I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to the staff and service users of New Directions for all their kind words and support during the recovery period after my accident.

From visiting me in both hospital and at home, to keeping me up to date with regular phone calls and texts and not to mention the mountain of Get Well soon and Christmas cards and the wonderful Welcome Back Duncan banner on my return to Bishops Croft.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to all the staff who worked extra hours and double shifts to cover my absence. All these things together made a difficult time for me a lot easier to deal with and confirmed to me what a special organisation I work for.

My heart felt thanks to you all.

East Sussex and Kent has been hit by overnight snow with many routes to work made difficult by stranded lorries. Many cars unable to negotiate side roads. No buses on the roads of 1066 country. Only one member of staff accross the four New Directions homes was unable to make it in to work. They did have to travel some distance from one of the worst affected area. Hopefully the conditions will improve so that the late and night shifts can make it in to work. 

Monday now and there are signs of a let up with main roads clear and less problems anticipated.

Many other staff have shown unbelievable dedication: Night staff Dorothy drove to Bishops Croft from Heathfield and apologised for attending her Duty 5mins late. Sanchia Home Manager of Bishops Corner walked from Battle to Bishops Corner in St.Leonards. Many more staff have and are walking to their work places and taking an overnight bag in case the journey home not possible.

Staff attendance has been around 95%. Those not attending is usually down to being unable to get public transport. One member of staff off sick. This being genuine.

The residents and staff are having much fun in the gardens of the homes.

These staff are unsung hero’s who all are dedicated to supporting our residents who require specialist services. The management team thanks all its staff in the huge dedication shown to the service users and to their Home Managers and to New Directions.

]]> http://www.praderwillisyndrome.org.uk/2010/01/07/518/snow-joke-pictures-to-follow/feed/ http://www.praderwillisyndrome.org.uk/2009/12/29/514/pwsa-has-a-new-patron/ http://www.praderwillisyndrome.org.uk/2009/12/29/514/pwsa-has-a-new-patron/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:38:22 +0000 admin http://www.praderwillisyndrome.org.uk/?p=514  

 New Directions are pleased to reproduce

  below an  article from the web-site of the Prader

 Willi Syndrome Association (uk).

 We are pleased that Jo is the new patron of the

 charity. 

The latest news from the PWSA (UK)

JO BRAND - OUR NEW PATRON

We are delighted to announce that Jo Brand has agreed to become our new Patron and we extend a warm welcome to her from everyone at PWSA (UK).

Since leaving her job as a psychiatric nurse in 1987, Jo Brand has built a large following across the UK, male and female alike, appearing initially on the Saturday Live television show. In 1993 she became a resident panellist, along with Tony Hawks, on BBC monologue show The Brain Drain. Soon after, she had her hit “Through the Cakehole” (Channel X for Ch4) series met with great acclaim, as did her series “All the Way to Worcester” (Vera Prods for Ch4). Jo’s diverse appeal is marked by appearances on such eclectic programmes as “Question Time” (BBC) to “Nevermind the Buzzcocks” (TalkBack Prods for BBC) and “Countdown” (YTV for Ch4) to “They Think It’s All Over” (TalkBack Prods for BBC) and The Graham Norton Show (BBC).

Jo took part in the first celebrity version of Comic Relief does Fame Academy, and then in 2007, she appeared as a celebrity contestant on Comic Relief Does The Apprentice, again to raise money for Comic Relief. In 2009 she participated in Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, another Comic Relief fundraiser, dancing as Britney Spears (‘tis true), reaching the final.

She appeared as a judge in the BBC2 series The Speaker in April 2009. She offered her advice, along with John Amaechi and Jeremy Stockwell, in the eight-part series charting the search for “Britain’s Best Young Speaker’‘. This year saw her write and star in the utterly marvellous, Getting On, in which she starred along co-writers Joanna Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine, on BBC in July 2009. The series, set on a hospital’s geriatric ward, was partly inspired by her earlier career in nursing, and has been commisioned for a second series to begin filming in 2010.

Her autobiography ‘Look Back In Hunger’ is now available from all good stockists. For further details see www.vivienneclore.com

We think we know why David introduced us to this place - he obviously feels right at home!

Thank you again to David and Maureen!

First up was Nick Walker (Bishops Croft), he did a stand up comedy routine.

Next was Simon Emery (Bishops Way), he told jokes.

Then Steven Mackelden (Bishops Croft), ventriloquist act.

Mark Caister (Bishops Croft) was next, he sang Rock ‘n’ Roll.

There was then an intermission where Ian Dessent Caroline Woods (Bishops Croft) and Louise Newham (Bishops Corner) sang songs. Tracey Scott (Staff from Bishops Way) performed a dance routine.

First up after the break was Barrie Gore (Bishops Corner) Elvis impressionist.

Then Lydia Schulten (Bishops Way) sang a song.

Ryan Inwards (Bishops Corner) impression of Katie Price, he dressed the part too.

Jennifer Verrell (Bishops Way) was next, she sang a song.

Last one up was Lizzie Amey (Bishops Lodge), she sang a song.

The judges took some time to decide the winning order. In 3rd place was Lizzy Amey, 2nd Lydia Schulten and the winner was Barrie Gore. All entrants received a prize. Including last place Tracey Scott for her dance routine. Don’t give up your day job Tracey.

At the end of the results ceremony all were asked if they wanted the winner to perform again or should we open the bar and bring out the food. It was unanimous including Barrie, open the bar and bring out the food.

All agreed it was the best party ever at New Directions. Next years theme to be decided one early suggestion  I’m a member of staff get me out of here.

 5^th ANNIVERSARY

 MANAGERS REVIEW

 Amanda Gates

This is our 5^th Christmas / Anniversary, in that time we have laughed, we have cried but most of all we have had a lot of very satisfied Service Users / Employees, if a bit strange.

In 2004 when Bishops Lodge first opened the aspirations I had for the home was to create the perfect environment for all of our Service Users, to meet all there life requirements.

We wanted the staff to be trained to be the best, this I feel has been met. The staff we have I feel are the best in the area for the work that they do. The Service Users feel safe and relaxed in the knowledge that if they have any concerns they can approach any member of the team and get the encouragement or advice to conquer any concerns they have.

Client wise, all of our Service Users have experienced the independence that was very hard to find before Bishops Lodge was available, they have taken holidays abroad, formed relationships, and taken control of there own lives.

The families of the Service Users are also very important, we try to get the families actively involved in the running of the home, the choices for the client, basically to have a say in the lives of their loved ones.

The staff enjoy a good relationship with the Service Users and the families, here is some examples of the feedback we receive:

Thank you very much for the love and care you show.

Everything is fine, I don’t know what I would of done without you all, xxx so happy.

Very grateful, many thanks for the very professional help and care you have given.

The service at Bishops Lodge is very good. I am impressed with the staff and Manager, and feel confident that the service they provide is person centred and meeting individual needs.

Always made to feel welcome on our visits. The service and care / support which is given to service users is excellent. I have no complaints. Keep up the good standards.

The feedback we receive reflects that all of hard work in the last 5 years has been very worthwhile. We look at some of our long serving Service Users then and now, the confidence they have in themselves it really is a great sense of achievement.

One of my goals has always been to receive a 3 star grading from CQC, this was first achieved in 2008, and has once again been awarded for 2009.

My hopes for the next 5 years are to continue on the path we are on now, always looking for improvement and to achieve all the goals and aspirations that the Service Users have for themselves.

The staff we have are the best at what they do but even they want to stay on that learning curve they have put themselves on it seems the best is not good enough for them only perfection will do.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Service Users, the staff and all of the families for making the last 5 years so enjoyable, and if the next 5 years follow suit what a happy woman I will be.

Julie, a senior member of Bishops Lodge, has reflected over her time at Bishops Lodge…..

I started my employment with New Directions in 2005 when Bishops Lodge had only just opened, as a senior support worker.

Although I had no previous experience with Prader Willi Syndrome with my induction and training I feel I am able to offer full support and empathy to the service users.

I now feel a deep sense of personal fulfilment achieving a good working relationship with the manager and colleagues. Every shift is different and enables me to use personal skills to the best of my ability.

Obviously, we have good and bad days; however, service users are always ready for staff on arrival usually with a smile. This alone makes my job worthwhile.