Manager Jay becomes a Sandstone star ...

SANDSTONE Care’s regional training and development manager Jay Chaplin has been given an employee recognition award for her people development.

She was presented with the group’s quarterly ‘High-5’ Sandstone Star Award for her dedication, hard work and enthusiasm after being nominated by dozens of staff.

She also received a cheque for £100.

Jay said: “I was very proud to win the award. We have an amazing team at Sandstone Care and I love helping our people to achieve their goals and progress their career pathways.

“We use the best training initiatives to develop and enhance our team’s performance to help to make them the best carers in their field.”

Jay, who has worked in the care sector for more than 30 years, works closely with new starters, teams and home managers across the whole group.

She also manages almost 500 trainees across a vast number of training modules.

She joined Sandstone Care in 2018 and first started working with the team at Oak Springs Care Home in Liverpool before being promoted to become regional trainer for the group.

Colleagues who nominated her praised her ‘extra attention to detail’ in training a new member of the team, her ‘robust, yet manageable training’ and also said that ‘she really made a difference’.

Steve Hamblett, senior operations manager of Sandstone Care Group, said: “We were inundated with High Fives for Jay from our colleagues across operations.

“Her dedication and resilience in delivering training across the whole company is incredible.

“Not only does she meet her objectives, she exceeds expectations by working flexibly to ensure our staff have all the necessary tools to do their job.

“She will often work through the night to ensure our night staff get the focus and attention they need and she adapts her training according to the ability and needs of the trainee.

“Not only is our company compliant with mandatory training, we are also now embarking on the Care Certificate and Diplomas and Apprenticeships which will deliver a clear career pathway from care worker to management.

It is all thanks to Jay’s drive and determination.”

The Sandstone Stars Initiative was launched last year to celebrate the hard work and commitment of people around the group.

The company gives out quarterly awards with the chance to also win £100.

Ashcombe House care home in Basingstoke was transformed into Graceland to mark what would have been Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday recently. It is estimated that Elvis has sold more than one billion records worldwide so to honour him the staff and residents enjoyed a day of music, fun and dancing. General manager Louise Lambert said: “Lots of our residents are big Elvis fans and love his music. We had a fantastic day, finding out about his early life and what influenced him, he was such an incredible talent.” The afternoon continued with Anthony Allgood from Reminisce Entertainment performing a medley of hits.

The football fever that swept the country following the Lionesses’ recent European Championship victory inspired Signature to get the ball rolling with their own support for women in football.

Daren Dalmedo, regional director for Signature, said: “Women’s and girls’ football is at a particularly exciting stage as it undergoes a period of incredible growth.

“We are delighted to contribute to this momentum by sponsoring the Finchampstead Pumas and supporting one of the leading girls’ football development programmes in the area.

“We pride ourselves not only on the compassion and care we provide to our residents, but also on the support we provide across the local community.

“We wish the girls the best of luck for the upcoming season and can’t wait to follow their progress.”

Many of Signature’s residents are longstanding fans of the game and are keen to nurture the next generation’s sporting ambitions, having enjoyed a similar competitive streak in their youth.

Signature’s homes around Berkshire, where the football team are based, held a host of football-themed activities during last year’s World Cup.

These allowed residents to join in with the sporting spirit, from cookery activities and providing half-time snacks to adaptive football exercises.

Operator celebrates 15 years

MACCLESFIELD has been dazzling in high glamour and glitz as dementia care village Belong brought together its customers, families and the local community for a crystal themed birthday party, celebrating 15 years since opening its doors.

The milestone was marked with live entertainment, including big band performances from Rich Swings, and the contorting skills of a balloon sculpture artist. Tiaras were on-trend as guests dressed up to the nines for the lavish occasion, whilst sipping bubbly and sharing happy memories of village life over the years with guest of honour David Rutley, Member of Parliament for Macclesfield.

Residents were wined and dined with a three-course meal, before tucking into a confectionery cart hosting their favourite treats.

General manager Caroline Ray said: “Celebrating 15 years is a wonderful feeling. We are a strong member of our community; pleased to be experts in dementia care, bringing professionalism and an abundance of love and compassion.

“Would you believe we have 12 colleagues who have been with us from day one? – It’s a testament to the dedication of Belong as an employer and the support of everyone around us.”

Belong Macclesfield opened in Upton Priory in Autumn 2007, establishing a new era in specialist dementia care. The launch of the not-for-profit village living model has enabled hundreds of customers to enjoy an active life whilst living in a vibrant hub, complete with amenities including a bistro, specialist gym and a salon.

The CQC has recognised its consistent high standards, with the most recent full inspection awarding care provision ‘Outstanding’ status. Belong has now expanded to eight locations across the North West, with two more under construction.