Gardening Club’s Latest Harvest: Blackberries and Courgettes Galore!

Our gardening club has worked hard this season, and the results are in! Recently, we gathered to pick a fantastic harvest of juicy blackberries and vibrant yellow courgettes. It’s always such a joy to see the fruits (and vegetables) of our labour.

Man Holding a Bowl of Blackberries: An older man wearing a black quilted jacket and a gray shirt smiles while holding a blue bowl filled with freshly picked blackberries. He stands in a garden or allotment with a pitchfork leaning against a wooden structure behind him.

One of our long-time members was especially proud of his blackberry haul. These berries will be a delicious addition to upcoming recipes – perhaps a homemade blackberry pie or jam.

Man Holding Blackberries in Allotment: The same older man, now looking off to the side, stands in a grassy area holding a blue bowl full of blackberries. A pitchfork and overgrown vegetation are visible behind him.
Woman Smiling with Harvest: A woman with red hair smiles while holding a plastic bowl containing freshly picked blackberries. She is wearing a floral dress, green gloves, and sturdy boots, standing in a grassy area near an allotment.

We didn’t stop at berries either! Our courgettes are looking bright and healthy, perfect for some late-summer cooking. Whether you’re thinking of making a courgette bake or simply grilling them, they’re full of flavour and ready for action.

Close-Up of Yellow Courgette: Two bright courgettes sit on a metallic kitchen surface and are displayed indoors.
Harvest Display of Vegetables and Fruit: A collection of freshly harvested produce, including two yellow courgettes, a bowl of blackberries, and a small pile of green peas, is laid out on a kitchen counter. The items are arranged on a silver surface.

It’s moments like these that make being part of the gardening club so special – everyone gets involved. Stay tuned for more harvest updates!!

Celebrating Person-Centred Care 2024: The votes are in!

Thank you to all who attended the staff meetings at the back end of last month.

During this time, you were all asked to nominate a staff member who you felt deserved a special mention for their commitment to the people we support, dedication to the company and an overall team player.

We can now share with you all that the votes have been counted, and it was inspirational to read the words you all said about one another.

It was a close vote!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Catherine, community support worker and Melissa, night care worker. Your colleagues had wonderful words to say about you, and we, as a management team, can say the same.

Catherine, your colleagues said that you were committed to the people you support, nothing is too much trouble, you always strive to make sure that goals and outcomes are achieved.

Melissa, your colleagues said you were an all rounder, you lead a shift as a shift lead should, you have the residents best interest at the heart of what you do.

Congratulations to you both!

Please come to the office on Wednesday 1st May at 645pm to celebrate your achievements.

Staff Spotlight – Nicky King

We thought getting to know our staff and their job roles would be a lovely idea. We have an incredibly professional and motivated team that inspires us daily. Next up in our ‘meet our staff’ series is Nicky King from Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care.

Nicky King. Registered Manager of Enablement Care and Community Enablement Team.

Q. What is your role with Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care?
Registered Manager of both Enablement Care and Community Enablement Team.

Q. How long have you been working in care, and how did you get into it?
I started working in care eight years ago. I spoke to a friend who had always worked in care, and she told me I would be great in a care role, so I plucked up the courage to change my career path. I have never looked back; it was the best decision ever!

Q. What does the future hold for you? Do you have an area of special interest?
The future is full of positives and much more hard work and studying.

Q. What is your favourite part of your job?
Interacting with the service users and knowing that you have made a difference in their lives somehow or in some way. Working alongside staff and helping and guiding where I can.

Q. What’s the worst part of your job?
That is a difficult one; I would only say that sometimes the hours can be very long, but sometimes it is needed to ensure everyone is happy.

Q. Do you have a funny story to tell?
Most recently, I was talking to a resident; she asked where I was going – I told her I was going out to work in the community, to which she replied, “You’re like dog s**t you get everywhere.” That really made me laugh!

Q. What’s your superpower? I’m pretty sure all carers have one.
I think I am a bubbly person, and I always try to get people to sing and dance with me, no matter where we are, and they do so. I think my superpower name should be Dancing Queen.

This is a picture of me in Mexico, where I achieved my lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins; it was the most beautiful experience ever!

Q. What do you think is unique about Community Enablement Team?
It allows our service users to live their best lives, enjoying time doing what makes them happy. Whether that is maintaining their bills and household chores or going to the seaside, disco or archery, there is nothing our team will not be happy to support with.

Alpaca walking with a service user.

Q. What advice would you give anyone just beginning their caring career?
Take each day as it comes; no two days are the same. That is the best part of the role.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Being a carer means that no working day will be the same.
You need to take care of yourself; remember to be patient; everyone is an individual.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself; this passes on to the service user.
Feel free to ask questions and learn from your mistakes.
Build a relationship! That is the most important aspect of care.

Q. What do you think of the training facilities at CET?
We have exceptional in-house training and have recently moved onto an e-learning programme, allowing everyone to learn as many new parts of care as possible.

Q. What would you be doing if you weren’t working in care?
I would probably still be working in the accounts department of the family business that my husband has built up.

Q. What’s your favourite activity outside of work?
I am a massive Liverpool FC fan, travelling all of England and  Europe to watch them. When I am not at work, I ensure I get to as many matches as possible!

I was in Paris for the European Cup Final and got a picture with the great Dirk Kuyt!!