This month we celebrate Learning Disability Week. The annual event which runs from 19th to 25th June is dedicated to raising awareness and creating a better understanding of what life is like with a learning disability.

Every year there is a specific theme for the week and in 2023 the focus is on showing the world the incredible things that people with learning disabilities achieve as a way of breaking the stigma.

As you know our team here at Lisieux Trust provides care and support for adults with learning disabilities or autism, so we are passionate about using our platform to raise awareness and celebrate individuals with learning disabilities in the hope of promoting a greater understanding.

 

Understanding Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect the way that individuals process, acquire or retain information effectively. It could be anything from difficulties with reading, writing, math, attention, memory, or organisation.

However, it’s important to remember that learning disabilities are not indicative of intelligence, as individuals with learning disabilities often possess many talents and strengths in other areas.

 

Celebrating Achievements and Talents

Our focus at Lisieux Trust is on providing the environment for our tenants and residents to thrive, helping them find their passion, showcase their talents, and share their incredible personalities.

Many of our residents have incredible talent and abilities. We have lots of sports stars covering everything from Boccia and table tennis champions to dressage competition winners or keen fishermen.

Sporting achievement isn’t where it ends, we also have lots of tenants and residents who like to write poetry and rap and others who enjoy music, dancing, and a whole variety of other activities.

With all this incredible talent it’s our responsibility to create the environment for individuals within our community to enjoy themselves, develop new skills and learn more about themselves.

 

Empowering Potential

It’s important to break down any barriers around what people with learning disabilities can do.

Many people with learning disabilities live the most active and fulfilled lives. Lots of our tenants go to work every week or are enrolled in educational programs to expand their knowledge and skills.

With the right mindset and environment that encourages growth, anyone can unlock their potential, pursue their passions, and achieve everything they want in life.

Our focus will never deviate from doing just this.

 

Learn more about Lisieux Trust

With homes and supported living schemes across Northeast Birmingham – including Sutton Coldfield, we provide a place for adults with a learning disability or autism to live, learn, and laugh together.

To discover more about the support we provide take a look at our what we do page.

Here at Lisieux Trust, we provide 24-hour residential care for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Just like supported living, it is an important part of the support we provide.

We currently have three care properties located in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington dedicated to this residential service, which currently home around 30 of our residents.

In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the benefits of choosing this form of care for your loved one and provide you with a greater understanding of this type of support.

 

Specialised Care

Our residential support focuses on individuals with learning disabilities or autism who require round-the-clock support.

Everyone in our care will typically have their support and accommodation paid for by a local authority adult social service.

The level of support required will vary from person to person, but can include everyday tasks such as personal care, taking medication, and helping with household chores, through to empowering people to enjoy their favourite hobbies, activities, and spending more time in their local community.

A meeting will take place with a social worker before moving in where the residents’ requirements will be assessed before an agreement is reached between the person, social service, and our Trust detailing exactly what individual support we will need to provide for that resident.

All our homes are run by experienced and friendly registered managers who will be responsible for ensuring that the right support is available to meet aspects of our residents’ daily needs and wellbeing.

 

Increased Independence

Our focus has always been on creating opportunities for our residents to thrive and lead more independent lives.

Alongside the required support, we look to provide the opportunity for residents to develop and build many of the skills needed in their day-to-day lives such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, personal care and financial management.

Every resident also has access to a programme of activities, volunteering or education based on their interests and skills that we hope will help encourage them to build and maintain relationships with the people around them and engage in new experiences.

For example, we host a gardening club at our head office every week and regular activity mornings where our tenants and residents can get together and socialise whilst enjoying a fun activity that brings an opportunity to develop key skills. We love doing what we can to help residents thrive.

 

Safe and Secure Accommodation

All our residents are provided with accommodation that includes their own private bedroom, access to shared living areas and a garden.

When a resident moves in they are provided with a furniture pack that includes a bed, mattress, chest of drawers and wardrobe and they can choose to decorate their bedroom as they wish and put their own personal stamp on it.

Residents also have all their meals prepared by our team and are given the choice of what they would like to eat and when bringing more independence and choice over their own lives.

We also love seeing our residents’ family members come to visit our residents and see more of the Lisieux Trust community.

 

Learn More about Lisieux Trust

With homes and supported living schemes across Northeast Birmingham – including Sutton Coldfield, we provide a place for adults with a learning disability or autism to live, learn, and laugh together.

Find out more about the support we provide on our website at https://www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/what-we-do/

A career in supported living is an extremely rewarding area to work in. As a support worker, you will play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging our tenants and residents.

Supported living is a different form of care that gives the residents and tenants you support the freedom to make lots of their own decisions and lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

Interested in finding out more about supported living? We’ve answered some of the most-asked questions.

 

What is supported living?

Supported living services enable people with learning disabilities, autism and other needs to live happy and fulfilling lives, both independently and safely in their local communities.

When a person goes into supported living, they have their own home with a tenancy agreement and at the same time, receive the support and varied care they need, which can vary from a couple of hours a week to one-to-one support, 24 hours a day.

 

What are the main duties of someone who works in supported living?

No day is the same in a supported living role. It is incredibly varied, challenging and rewarding.

Our support workers are at the heart of everything we do. On a day-to-day basis, you will support those with autism or learning difficulties for different periods of time, and the level of care you provide may change depending on the resident or tenant.

It’s a telling sign of the enjoyment of the job when a team survey found 97% of our employees said they were happy to work for us.

Some days, you may be asked to help with their creative projects, go on trips to see attractions around Sutton and Birmingham, or take part in communal sports activities. On others, you may be responsible for booking health appointments or carrying out important personal care duties.

 

What qualifications do I need to work in supported living?

Our focus is on providing the best support and experience for our tenants and residents. As a result, we focus on personality and transferable skills when adding to the team in support positions.

We look for candidates who are kind, honest, reliable, organised, and good listeners – experience in a care environment is beneficial but not essential.

What we do ask of people, however, is a willingness to work towards a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, to ensure that everyone upholds the highest of care standards. On top of this, you will also be subject to an enhanced DBS check as part of the hiring process.

 

Why choose a career in supported living?

There are very few careers out there more rewarding than care, especially supported living. It’s undeniable that it can be hard work at times, but the reward of seeing the tenants and residents happy and thriving far outweighs everything else.

The work you do will directly better the lives of others. You can see first-hand the effects of your care, learn new skills, adapt to any situation, and enjoy developing new professional and personal relationships.

You can help our tenants and residents achieve their goals, dream bigger, and live life to the fullest. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, what’s stopping you?

 

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about a career in supported living, you can learn more on our work for us page and find out if you could be the perfect fit.

Alternatively, you can speak to someone at our Head Office to talk through your options by emailing info@lisieuxtrust.org.uk or calling 0121 377 7071.

At Lisieux Trust, we prioritise the mental health of the Lisieux community, whether that be our team, residents, or tenants.

As part of this commitment, we encourage our team to become certified mental health first aiders, who can provide support to those who need it.

A mental health first aider is trained to be a point of contact for anyone experiencing issues with their mental health or emotional distress. They provide support, ranging from initial conversations to those individuals getting the appropriate help.

Recently 12 members of the Lisieux team undertook a Royal Society for Public Health accredited course to become certified mental health first aiders, which means we now have 17 certified mental health first aiders within the trust.

We hope to increase this number again before the end of the year to around 30 people.

The course covered a range of areas, focusing on factors that can affect a person’s mental well-being and helping the team improve their understanding of mental health.

They worked on practical skills such as spotting triggers and signs of mental health-based issues and how to step in to offer someone in distress the correct support, as well as developing interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening.

The group also learnt about how to prepare for emergencies, in a way that best prevents the likelihood of any harm coming to the individual or anyone else.

The feedback was positive. One member of the team who completed the course said: “I thought the training was very in-depth! The materials used were incredibly valuable and the course was well taught. It was one of the best courses I’ve been on. One of the eye-opening exercises we did covered psychosis, and hearing voices in your head, involving a practical exercise with someone talking in your ear while you had a conversation, and it highlighted the difficulties some people face.”

As part of the Lisieux Trust team, we ensure you are supported with continual training and that your skills are kept up to date. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a rewarding role with Lisieux Trust, go to https://www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/work-for-us/

Finding the right care services for your loved one can sometimes feel like a stressful task, as you focus on ensuring your family member is cared for in the best way.

In this blog, we will look at some of the key considerations you should make before deciding to ensure your choice is informed.

 

Make Sure the Home Provides All the Support they Need

The most important factor to consider when finding a house for your loved ones is ensuring their requirements can be met.

On top of ensuring they receive the right care, tailored support, and comfortable accommodation, you should also consider the opportunities for independence and development.

It is important that residents get opportunities to integrate within the community, build relationships with the people around them, attend places of work, volunteer, learn and take part in regular activities based on their interests.

 

Check if the Home Currently has Vacancies

The earlier you start the search for the right residential home, the better chance you have of finding the perfect place for your loved one.

Talk to the residential home you are interested in about their availability. You can also check the status of vacancies on sites such as ‘CareUK.’

Do not be disheartened at hearing a home is full. You can be placed on the waiting list until there is space to accommodate your loved one.

 

Check Their Website and Speak To Members of the Staff

You can never do enough research when making important decisions about residential care.

We recommend you get multiple perspectives on life at residential homes. Look at the website, check out brochures, speak to someone on the phone and arrange to look around the place.

Finding out about the experiences of existing residents will also help to give you even more insight into the care and support provided.

 

Find Their Most Recent Home Inspection

By checking the CQC website, you can find the most recent home inspection information for any residential home you are interested in, including Lisieux Trust.

It provides an impartial viewpoint on the residence, helping you to understand how they operate.

 

Discover More About Lisieux Trust

With 11 homes and supported living schemes across Northeast Birmingham – including Sutton Coldfield, we provide a place for adults with a learning disability or autism to live, learn and laugh together.

Find out more about the support we provide on our website at – https://www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/what-we-do/

Lisieux Trust are delighted to have been recognised in nine categories at The Great British Care Awards.

Acknowledging the individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in the care sector, the awards take place annually, with regional events during November ahead of the National Finals in March 2023.

The team attended the West Midlands regional ceremony, which took place at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday 5th November.

Our Head of Operations, Alison O’Meara was named the winner of the ‘Putting People First’ award for demonstrating an innovative approach to empowering people to have more control over the support they need in their lives.

Alison, who joined the team in January 2020, was also nominated for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Social Care’ award.

The Trust was recognised in the Care Employer category and Kay Everton was up for the ‘Care Home Worker’ award.

Two of our other individual nominations came in the ‘Registered Manager Award’ category, where Mary Heap and Denise Barrett were both nominated.

Mary looks after our Francis House property and has been a key part of the team since 2006, whilst Denise has worked at the Lisieux Trust since 2007 and looks after Lisieux House, Bartres Bungalow and Vesey Road.

Lisieux House was also the focus for our remaining nominations, with Service Manager, Charlotte Atkinson up for the ‘Front-Line Leaders Award’. While Charlotte, Denise, and the rest of the Lisieux House team were nominated for the ‘Care Team Award’.

Speaking about the achievement, Charlotte said: “It was an honour to have been nominated for these awards. I’m happy that so many of the Lisieux Trust team have also been recognised. I get to see first-hand the great work everyone does for our residents and tenants.”

Lisieux Trust are very proud of all the passionate, committed staff that work for them and the excellent support that is given to the residents and tenants. Thank you all.

Discover More About Lisieux Trust

If you’d like to find out more about the support provided at Lisieux Trust, then please call us on 0121 377 7071 or send an email to info@lisieuxtrust.org.uk.

Meet Samantha. She joined our team of Support Workers in February 2022, and has been thoroughly enjoying her role, working within one of our residential care homes.

 

Here, she provides insight into just what makes her role so fantastic.

 

 

I am a support worker at one of Lisieux Trust’s residential care homes. A support worker role is nothing like an office job; there is no set day-to-day routine. Every day can be different, but with the same goal – to make a positive change in people’s life.

Although I have only been with Lisieux Trust for less than a month, I have felt welcomed and included since the first day of my role. I remember the first day, coming to work, I was nervous and worried about what the role would entail. However, through training and support from the Trust, my managers, and other support workers, my knowledge and skills as a support worker have been growing rapidly day by day.

During a morning shift, I normally start off providing personal care to residents, through verbal prompts or direct support, depending on what the individual needs. After that, some of the staff will help to administer medication while other staff members will start completing different domestic tasks, such as laundry, cleaning, and preparing food. We work as a team to deliver the best support.

The residents have their own schedule every day. Some of them may want to go shopping, some of them may want to go for a walk, and some of them may have work during the day. As a support worker, I will go out with them sometimes.

For example, I may be required to walk a resident to work and pick them up when they finish, due to safety reasons. Other times, we may just go walking around in the neighbourhood. We talk and laugh just like any other people. It may sound ordinary, but it could be enough to make their day.

In my evening shift, we tend to stay in the house at the project I work in. However, it does not mean that there is nothing to do. Sometimes, we do colouring together, we talk about football, about family, or even politics.

At teatime, we prepare meals. Sometimes I provide residents with personal care support as well. As mentioned, it depends on what the residents need. There is always something to do.

Each resident has a different nighttime routine. For instance, some of them like to spend time in their room using their iPad before bed, and some of them may like to spend time in the lounge with others until they want to go to bed.At the house that I am based at, the residents often have a cup of hot chocolate together before bed.

As well as physical support, I do have to complete some paperwork too. These can be daily records about what has happened during the shift, and any other information that other support workers may need to know about what has happened in a resident’s day.

Before I joined Lisieux Trust, I had been a support worker for a year within another organisation. After relocating, and seeing vacancies within Lisieux Trust,I decided to be a support worker again; despite being offered a number of roles outside of care. This is because of the huge sense of job satisfaction I get in this position.

From my perspective, being a support worker is not a job to just support others, but also improve yourself. In this role, you are able to enhance yourself in different aspects, such as communication skills, interpretation skills, confidence and leadership. When you are making a positive difference in people’s lives, you are also making a positive change in yourself.

 

 

So, you’re considering a career in care? Read on…

If you want a job where no two days are the same, then a career in the care sector is worth considering. If you’re looking for a position that is both challenging but incredibly rewarding, then care work may be for you.

To have a fulfilling career in care, you don’t necessarily have to have vast amounts of qualifications or experience; meaning that a care job may be more accessible than you think. Even if you do have experience, every environment and individual is different and will require adapted working styles, so adaptability and resilience are both crucial qualities to possess.

Here, we breakdown just what it takes to be a serious contender for a career in the care industry.

 

Preparation

When it comes to interviewing, of course dressing appropriately and looking the part is important, but most employers will ultimately be impressed with your knowledge of the role.

It is important that, going into the care interview, you understand the roles and responsibilities of the care worker position, as well as the values of the company. Researching this beforehand will allow you to confidently navigate your interview, and will showcase your commitment to the role.

When responding to questions, try to remain relaxed. Practicing your responses to commonly asked questions in preparation for your interview may help with this; allowing you to respond confidently on the day.

Here are some samples of questions that could be asked. However, remember each interviewer is different:

Now, let’s cover some of the more tricky questions.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

In an interview, we are keen to impress, so it is understandable that you may want to list off a dozen strengths to your interviewer. However, still be prepared to have an open conversation about your weaknesses too. An employer wants to see that you can recognise your own areas of personal development, and have a solution for them too.

What qualities can you bring to the job role?

This question is all about you and why you think you’d be ideal for the job role, so, don’t be afraid to really sell yourself! This is what Jo Bongiovi, Head of HR Admin at Lisieux Trust, recommends:

“Transparency and honesty are important qualities to show in an interview, as they are qualities of a good person. I don’t look for any particular personality, but I do look for somebody with a warm energy. I look for somebody that is enthusiastic, and shows they have a passion to work in care.”

Can you give me an example of a time when you have actively participated in a team?

Teamwork is crucial in care. In high pressure situations, it’s important that your colleagues can rely on you, and vice versa. Your ability to work succinctly in a team will ultimately impact the outcomes received by the people in your care.

Good teamwork is formed by different elements such as good communication skills, ideas, support, and efficiency. Giving examples of how you’ve used these elements, or how you would use these elements, will truly show you understand the importance and impact of good teamwork.

Why do you want to work here?

As a care worker, you will be responsible for some of society’s most vulnerable. Your answer to this question will tell the employer a lot about you as a person and your intentions.

Working in care requires a person to be naturally compassionate and caring. Be prepared for the fact that working in care isn’t always glamorous, so pursuing such a role isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Think about all the reasons why you chose to pursue this particular opportunity, and be sure to show that honesty and authenticity during your interview.

 

Knowledge

The two most common questions brought up in a care interview are typically based around legislation and safeguarding. Both are incredibly important things you need to be aware of and understand when working in care.

The care industry is based on lots of ever-changing legislation. These form a standard to ensure that individuals who require support are being supported correctly.

Safeguarding is the action of protecting somebody in a vulnerable group. As a care worker, it will be your responsibility to report and intervene (where safe) any type of harm or abuse directed at the people you support.

Preparing responses that show your understanding of this will truly help to set you apart.

 

Flexibility

Being a care worker isn’t a 9-5 job, as care will always be required outside of office hours. It’s important to be aware that most care roles won’t come with regular shift patterns, and will require you to sometimes work unsociable hours, so flexibility is key.

Your day-to-day duties will differ hugely, and priorities will often change at the drop of the hat. Demonstrating your adaptability is important, as this will evidence your dependability.

Ready to kickstart your care career? If you think you have what it takes to be a successful care worker, visit www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/work-for-us to learn more about our current vacancies.

 

 

We are extremely proud to announce that Lisieux Trust resident, Janet, has completed a Marathon!

Starting on 1 June 2021, Janet committed to pacing steps towards the 26.2 mile mark around her Care Home. With Janet’s disability reducing her mobility, she made the decision to complete the course in small daily stints.

With Janet’s mobility in mind, the challenge was gruelling for Janet, but each day she woke up, determined to reach her goal.

On 30 June 201, Janet took her final step over the finishing line; cheered on by her Support Workers and fellow residents.

Janet had dreamed of completing a Marathon for a very long time. She brought the idea to her Key Worker, Emma McEvilly, who helped Janet to come up with a plan to achieve this goal.

Both understood that the achievement wouldn’t come without its challenges, but they were driven by Janet’s unwavering motivation to make her Mum proud.

Janet completed the marathon for her Mother, who has Dementia. She took on the challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society; a cause very close to her heart.

Janet had hoped to raise £500 for the charity. However, touching many with her story and commitment, she has so far managed to raise a huge £1,065.

To celebrate her fantastic achievement, Janet was awarded a certificate and medal from the Lisieux Trust team. Alzheimer’s Society further gifted Janet with two t-shirts and a medal for her support, which Janet has loved wearing.

It is hoped that in the coming weeks, the achievement will be properly celebrated with a garden party within Lisieux Trust.

Speaking of her achievement, Janet said: “I am really proud of myself.  I’ve always wanted to do a Marathon. Now, I’m thinking about what to do next!”

To contribute to Janet’s fundraiser, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/janet-wakeham

 

 

 

A parent from within the Lisieux Trust community has completed a Captain Tom Challenge to raise funds for Lisieux Trust.

Bob Bright, father of a Lisieux Trust tenant, committed to fundraising by taking on a golf challenge.

He set out to chip 100 golf balls into a bucket from 10 metres away, and invited sponsors to guess how long it would take for him to achieve this goal.

The inspiration came after Bob had seen a TV clip of Captain Tom’s daughter, welcoming Brits to take part in a fundraising challenge. He saw this as an opportunity to support the organisation looking after his son.

Having experienced some hiccups during his training, peers appeared to show little faith in Bob’s abilities.

He said: “I found straight away that any balls that went into the bucket bounced straight out.

“I sent out mails to friends, relatives, and to many playing colleagues at Wishaw Golf Club. The response was great; although some had very little faith in my chipping ability.

“Time predictions varied from two hours and 48 minutes, through to 18 hours and 46 minutes.”

Wanting to perfect his swing, Bob sought support from a golf professional.

Bob said: “I have golf lessons at Lea Marston. Ben Challis changed my chipping technique and this improved my success rate enormously.”

On Saturday 1 May at 1000 hours, Bob started his challenge.

He said: “My better-half, Helen, had gone shopping and when she got back, she looked in the bucket and reckoned there was 100 in the bucket already.

“I stopped the clock and we started counting.

“There were 110 balls in the bucket!”

Despite predictions from his peers expecting a lengthy battle, Bob managed to complete his feat in just one hour and 40 minutes.

Thanks to Bob’s fantastic efforts, he managed to raise £500 for Lisieux Trust, which has been gratefully received. It is expected to be used towards an exciting activity for Lisieux Trust residents and tenants.

To find out more about how you can donate to Lisieux Trust, please visit www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/donate. For more information on fundraising for us, head to www.lisieuxtrust.org.uk/fundraising.