Dorothy’s big day in Ashton Under Lyne
Mandy Hall, Branch Manager for Comfort Call in Ashton Under Lyne, has let us know about a big birthday celebration held by the local team recently. 
Mandy told us, “We had a 100th birthday for one of our service users, Dorothy. Staff held a birthday surprise party with all her social friends that attend the Tuesday group in Denton Tameside – run by our carer Joanne Turberfield and other staff members. Joanne had arranged a buffet and a birthday cake has you can see from the pictures she really enjoyed herself.”
Looks like Dorothy had a fantastic day, with everyone – especially Joanne – contributing to make it an extra special one. Many happy returns Dorothy!
Training for tracheostomy support
Nurses from across our complex care division recently refreshed their tracheostomy training with Kapitex – a leader in laryngectomy, tracheostomy and dysphagia medical services. The day was attended by twelve nurses; representing Advantage Healthcare, ICCM and Total Community Care. 
The nurses – whose experience ranged from not very skilled or experienced to ITU nurses – found the training in-depth and well put together by the trainer, as it covered:
- The basics of what is a tracheostomy and laryngectomy;
- Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway physiological considerations;
- Different types, features of and interaction with tracheostomy and laryngectomy products – including the importance of cuff pressure, pressure-vault, humidification theory and communication methods;
- A practical skill session, with small groups undertaking removal and cleaning as well as observation skills.
The feedback from everyone involved was that the training was better and more than they’d expected, and the course issued the Nurses with six hours of vital continuing professional development.
Pampering at the Pullen Day Centre
Clients at the Pullen Day Centre in London were recently treated to a visit by a local hairdresser to make sure they were looking and feeling their very best. The London Care team sent though these glamorous pics to show just how well pampered everyone was on the day. 
Maria Gerardo, Day Centre Coordinator, told us that “the clients loved having their hair cut and they felt so much better afterwards. They felt this made some improvement to their wellbeing.”
Certainly appears that everyone was well looked after on day Maria, thank you for sharing. We are sure that they all left looking and feeling great!
Appreciation for Christine on her big birthday
Ami Hobday, Regional manager – South, has let us know about a big birthday celebration for Christine McArthur, which took place in the Surrey branch recently.
Ami wrote to say, “Christine joined us last year and has been an asset to the team – building great relationships with the care team, local authorities and within the business. Christine turned the big 60 and has spent the day surrounded by her loving team, showered with gifts flowers and balloons. Christine, along with some members of the team where taken to lunch where we shared lots of laughs and good food.
“Christine has really become a member of the City & County family, and we look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with her.”
Sounds like Christine is a hugely valued member of the team there Ami, and we’re certain she appreciated the generosity of the team on her big day. Happy birthday Christine.
Let’s Talk About Stress: Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal part of life for most people. But too much of it can affect your health, the way you feel, and your ability to perform well at work and at home. That’s why it so important to learn ways to deal with stress.
Techniques to try
Different techniques for dealing with stress work for different people. Give these techniques a try:
- Learn some relaxation techniques – deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness
- Use exercise to relieve stress – go for a walk or bike ride
- Express your emotions – talk to a friend or write a diary, don’t bottle up feelings
- Do things that make you feel good – spend time on things you enjoy
- Get enough sleep – a bedtime routine can help
- Reach out to others who care about you – don’t be afraid to ask friends and relatives for help
- Contact your GP or EAP – resources available for stress reduction
External Support
- The Stress Management Society
- Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393
- Mental Health Foundation
LifeWorks – Employee Assistance Programme
Don’t forget, LifeWorks, our employee assistance programme, offers a range of wellbeing support to all our staff.
Here are just some of the stress related resources available on the LifeWorks app and website:
- Five Tips for Managing Stress – an audio series you can listen to in your own time.
- Stress Management Toolkit – This toolkit offers resources to help you identify and manage the stresses in your life. It describes the signs, symptoms, and causes of stress, and offers helpful tips on stress management.
- Stress Care Now Programme – The CareNow Programmes are a mixture of interactive content, exercises, podcasts and videos – all focused on behavioural change.
You can access the service here – if you are unsure of your login detail or have any questions about LifeWorks please contact the team.
Please also remember, if you are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, call the confidential assistance programme 24/7 on 0800 169 1920, to talk to trained counsellors. Alternatively use the Chat function on the website or app to start the conversation.
Eggs-citing events for Easter
Finally, we wanted to say an eggs-tra special ‘well done’ to everyone in our complex care teams who took part on some competitive activities over Easter.
The team at Advantage Healthcare held a hard-fought Easter bonnet completion last week, with entries submitted from across the country. It was Linda Di Mucci and her grandson who emerged victorious with this impressively decorated bonnet. Worthy winners indeed!
Meanwhile, the teams at Complete Care Amegreen and Total Community Care each had a guess the number of eggs competition. The teams posted the images to their social media pages, with everyone taking part asked to share, comment and like alongside their guesses.
We’re pleased to announce that the winners were Laura Harrison from Complete Care Amegreen and Tracey Barrett at Total Community Care. Well done everyone!
