Chief Executive Update Perthyn Belonging Issue 10 Winter 2011/12 Hello again everyone, The end of another year fast approaches and this last 12 months has been very busy and at times difficult. So on behalf of the Trustees and the Senior Managers, I would just like to thank everyone for their continued hard work and commitment to the people we support, it really has been appreciated. Recently, a communication was sent out advising people that three senior and long standing staff were leaving the organisation and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their endeavours over many years with Perthyn. Those leaving are John Gilkes, Tony Jones and Trevor Stainsby and between them they have over 45 years working for the organisation. Throughout that time they have been 100% committed to promoting the rights of people with learning disability to live a full and valued life in their own community. Their contribution to the success of the organisation has been huge and they will be sorely missed by many people. Their colleagues will be saying farewell in many ways but on behalf of Perthyn we say a sincere and big thank you to them and wish them well for the future. This time of year is an opportunity for people to celebrate and enjoy themselves in so many different ways and whichever way you choose to do this I hope you have a great time. Regards, Chris Bennett (on behalf of the Trustees and Executive Management Team) In the Know Contents: News from Powys l News from Northamptonshire l Ride to Work Scheme Update l Penycoed Refurbishment l Environmental News Staff Questions and Answers l Notice Board l Health and Safety
Transcript
Chief Executive Update
Perthyn Belonging
Issue 10 Winter 2011/12
Hello again everyone,The end of another year fast approachesand this last 12 months has been verybusy and at times difficult. So on behalf ofthe Trustees and the Senior Managers, Iwould just like to thank everyone for theircontinued hard work and commitment tothe people we support, it really has beenappreciated.
Recently, a communication was sent out advisingpeople that three senior and long standing staffwere leaving the organisation and I want to takethis opportunity to thank them for all theirendeavours over many years with Perthyn. Thoseleaving are John Gilkes, Tony Jones and TrevorStainsby and between them they have over 45years working for the organisation. Throughoutthat time they have been 100% committed topromoting the rights of people with learning
disability to live a full and valued life in their owncommunity. Their contribution to the success ofthe organisation has been huge and they will besorely missed by many people. Their colleagueswill be saying farewell in many ways but onbehalf of Perthyn we say a sincere and big thankyou to them and wish them well for the future.
This time of year is an opportunity for people tocelebrate and enjoy themselves in so manydifferent ways and whichever way you choose todo this I hope you have agreat time.
Regards, Chris Bennett (on behalfof the Trustees andExecutive ManagementTeam)
In the Know
Contents: News from Powys l News from Northamptonshire l Ride to Work Scheme Update l Penycoed Refurbishment l Environmental NewsStaff Questions and Answers l Notice Board l Health and Safety
In the know: www.perthyn.org.uk
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Staff will be aware that PowysCounty Council took thedecision that they wouldretender all of the Supportedliving services in their area.
The process they decided to follow was to firstly inviteproviders to apply for approval to be on what is referredto as a “Framework Agreement” which is in essence alist of approved providers who have met certainstandards and criteria and it is these providers that
will then be offered services to tender for. The firstpart of this exercise i.e. seeking approval to be on theFramework, has been completed. The excellent newsis that Perthyn has been successful in being approvedto be on this Framework. Even better is the fact thatPerthyn scored the top marks in the two assessmentareas that all providers were considered against.
We await the next stage of the process and we willensure that we put as much hard work into this aswas done in the first stage. If we do then we will nodoubt remain a significant provider of services inPowys.
Powys – retendering ofservices Update
Rhys Evans achievementfor Community VolunteeringRhys Evans who lives in Llanelli Carmarthenshire,volunteers with WRVS for their ‘Meals on Wheelsscheme’ and delivers meals to elderly people everyMonday. He has built up great relationships with thepeople he delivers to and Rhys recommendsvolunteering to everyone as it has enabled him to
develop new skills and make new friends.
Rhys has recently come second in the 2011 TenantsAwards for his community involvement work whichwas sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland.Here is Rhys accepting his award!!
In the know: www.perthyn.org.uk
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News fromNorthamptonshireDavid Marshall
This year alone, with the support of my staff I havevoted in the general elections which I have neverdone before, and I have joined the localNeighbourhood watch scheme. This has given me asense of pride in my street. I get on really well withpeople in my street and over the summer, I wasinvited to a neighbours BBQ.
In June I was supported to buy my own dog – aWestie called "Ellie". I have wanted a dog for manyyears but before I moved in to my own house I wasalways told that this was not possible and began tothink that it would never happen. I really love Ellie andlove looking after her. I enjoy walking Ellie and takingher a ride in my new car to get to the park. When I
take Ellie for a walk, I like talking to the other dogowners and talking about our dogs.
When I am not taking Ellie for a walk I like to visit theGarden Centre and going out for a drink. I also like togo out and buy new DVD’s to add to my big collection.My favourite DVD's are "carry on" films and "familyguy".
Now I have a new car too which I helped choose. I liketo go and do my own shopping in my car; I really enjoygoing shopping and finding a bargain.
I would like to thank everyone for all their help since Ihave moved in to my bungalow. I really love living here!
My name is David Marshall and I moved in to my bungalow andbegan to be supported by Perthyn around 18 months ago. Since Ihave moved I feel like a different person!
In June I was supportedto buy my own dog – aWestie called "Ellie". Ireally love Ellie and lovelooking after her.
In the know: www.perthyn.org.uk
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In the last newsletter, information was given onthe Perthyn Ride to Work Scheme. A number ofstaff have already taken up the option and arenow riding their bikes to and from work.
One of the first people to apply to the scheme wasJeff Adams (Support Worker Northampton). Jeffcontacted Evans Cycles and following their help andadvice he applied and his bike arrived within a
couple of days. Jeff now travels the 10 miles towork and is saving money and keeping healthy atthe same time.
If you are thinking of shedding those extra poundsthat come with the festive season indulgences whynot think about cycling to work and apply for a bikethrough the Ride to Work Scheme. Details areavailable via your manager from Perthyn’s Intranet.
People will know that Perthyn is primarily a providerof support for people living in their own homes.However, we also provide a specialist service topeople with additional support needs, in tworesidential settings that we own. These servicesprovide Assessment and Transition placements forpeople who have behaviours that challenge (SeePerthyn website for more information).
One of these buildings, Penycoed, is in West Walesand is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.The work being carried out is nearing completionand includes a new roof, upgraded bathroomfacilities and other changes to the internal layout.This will enable us to increase the capacity toprovide places for up to 10 individuals as well asimproving the quality of the accommodation forthose who are placed there.
Ride toWorkSchemeUpdate
PenyCoed refurbishment
In the know: www.perthyn.org.uk
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Environmental News:
Will you be having a new phone for Christmas?Don’t know what to do with the old one?Many of us will be getting a new IPhone or similar smart phone this Christmas.Rather than put the old phone in the drawer with the other 7 phones, why notrecycle it. There are a number of good options for recycling some of which willgive you money for the old phone and others will give to charity – here are afew links which may be of help.
Perthyn has an environmental policyrelating to how we try to minimisethe impact of the organisation onthe environment.
In recent months, we have set up appropriaterecycling systems in line with local authority provisionin all our offices and Perthyn owned property for paper,cardboard, cans, plastic and food waste.Service user forums have also looked at good recyclinghabits for people living in their own homes.
We have also looked at how car travel impacts on our
carbon footprint and measures have been taken toreduce travel. These include:
l Ride to Work Scheme, encouraging people to usebikes instead of their car.
l Car Sharing e.g. when attending team meetings,training etc
l Using Skype for meetings i.e. instead of travellingto meet with someone face to face, meetings andsupervisions have been held using the internet andvoice/video programmes such as Skype.
During this year we will be monitoring the mileagecosts to see how these measures have reduced theaverage mileage undertaken by staff.
More top environmental tipsHere are just a few of the things you could do to livemore sustainably:
Turn off electrical appliances when you’re not usingthem – a single computer and monitor left on 24 hoursa day will potentially cost over £50 a year.
Reduce your waste by reusing and repairing – manyitems can still be used when you’ve finished withthem.
Don’t waste food – in Britain, if we stopped wastingfood we could avoid 18 million tonnes of carbondioxide equivalents being emitted each year.
Support Fairtrade for better prices, decent workingconditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade
for farmers and workers in the developing world.
Get on your bike – nearly half the British populationlive within a mile of the National Cycle Network, makethe most of it.
Don’t forget, Perthyn has set up the ride to workscheme for employees which allows people to make afinancial saving on a purchase and improve their levelsof fitness.
Eat more local, seasonal food to reduce the energyneeded to grow and transport the food we eat,support the local economy and reconnect with nature.
Buy more sustainably – look for products that havebeen made with respect for the environment.
Phone Recycling
In the know: www.perthyn.org.uk
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The best thing about myjob is… The people! By farthe weirdest bunch I haveever met. No, they haveactually been the nicest andmost welcoming team Ihave ever worked for sofar....ask me this questionagain next year!
If you were an animalwhat would you be (andwhy)? I would be a rabbit.
Only because I have one and he has got a humungouschin that he uses as a pillow. Imagine how amazing thatwould be, just having that ability to snuggle intoyourself!
My favourite meal is... Chicken burger and chips – I’ma takeout girl and you can never go wrong with that.Always remember: extra mayo, hold the onion and aseparate tray for the chips. Yum yum
If you could have two famous people to dinner, whowould they be? Stephen Fry – just to learn some randomfacts so I can dazzle people with my intelligence... aslong as they don’t ask for an explanation! The otherperson would be Derren Brown. I really don’t get howhe does it! He needs to tell me!
I know you said two people but I have a third who hasto go wherever I go. Johnny Depp. What can I say, he’sjust so beautiful.
How would you spend your ideal weekend? I likedoing nothing. So probably in my PJ’s watching good TV
Favourite song... I have my own song that I sing. It’sabout paracetamol. It’s stuck with me since I was a kid.I was all alone and saw a box of paracetamol and thenext thing you know I was singing about it and I havenever stopped since. I would sing it for you guys but I’mstill trying to make a good impression. Maybe nextyear...watch this space!
Ideal Holiday... I’ve never been on a holiday so I don’treally have one but I would like to have my own islandwhere I can just relax and just explore...when I sayexplore I mean just stand on the balcony of my villa andlook out.
Favourite Film... I know this is a kiddie movie but I loveit, Home Alone 1! The rest aren’t as good. It still makesme chuckle.
Top tips for doing the job well… My top tip would be:If they’ve told you they’ve done it then that normallymeans they haven’t! Always double check.
The best thing about my job is… The look on apersons face when they have achieved something theywere unable to do previously.
If you were an animal what would you be (andwhy)?A dog. I’d be a pampered pooch.2 meals a day, a cosybed and my belly rubbed when I wanted.
My favourite meal is… Fish and chips at the seaside.
If you could have two famous people to dinner, whowould they be? Gary Rhodes and Oz Clark. One’s acook and the other is a wine critic. That’s dinner sorted!
What is your ideal Christmas? Having all the familytogether for Christmas. A lot of my family live abroadand we rarely get together.
Favourite song I can’t really say I have a favouritesong. I listen to most types of music.
How would you spendyour ideal weekend Anice quiet weekend withthe family and a winninglottery ticket in mypocket.
Favourite Film Inception
Top tips for doing thejob well… Be a goodlistener, a team player,approachable, be involvedand a smile on your face.
The best thing about myjob is… Helping othersand knowing that whatI do helps to improvetheir quality of life andmakes a difference,there's no greaterreward.
If you were an animalwhat would you be (andwhy)? My wife Kerry says Iam a Tiger so supposeyou would have to askher.
My favourite meal is… Good old Full EnglishBreakfast, don’t suppose its to healthy but doesn'thurt once in a while.
If you could have two famous people to dinner, whowould they be? Whinston Churchill greatinspirational leader and Alan Sugar just read hisbook amazing what he has achieved from nothing.
What is your ideal Christmas? Being home with allthe family around, watching everyone open theirpresents then having a tradition xmas dinner beforegetting settled on the sofa for the annual christmasfilm on the TV.
Favourite song. There are so many which I like, verydifficult to choose just one but I am going to go for.Ideal World by the Christians only wish it was true.
How would you spend your ideal weekend? As BrunoMars would say, Today I don't feel like doing anything.
Favourite Film. Being an ex squadie and spendingsix years in the paras would have to say ‘A Bridgeto Far’, always makes me reflect on my time in theforces and the hardship my fellow comrades musthave gone through trying desperately to firstcapture the Bridge at Arnhem and then to hold ontoit to no avail.
Top tips for doing the job well… Be a good listener tryto understand the needs of who you are helpingand always be patient however difficult that mayseem at times.
Kelly Strouther – CSM –Nottingham – East Midlands
The best thing about my job is… Every day isdifferent and there is always something to learn.
If you were an animal what would you be (andwhy)? An owl. I have no idea why I just think they arelovely!
My favourite meal is… Anything Greek! Definitelymy favourite cuisine
If you could have two famous people to dinner,who would they be? That would be telling!!!
What is your ideal Christmas? A cosy familyChristmas with my husband and children openingpresents together and of course eating lots of food!
Favourite song Maroon 5 ‘Moves like jagger’
How would you spend your ideal weekend Havingtime with my family which would have to include atrip to Starbucks!
Hi my name is Kelly Strouther, I am 29 years oldand have worked with individuals with learningdisabilities and complex needs for almost 11 years. Ijoined Perthyn as Community Support Manager inSeptember 2011 and I am based in Nottinghamshire.Prior to this I was a registered home manager for 3years for a private healthcare provider.
I am really enjoying my job here at Perthyn as busy asit may be and have settled in really well. I am lookingforward to what the future has in store for me!
Andy Hawley – Flexi Support Worker – East Midlands
Or by mail to: Keli Walters, Perthyn, Vivian Court, Llys FelinNewydd, Phoenix Way, Swansea SA7 9FG
If you have any comments,suggestions or articles pleasesend them to the address below.If you are sending photo’splease send them as Jpegs.
On just about every Health & Safety coursethat runs, everyone will have a story to tell onhow health & safety has gone “too far”, “youcan’t do anything without health & safetysticking their nose in”.
Well, let’s just see why;
Death trap’ landlord ordered to pay£42,000 for fire safety breachesA landlord has been ordered to pay a total of £42,250for serious safety failings at his properties. Out of theoffences, 17 were for contraventions of housing law,while three were breaches of the Fire Safety Order.Officers found that there was a failure to carry out afire risk assessment. They also found that there hadbeen a failure to provide a suitable alarm as well as fire
door maintenance in communal areas.
City council officers found problems includingdangerous electrical wiring, a missing fire door andcables dangling from the ceiling where smoke alarmsshould have been.
So now is a good time to;
l Have the boiler checkedl Check your first aid boxl Check that electric sockets are not too overloaded
with too many extension leadsl Check the smoke alarms are working and change
the battery, (if you do it every time the clock goesback, then it will always be done).
l Switch off that TV at night, at the mains plug.
Health and Safety
Holiday DatesNew Year's Day Holiday January 2
Good Friday April 6
Easter Monday April 9
Early May Bank Holiday May 7
Spring Bank Holiday June 4
Diamond JubileeAdditional Holiday * June 5
Summer Bank Holiday August 27
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
* Extra day, not a bank holiday
Check other dates with Fin/Payroll
Thanks and GoodbyeStephanie Ashford (Payroll)Many of you will have spoken to Stephaniein payroll and will be sorry to hear that Stephhas moved onto a new job in the HealthService. All at Perthyn would like to wish her‘good luck’ and say thank you for all her hardwork whilst she has been with us.
