Facilitating new experiences is a big part of the support that Godfrey Care provide at our services, but we also pay a lot of attention to the everyday things.

We all benefit from improving our life skills and it’s especially valuable for the people we support. It’s enormously beneficial in helping to increase their confidence and independence.

Residents at Godfrey Care’s Ash Tree House service in Burton-on-Trent have embraced the opportunity to develop their daily living skills. Many are trying out recipes in the kitchen, preparing a variety of meals and exploring different cooking techniques. They are also managing their own laundry and helping with regular household routines including cleaning and emptying bins.

The people we support have also taken charge of their shopping, drawing up grocery lists and picking out a few clothes to update their wardrobe in regular trips to supermarkets and stores in the town.

Heather Wilkinson, Registered Manager at Ash Tree House, said:

“The service team has put a lot of focus on living skills and there has been some wonderful progress over the past few weeks. It’s great to see our Ash Tree House residents challenging themselves and thriving with more responsibilities.  Supporting personal growth is one of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of life in our service and I’m very proud of everyone involved.”

Well done to all our residents and colleagues at Ash Tree House – keep up the good work!

The team at Godfrey Care’s Station House service in Rolleston has been doing some outstanding work in supporting the physical rehabilitation of one of the residents.

GF recently spent time in hospital with health issues. Due to her existing diagnosis, the stay had an impact on her mobility, causing her to be bed-bound.

Our colleagues at Station House worked in close partnership with external professionals, including an occupational therapist and a specialist physiotherapy team from Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to develop a plan to help GF, mapping out a gradual process of recovery. The service team has been hands-on in offering support and training to ensure that GF has been able to reach a series of small milestones in improving her mobility.

GF has shown lots of determination in following the recovery plan. Her efforts have come to fruition, and she has been able to do transfers in and out of her vehicle through stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand exercises.

GF is delighted to be able to get out and about again, resuming access to the community after a frustrating period of inactivity. Her achievement has been supported by the skill and commitment of the service team. Collaborating with clinical professionals is a big part of Godfrey Care’s approach to care, and we are grateful for the expertise of the occupational therapist and the physiotherapy team in supporting GF’s recovery.

Godfrey Care’s  Ash Tree House service in Burton-on-Trent facilitated a journey of discovery for two of our residents, supporting them on their first-ever train trip!

The service team spoke to JB and LC to discuss any new experiences that they would like to explore, using pictures to communicate ideas and potential choices. The pair decided on a rail excursion, boarding the train at Burton-on-Trent and travelling to Derby for a session at Oxygen Trampoline Park followed by lunch at Subway. They had a wonderful time and embraced every aspect of the day.

The success of the outing demonstrated the value of positive risk-taking, a key part of the specialist care and support that Godfrey Care provide. It’s a process that weighs up potential risks and benefits to make a balanced, informed decision and plan the necessary support with a view to achieving a positive outcome. Positive risk-taking often results in important breakthroughs in personal development for the people we support.

JB and LC’s day out also illustrated the positive impact of co-production, another core element of Godfrey Care’s care model. Co-production is a way of working that empowers the people who use our services, encouraging their active involvement in a partnership to evaluate and develop the support we provide. It’s based on the idea that people who use services can provide vital input and advice on what support and services will help them.

Heather Wilkinson, Registered Manager at Ash Tree House, said:

“It was wonderful to see JB and LC sharing a new experience and having so much fun. The day had a lasting positive impact in so many ways. It helped to build friendships, support the development of social skills and increase confidence. The support team were fantastic in helping to make this happen, collaborating with JB and LC to plan every step and make it a very memorable day.”

We’re delighted to see JB and LC thriving and arriving at a new stage in their personal growth – well done to the support team for making it a smooth journey!

Godfrey Care are delighted to announce the launch of our latest service with the opening of Pottery House in Stoke-on-Trent.

The CQC-registered service is designed for individuals who require highly complex care, supporting profound and severe needs in relation to challenging behaviours. Pottery House is a purpose-built development comprising six large individual self-contained living spaces with their own kitchen/kitchenette, living room and bedroom with full en-suite wet room, as well as private or shared gardens. These homely, low-stimulus environments are designed to keep the individual and service team safe.

Shared communal kitchen and lounge areas provide spaces for social interaction and inclusion. The service will benefit from 24/7 support from our skilled service team, specifically trained in the specialist areas of Autism, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Active Support and Mental Health. A dedicated Specialist Support Team will provide ongoing input and support for the service team.

Godfrey Care Director, Andy Barnes, said:

“Pottery House is the latest stage in our ongoing expansion. We are very excited to be opening this specialist provision which follows our unique model of care and support for complex needs, recognised and valued by care professionals and care commissioners throughout the region. Our Registered Manager will work closely with the service team and Specialist Support Team in delivering the highest levels of person-centred care based on the identified needs of each person.”

To find our more about Pottery House, please contact our referrals team:

Tel 01283 353323

Email referrals@godfreycare.co.uk

The physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle are well-known, and they are certainly helping a resident at our Ash Tree House service in Burton-on-Trent.

Previously reluctant to venture outside Ash Tree House, LC took the decision to explore the local area with support from the service team. A recent day out in the town proved to be a turning point which has done wonders for her confidence.

Mindful that LC is celiac, the Ash Tree House team found a restaurant that caters for her diet while still offering lots of choice. After a very enjoyable lunch, LC went clothes shopping. She chose all her own clothes and was supported to pay for the items herself. LC is now enthusiastic about activities in the community and enjoys regular outings.

Registered Manager, Heather Wilkinson, said:

“The team has built such strong relationships with LC. When she first moved into Ash Tree House, LC was a little unsettled and wasn’t ready to access the community. She is now an active part of her community and goes out every day. An evening sunset stroll is now part of LC’s daily routine. It has aided her sleep and she has become much more settled with sleep hygiene as a key part of her person-centred care plan.”