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Gardening Club! – A Productive Day!

Despite the unpredictable weather, our dedicated gardening club members recently gathered for a fulfilling day’s work! Originally, we planned to plant at the allotment, but we opted to contribute our efforts to the Enablement Care garden instead.

The highlight of our day was constructing a wheelchair-accessible raised bed for one of our members. This new addition will not only facilitate easier gardening but also enrich the outdoor space. Additionally, we planted some strawberry plants and added flowers to the front borders.

A very special thank you to Lisa, who has consistently been an incredible support! Her unwavering dedication and ability to tackle any challenge without hesitation are amazing!

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed their energy and enthusiasm—it’s your hard work that is bringing the garden to life!

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Introducing Anthony Davies: CET Life Skills Facilitator

We are thrilled to introduce our Life Skills Facilitator, Anthony Davies. Thankfully, he found time in his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his role here at CET. We’re sure you’ll agree that we are very lucky to have Anthony on the team and find his responses inspiring!

Introduction and Role Overview
As a Life Skills Facilitator within CET, I am dedicated to empowering service users within the community and residential care settings to lead fulfilled lives by developing essential life skills. My role encompasses guiding individuals to acquire the ten essential life skills as outlined by the World Health Organisation: critical thinking, creative thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationship skills, self-awareness, empathy, coping with emotions, and coping with stress.

By fostering the acquisition of these skills, I aim to support individuals in building confidence, fostering independence, and enhancing their overall well-being. Through personalised interventions and a person-centred approach, I collaborate with each individual to identify their unique needs and strengths, tailoring my support to ensure it connects with and benefits them on their journey toward personal growth and development.

Passion and Motivation
What fuels your passion for aiding individuals in developing life skills? Was there a pivotal moment or influence directing you towards this field?

“Witnessing individuals achieve what they once thought was impossible ignites my passion for aiding individuals with various diagnoses in developing life skills. Seeing their faces light up with joy as they overcome challenges and achieve milestones is incredibly rewarding. This drive was further solidified through personal experiences and a deep-seated belief in the potential of every individual to thrive.”

Challenges and Rewards
Could you discuss some of these challenges and how you address them? What are the most rewarding parts of your work?

“Challenges often arise in helping individuals with various diagnoses navigate social interactions, build confidence, and overcome barriers to learning. However, witnessing their growth, development, and increased confidence is immensely rewarding. Additionally, observing the joy and satisfaction on their faces as they achieve their goals reinforces the importance and impact of my work.”

Personalised Approach
Each individual has unique needs and strengths. How do you tailor your approach to life skills to ensure it connects with and benefits each person you work with?

“I leverage various methodologies to break down complex skills into manageable steps, utilise strengths, and create inclusive learning environments. This ensures that each individual receives personalised support that resonates with their needs and effectively promotes their growth and development.”

Success Stories
Could you share a memorable success story highlighting the positive impact of life skills education on an individual with additional needs?

“One memorable success story involved a young man with autism who initially struggled with anxiety and social interaction. Through targeted interventions he gained confidence and developed leadership skills. Witnessing his transformation from struggling with anxiety to confidently engaging with others and taking on leadership roles was truly inspiring. This success underscores the importance of personalised support and the potential for individual growth.”

Advice for Other
What advice would you offer to educators, caregivers, or professionals who wish to support the life skills development of individuals with various diagnoses?

“Be patient, empathetic, and persistent. Take the time to understand their unique perspectives, leverage their strengths, and utilise evidence-based methodologies to promote their growth and development. Most importantly, approach your work with optimism and positivity, as your attitude can greatly influence their learning experience and overall well-being.”

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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!!
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PART-TIME COOK – ENABLEMENT CARE – SUTTON IN ASHFIELD

We have a fabulous opportunity for a new cook to join our friendly 23-bed care home in Sutton in Ashfield. Please find the job details below, send your CV to manager@challengect.co.uk to begin the application process.

3 days per week including alternate weekends, £9.89 per hour

Ideally with Food Hygiene Level 2.

For more information please email manager@challengect.co.uk

  1. Scope and purpose
    To work as a member of the kitchen team promoting a caring and enabling relationship with service users and providing a safe stimulating and healthy environment to live in.
  2. Line management
    Responsible in the first instance to the Care Manager.
  3. Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare, cook and present food efficiently, meeting our standards.
  • Always working in ways that promote the resident’s rights, privacy, dignity, choices, and independence.
  • To maintain a clean, safe environment for the preparation and consumption of food.
  • Provide practical support and emotional encouragement to enable residents to participate in the planning, preparation, and making of their meals at Enablement Care.
  • Ensure the residents get a varied and healthy diet and food choices always maintaining their own personal choices, likes and dislikes.
  • To participate in the creation of menus taking into account seasons, choices, and stock
  • To communicate relevant resident information to colleagues.
  • To understand the issues of resident information confidentiality.
  • To be capable and confident in filling in paperwork both in relation to residents and the environment
  • To be able to monitor and record calorie consumption.
  • To work in accordance with the Enablement Care Policies and Procedures.
  • To attend and participate in work-related statutory training, to update skills and care practice and self-development through further study, courses, and supervision. Maintaining personal knowledge by completing in­house training and workbooks.
  • Work safely around kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues to the manager.
  • To be active and enabling during staff and resident meetings. Suggesting ideas to improve the service offered by Enablement Care and developing them.
  • To promote communication with other members of staff, residents, and others in enhancing the reputation of Enablement Care.
  • To take responsibility/follow instructions for implementing emergency procedures and to promote safety compliance.
  • To protect all residents from physical and psychological abuse.
  • Always working in ways that promote the resident’s rights, privacy, dignity, choices, and independence.
  • All staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against an infection risk.
  • All staff regardless of whether clinical or not are expected to comply with current infection control policies and procedures and to report any problems with regard to this to the manager.
  • All staff undertaking patient care activities should attend infection control training and updates as required by this organization.
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Becca’s Life Skills Academy on YouTube

Due to Coronavirus, Becca, our Specialist Provision Lead hasn’t been able to get out and about as she normally would. For the past couple of months, Becca has been creating a brilliant and easy to understand collection of life skill video’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_GhyZmWjg

Becca’s Life Skills Academy can help with doing things around the house, cooking, cleaning, managing money, understanding our feelings and much more.

Email becca.oseman@challengect.co.uk if you would like to be added to the mailing list for the Life Skills Academy!

You can find Becca’s Life Skills Academy on the CCT Community Enablement Team YouTube channel here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlyF6fT9JQ