Historically the maintenance, decorating and gardens were tended to by the Directors. As the company grew the gardens were tended to by outside contractors. This year it was decided to employ a person to do all of these tasks. From the applicants the position went to Michael (Mick) Palmer.

Mick is the father of Vincent Palmer who had PWS  met his demise at the age of 20. New Directions came into being partly due to Vincent’s demise. Now Vincent’s father, uncle and sister-in-law work for the company. A further uncle and 2 nieces are on the bank staff.

Mick became a Grandad  for the 1st & 2nd time today, not twins 2 different sources.

On the morning of 27th April Home Manager Mandy Gates was at head office when pregnant Senior Support Worker Jo Oliver phoned to say that her waters had broken. Mandy went straight to Bishop’s Lodge where she found Jo continuing  her duties assisting to prepare the lunch time meal. Mandy suggested that Jo go to hospital. Jo was at 37 weeks and due to start her maternity on the 30th April. Baby Cassidy was born at 11pm that night weighing 7lb. Mother and baby are doing well. All at New Directions wish to congratulate Cassidy and her family at this ‘nappy’ time. 

Bishops Lodge birthdays: there have been recent birthday celebrations for Service Users Mark Porter 35 and Malcolm Davies 30.

The spring edition of our newsletter will be ready for circulation to families and friends next week. It has 6 pages of news from the 4 homes, a word search, pictures of 2 parties enjoyed by all plus other interesting items.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since we opened the doors to Bishops Corner but it has and there have been a lot of changes in the time since, with both service users and staff coming and going.

Over the last ten years the home has gone from strength to strength with all our service users surpassing all expectations both with regard to their weight loss as well as, their own personal goals and the levels of independence they have achieved. This has been made possible by their hard work and cooperation alongside the dedication, support and hard work of the whole staff team.

Mandy is a member of our staff team who has been with us almost since day one and said that “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, Corner is truly where my heart is.” I also spoke to two of are newest members of staff Maureen and Roxanne who both said how much they loved working at Corner because of “how much support and encouragement the service user are given to reach their full potential. And it made them proud to be a part of that.” Donna one of our senior carers said that “when I started three years ago it changed my outlook with regard to a lot of things, but one thing it didn’t change was the fact I knew I could make difference.”

But the people who truly make Corner what it is and are the measure of our success is the service users themselves. Without whom the last 10 years wouldn’t have happened.

 

With that in mind here are some of their thoughts and feelings they wanted to share.    

“I love the fact that I can go to work and shopping on my own unsupported.”

“When I moved to corner I was a big man of 23st  and now I’m not, and only 10st 11lb.”

“I really enjoy going to work and the farm and love my boyfriend.”

“I play football with the Hastings Specials twice a month and get to go and play against other teams.”

“I am looking forward to starting my aromatherapy course.”

“I feel that the staff have helped me achieve so much.”

“I love the holidays we go on here and abroad.”

 

 

 

From my perspective as a manager I came to Bishops Corner almost six years ago and have watched the home progress both with its ethos and strength of the staff team all working together to create a homely and progressive environment.

 

 

Nostradamus said that the year 2000 would send the world in a new direction, well it did! Bishops Corner appeared sending Prader Willi Syndrome in ‘New Directions,’ helping adults with PWS to gain their independence and live life to the full.

 

We are all very proud to have been a part of this over the last ten years and hope to continue to make a positive and profound difference in peoples life’s for the next ten and onwards.

New Miss Hastings is crowned as Carnival Queen

Student Tamara Gates has won this year’s Carnival Queen and Miss Hastings title.

She has chosen to help the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a charity which offers support to those suffering from the genetic condition, which means they have insatiable cravings for food.

 

Quite a few things have happened here lately, which has meant that we have been so busy doing them that we have only now got the time to write about them!!

 

Simon has joined Active Arts on a drama course and Jenny has started an Active Arts art course. Grant has enrolled at the swanky new Hastings College Station Plaza on a brand new life skills course, he also now has a work placement at DVS on alternate Wednesdays. Lydia enjoyed an Easter break with her family and has returned to us with renewed vigour.

 

We have an arrangement with Bishops Corner that we ‘swap’ a person on Thursdays and Fridays, which gives four people the chance to see their friends and experience life at another home.

 

Day Services have a trip to Brighton planned for later this month – congratulations to all for earning a place!

 

We are now using a new pottery instructor and the first session successfully took place this Monday. Feedback so far from those that have attended has been positive. Well done Vanessa……

 

Staff-wise, congratulations to Gem on completing her NVQ level 2, Becky on her Team Leader NVQ. Adam and Simon are due to start their NVQ 2 in May. Leslie and Tracy are almost finished their NVQ’s.

 

Congratulations to Adam on the birth of Caden on 5^th April. 

 

Finally, Jenny will be celebrating her 60^th birthday this month, which will be marked in true New Directions style!!!

Simon in his theatrical make-up!

The home had a visit from Anthony’s penpal from Australia recently. This went really well. David (from Australia) stayed for lunch and had plenty of time to catch up with Anthony on a face to face basis. Anthony and David will continue to keep in touch.