have won a £25 Love2Shop voucher! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, you are a valued member of the Revitalise family.

Quick Data Protection GDPR Tips

• Watch what you share: Be careful about information you share in the workplace, especially if this information has sensitive personal data or it identifies an individual.

• Press delete: Delete emails containing personal data once they are no longer needed.

• Think privacy: When you step away from your desk, lock your screen. Even if you are just making a cup of tea!

Central Support Team Updates

Marketing and Fundraising Team

Our Director of Income Generation and Corporate Engagement, Rebecca Young, has led the restructure of our marketing and fundraising teams.

Pete Aldridge now leads the Philanthropy & Partnerships team focused on major gifts whilst Deborah Auty has taken on responsibility for overseeing community and supporter fundraising. Mackenzie Bianco will manage fundraising challenge events, such as the marathon and individual giving. Emma Dorrity continues to manage community fundraising, and Anna Thornton has been promoted to Philanthropy & Partnerships Executive.

Give me a break 2024

We’ve got ambitious plans for the latest Give me a break campaign activation that will kick off in the first week of June.

We want the Government to ensure that vital respite is properly funded. And, to ensure that respite funding receives specific protection so that it cannot be withdrawn from those who need it.

We’re asking you to join us in calling on all local MPs to do what they can to protect respite funding in their constituency. Please add your voice to our campaign by completing a postcard calling on your local MP to help protect respite funding.

Guest Yusuf, and his mum Muneeba, told their story on Channel 4 News a couple of months ago and recently guest Stephen and his aunt and carer Marie appeared on Channel 4 News discussing the impact that the lack of funding has on their lives. Tune in to the Tonight programme, ITV, on Thursday, 23rd May for even more coverage.

We went to Naidex at the NEC and made new connections with over 300 attendees. We’ve already started to see bookings from this event and are in conversations with Help for Heroes who are considering using our centres to support disabled veteran’s rehabilitation.

Revitalise Respite Holidays, 240 City Road, London, EC1V 2PR | Registered charity number 295072 Company number 2044219

Naidex 2024

Spring Magazine 2024

The spring magazine featuring guest stories, details of our forthcoming holidays, a word puzzle and recipes from our catering teams landed on 10 April and was sent to all guests, volunteers and supporters. It includes details of a special discount for the spring.

We are offering a whopping 20% off both holidays and care for those who book before the end of May. Those booking during this period for holidays taken before the end of June will get an additional 10% discount. This initiative really stimulated bookings last year, and we are hoping it will achieve the same this year.

Community Fundraising at Southport

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Southport’s own Pleasureland. All ticket purchasers at the amusement park will be encouraged to make a donation to Revitalise at the time of booking.

August sees the Southport Seaside 10k run for Revitalise. We have spaces for over 50 runners, so if you feel like setting yourself a challenge, or know of someone else who does, please sign-up. We are planning to hold the Sandpipers fete on the same date, and therefore that weekend is shaping up to be a fundraising bonanza.

Sandpipers Volunteers Fundraise at Chester Half Marathon

Two of our amazing long-term residential volunteers at Revitalise Sandpipers, Anna and Anna-Lena, are gearing up to tackle the Chester Half Marathon! They’re not just running for the thrill, but to raise vital funds for Revitalise.

Please join us in cheering and wish them the best.

Recapping the 2024 London Marathon Running for Respite

The 2024 London Marathon is a wrap, and what a fantastic day it was for everyone involved! We’re incredibly proud of our 35 amazing runners who together raised over £60,000! These vital funds will enable us to continue providing vital respite breaks for our guests and their families.

Every runner deserves a massive round of applause. The dedication, commitment, and miles clocked up by all our participants will have a real impact on the lives of those we support.

We are truly grateful for each one! Read on for some inspiring stories from the course.

Our nearest and dearest

One of our runners and dear central support colleagues, Bhawna, truly embodied the spirit of the marathon, as well as our values. After months of training and joined by her husband Bhaskar, this was Bhawna’s first ever marathon. On race-day, our cheer squad of colleagues and volunteers were happily joined by their daughter, who deserves a medal of her own for cheering the loudest!

Building partnerships

A special shout-out goes to the two runners from Cranfield University, Gokul and Siddharth Ganesh who joined our team this year. Their participation is a testament to our growing partnership network.

We were also thrilled to see the Lakeside Runners, a dedicated local running group from Southport, out in force with continued commitment to supporting Revitalise. Their six runners brought a real buzz to the day, and their collective fundraising efforts are remarkable.

Another outstanding fundraising effort was put in by runner Roland, who singlehandedly raised nearly £5,000! Roland has links to Chigwell School, who hosted a musical gala for Jubilee Lodge last November in honour of our 60th anniversary.

Looking ahead

Feeling inspired? If you’re looking for a challenge and a chance to make a difference, why not join Team Revitalise for the 2025 London Marathon? Places are limited, so don’t delay! Email fundraising@revitalise.org.uk

Also this year, we are the nominated charity for the Southport Seaside 10K, taking place in August. We have 50 places to fill, so email Emma Dorrity at edorrity@ revitalise.org.uk and sign in.

A Warm Welcome!

Please extend a warm welcome to these new Revitalise colleagues, who have joined us in the last quarter. We look forward to meeting you all soon!

Abdia Haque Chobbi Holiday Centres

Adrian Lunga Central Office

Ciann Niamh Cavanagh Holiday Centres

Ciona Diane Croft Holiday Centres

Darren Gilmore Holiday Centres

Felicity Minett Charity Shops

Jacqueline Bohannan Charity Shops

Jason West Holiday Centres

Jennifer Newton Charity Shops

Julie Currin Central Office

Karen Parks Holiday Centres

Kate Spiegelhalter Holiday Centres

Kayan Arnold Holiday Centres

Keith Roberts Holiday Centres

Kelsey Pye Holiday Centres

Keon Tysoe Holiday Centres

Lavern Watson Holiday Centres

Ludmila Bhairoo Holiday Centres

Luke Jeffery Central Office

Mahinaz Afifi Central Office

Maxine Nichol Holiday Centres

Zebulon Minett Charity Shops

Milly Campbell Holiday Centres

Mirabela Szekely Holiday Centres

Olena Mekushyna Charity Shops

Oluwaseun Sarah AwopetuThomas Holiday Centres

Oyinkansola Osifalujo Holiday Centres

Rosy Ross Central Office

Sally Anne Dougall Charity Shops

Stephen Pye Holiday Centres

Stephen Lewis Holiday Centres

Vicki- Jane O’Driscoll Charity Shops

Spring Favourites

To celebrate spring, we invited colleagues to share their favourite things about the season. From vibrant flowers to cherished holidays, their submissions captured the essence of the season. We’ve compiled them into a word cloud and a beautiful gallery for you to enjoy!

Deborah Auty

Elaine Angell

Josephine Leigh

Mackenzie Bianco

Spring Recipe

Here’s a fresh and healthy spring recipe for you to celebrate the fresh and crisp spring produce - these veggie fritters make a lovely lunch or quick dinner.

Spring greens fritters with tahini sauce

Ingredients

2 tbsp tahini

30g pack fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked, ½ finely chopped

1 small garlic clove, peeled

2 lemons, 1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges

100g natural yogurt

120g sliced spring greens

15g fresh soft herbs (such as basil, chives, tarragon or dill), leaves picked and finely chopped

4 large eggs, beaten

50g plain flour

1 tsp ground cumin

4 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

STEP 1

Put the tahini, whole parsley leaves, the garlic, lemon juice and half the yogurt in a blender and blitz to a smooth sauce. Transfer to a bowl, stir through the remaining yogurt and season to taste. Transfer to the fridge until needed.

STEP 2

Mix the spring greens, most of the remaining herbs, the eggs, flour and cumin in a bowl with some seasoning to make a thick batter.

STEP 3

Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Working in batches, dollop 1 tbsp batter per fritter into the pan and fry for 1-2 mins on each side until golden, pressing the fritters down when flipping. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper and repeat with the remaining oil and batter to make 8 fritters.

STEP 4

Serve warm with lemon wedges and the rest of the herbs, with the tahini sauce alongside.

Rosy Ross Bhawna Saini