A wonderful day at Westbourne Park Day Centre

Joanna Budhu shared some brilliant photos from a recent event at the Westbourne Park Day Centre. On the 1st October, the Lord Major of Westminster and counsellors came to visit the centre to promote Silver Sunday on the 3rd October which is an event for older adults and their carers.

Joanna explained that “All service users, visitors and staff were up dancing to the wonderful performance, our visitors were very pleased with the welcome from the centre and everyone but joked they were tired after all the dancing!”

“It was a wonderful afternoon for our service users and staff after such a difficult time for the centre.”

Looks like a great time was had by everyone Joanna – especially the Lord Major! If you’ve arranged an event at your service recently, then why not send your pictures to communications@candchealthcare.co.uk and we’ll share them with the City & County family.

Thank you to Ron from the team in Sunderland

Nicole Donoghue, one of our Comfort Call registered managers, asked us to share her appreciation for her dedicated team member, Ron. After thirteen years of supporting vulnerable people at the Sunderland branch, Ron has made the decision to retire and will be sorely missed by his colleagues.

Nicole told us, “Ron has been an inspiration, an asset and has worked with myself for all of this time also. He is respected highly by colleagues, social workers and service users and their families – receiving a lot of compliments over these years. We gave Ron a present as a token of our appreciation and he came to the office to see us all.”

Nicole continued, “We are so sad to see Ron retire however it is definitely a well-earned rest”.

We wish you all the best for your retirement Ron, and thank you for all the years of dedication to your colleagues and service users in Sunderland.

10th October is World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year. The day is held globally to encourage people to think about their own, and others’ mental health, and to raise awareness of efforts to support positive mental health and wellbeing.

Did you know?

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

Mental Health is everyone’s business

We all have times when we feel down or stressed or frightened. Most of the time those feelings pass, but sometimes they develop into a more serious problem and that could happen to any one of us. Investing time into our own mental health is key to looking after ourselves. However, it can sometimes be hard to know where to start.

Whether you want to take the first steps towards getting some help or learn more about helping those around you, there are many different ways to get help and support:

• Our Employee Assistance Programme with LifeWorks, offers both online resources to help improve mental wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 assistance helpline, where employees can talk to trained counsellors. If you are struggling with your mental health call the free confidential helpline on 0800 1691 920.
• Mental Health Foundation
• Mind – call 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans – call 116 123

Here are some ways you can support yourself:

• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Do something you enjoy
• Connect with others

Here are some ways you can support others:

• Express concern, and offer practical help (do not force it)
• Offer your time to listen
• Reassure them
• Be patient

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Matters have specially recorded this short video for us to help create an awareness of mental health – covering the signs, symptoms and causes of mental ill health and support techniques available.

Why not:

• Take some time out of your day to watch this video
• Reflect on what mental health means to you and your own state of mental health,  and
• Start a conversation with your friends, family or colleagues about mental health

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. They support more than 15,500 people every month to access treatment and achieve their recovery goals. Visit their website here for helpful resources and information.

Raising Money for Cancer Research

The CCH finance team in Nottingham put their baking skills to good use in raising money for Macmillan Coffee Morning 2021 – 6th & 7th October 2021. Sukie Dosanjh and team have raised £270,98 so far but every little helps in the fight against cancer. Please help out at https://thyg.uk/BUU004698463

Congratulations to Nicola at Squires Gate

One of our regional managers in the North West, Samantha Bond, wanted to share the recent promotion of Nicola Frame to branch manager at Squires Gate in Blackpool. After joining the team as a care coordinator last year, Nicola hit the ground running and quickly showed her potential as a leader in the branch.

Samantha said of Nicola, “She has been a breath of fresh air and expressed interest in becoming a manager. After interview, we successfully appointed her for the BM role. Nicola is currently being mentored into the role alongside still doing her other duties whilst we backfill her. Nicola is taking everything in her stride. Super proud of her.”

Congratulations Nicola, sounds like a very well deserved appointment as a branch manager.

Stoptober – The 28 days stop smoking challenge

Stoptober is a Public Health England initiative that encourages smokers to stop from smoking for 28 days in October.

Did you Know?

• If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
• Stopping smoking not only improves your physical health but also is proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Quitting can improve mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

Ways to quit…

Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it’s much easier with the right help. There are lots of support options available, so try a combination that works for you.

• Find your local stop smoking service to get free expert help
• Pharmacists will recommend suitable stop smoking aids
• Ask for support from family and friends
• The NHS offer a free personal quit plan – answer four easy questions to help you find the combination of support that’s right for you
• Download the NHS Quit Smoking app, which allows you to track your progress, see how much you’re saving and get daily support