#CelebratingSocialCare: Olympic medals, award winners and celebrations
17 Apr 2024
9 min read
Throughout April we’re #CelebratingSocialCare and all the great work happening across the sector. We asked you to send in your good news stories and we’ll be sharing these throughout the month. Today we hear the stories of Special Olympians, award winners and celebrations occurring throughout the sector.
Turning Point to celebrate 60 years of support with an exhibition at Kensington Palace
Social enterprise, Turning Point, is celebrating 60 years of supporting people with a learning disability, mental ill-health, and histories of drug or alcohol use.
Turning Point’s impact will be recognised in a week-long exhibition featuring 60 objects, to mark 60 years, at Kensington Palace, in June. The exhibition will also be available online.
Each object represents the journey of those who have been supported by Turning Point and others who have been impacted by the organisation in different ways.
Turning Point’s aim is to celebrate the moments of hope, humanity and inspiration over the past 60 years.
Staff and the people we support have already submitted a number of objects for the exhibition at Kensington Palace.
One colleague, Sarah, shared a picture of a wheelchair that had been adapted with larger wheels that enabled people we support in Kent to access the beach.
Sarah said:
The images were striking. The sheer joy and thrill of someone being able to rush into the sea and experience the chill as they hit the cold waters was demonstrable. It represented real person-centred care. Fulfilling liberties and freedoms that so often can be restricted.
Staff have been hosting celebratory events and activities and will continue to do so throughout the year.
At Avondale, for Valentine’s Day, all involved at the service wrote a message using heart-shaped paper with kind words and messages about one another which was then made into a 60 kind hearts board showcasing everyone’s messages.
This year’s annual Inspired by Possibility Awards will recognise 60 people, which will include Turning Point employees, peer mentors and volunteers, and the people we support for making a positive impact in their lives as well as the organisation.
We will also be interviewing colleagues past and present, and people who have used or worked with our services over the years for our 60 Voices project, which aims to tell the story of the people that come together to make Turning Point what it is – a vibrant, ever-changing organisation dedicated to supporting individuals.
Sean, who was supported at one of Turning Point’s mental health services, said:
I don't know where I would be without Turning Point's support. They helped me get the help I needed and made sure I was taken care of during difficult times. I'm grateful for their support.
Creative Support awarded gold by Investors in People
Creative Support, a not-for-profit provider of care and support services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation.
The organisation, whose headquarters are in Stockport, supports over 6,000 people across 67 local authorities in England.
The gold award recognises Creative Support’s strong commitment to investing in its workforce and creating a positive working environment.
The report states:
It’s clear that the organisation is passionate about its purpose. These relationships are strengthened even further by employees regularly connecting with the community, not only through services but at events as well. Through the actions and commitment of Creative Support employees, it’s clear that the organisation is having a positive impact on the communities which they serve.
Anna Lunts, Chief Executive of Creative Support, said about the award:
I am delighted that we have been awarded Gold by Investors in People. This prestigious award reflects the hard work, commitment and values of our staff and Managers across the country. I want to congratulate every staff member on this fantastic achievement.
Joanna becomes a hat-trick hero at the Special Olympics
The spotlight was on Joanna Miller as she won three bronze medals at the 2023 Special Olympics.
Joanna has been horse riding since she was a child and joined the Wirral Riding Centre two years ago, which is home to the Northwest Special Olympic Equine Team.
In August 2023, Joanna took part in the regional Special Olympics, which was held in Sheffield. In preparation for the event, Joanna continued her weekly lessons and Joanna's support staff registered to become Special Olympics volunteers.
Joanna’s medals were awarded for her performance in the dressage, working trails and horse care events.
Joanna said:
I was delighted to win the medals; it was a thrilling experience. I’ve been horse-riding since I was very young, and it is so rewarding to see my skills recognised in this way. I’d like to thank everyone at the Wirral Riding Centre for all their support. I really enjoy my riding there and am looking forward to competing in further competitions. I’d also like to thank all of my team and supporters, along with everyone at One Fylde, thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement.
Tulips of gratitude
Steep House is celebrating one of their former residents with a handcrafted picture dedicated to his memory.
Ernest was a much-loved Steep House resident who passed away in 2023.
His wife was a daily visitor to Steep House, and the staff loved stopping to have a chat with her and hearing about their wonderful life together.
They met on a blind date in Amsterdam in 1965 and Ernie said that his fondest memories were getting married, starting a family, and having meals around the table with them.
Ernie loved to go up the stairs and see the back of his wife’s head as she sat at her sewing machine. In his memory, she presented the team at Steep House with a homemade, embroidered picture for all the care that Ernie received during his stay.
Her gift was a beautifully crafted picture of 'Tulips from Amsterdam' which she had originally made for her sister. After her sister passed away, it found its way back to her and now has found a new home in Steep House.
The picture is machine embroidered with an engraved plaque on the front 'In loving memory of Ernest 1932-2023 with gratitude to Steep House'.
There is also a message on the back from Ernest’s wife and daughter, 'Death leaves a heartache no-one can heal, love leaves a memory no-one can steal'.
The Steep House team expressed their gratefulness for the thoughtful gift in Ernie’s memory.
Walfinch Harrow and Brent’s impact at Milmans Day Centre
Walfinch Harrow and Brent have been making a tangible difference at Milmans Day Centre.
Since October 2023, their team has dedicated Thursdays and Fridays to providing vital support and companionship to people living with dementia. Milmans is a crucial hub for dementia care, supported by Harrow Council's initiative to host dementia days every week.
Recognising the importance of community involvement, Walfinch was eager to lend a helping hand and share their expertise.
Walfinch's team assisted with cognitive exercises, organised recreational activities, and facilitated social interactions, all aimed at enhancing the well-being of attendees. Their commitment to personalised care and attention ensured that everyone felt valued and included.
This partnership has resulted in notable improvements in across the board. Firstly, there has been a marked improvement in well-being amongst attendees, who have experienced heightened social engagement and an overall sense of improved welfare. Additionally, community integration has increased, establishing meaningful connections with both Milmans attendees and staff. The volunteers from Walfinch have been commended for their role in enriching the centre’s activities, receiving positive feedback from attendees and staff alike.
Walfinch educates through yoga
On December 8th, 2023, Walfinch participated in the Sindhi yoga class held in Harrow.
The organisation used this opportunity to deliver an educational presentation to the group of older aged ladies attending the yoga class. Their aim was to inform them on their care agency and the range of services they offer, understanding that within the South Asian community, there may be cultural taboos surrounding discussions relating to care and dementia.
The people at the yoga class responded positively to Walfinch's presentation, expressing admiration for their services. Subsequently, an increase in enquiries for assistance and support was observed, suggesting that their efforts to educate and engage with this demographic had been successful. Walfinch is committed to delivering future educational talks to ensure the relevant communities are aware of the support that is available to them.
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