JonSimpson1, Author at Bluestones Medical Complex Care

Summer Edition Newsletter

JonSimpson1 — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 08:17:53 +0000

Our Newsletter

Our summer edition newsletter has dropped and it’s packed with company updates, quizzes and insights into the incredible work our teams are doing. Whether you’re an employee, client, resident or an admirer, there’s plenty to read about.

First up, we have all the latest news on the opening of our first supported living house, showing all the hard work our mobilisation team have put it to make it special for our young person.

We have removed the traditional ‘Support Worker’ role to introduce our new ‘Champions of Care’. You can read all about our companies development in this latest edition.

Each edition we like to add a bit of knowledge and learning, and this edition you can take our ED&I quiz and brush up on your recruitment skills. Take a look through, and you might be surprised with some of the answers.

Our Impact and Wellbeing section is not to be missed. Over the past few months, this dedicated team has been working tirelessly to deliver unforgettable experiences that enrich the lives of those in our services and upskill our staff in exciting new ways. Flip through the pages to read all about the workshops that have taken place and our first every sports day!

Looking ahead to the next quarter, our calendar is brimming with insightful new workshops and introducing our first every workbook, that has been carefully researched and developed to teach young people life skills. We’re also celebrating our very own Marvelous Marvel, Jodie, and all her accomplishments over the past few months!

Last but not least, you’ll hear from a new recruit… our former children’s residential home resident. We are so proud to have her with us, working with the Impact and Wellbeing team. You can see what she has to say about working with the team in this edition.

You can download the newsletter by clicking the button below and if you want to sign up to receive our newsletters each quarter you can do so here.

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Impact and Wellbeing Workshops

JonSimpson1 — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:29:14 +0000

Our Impact and Wellbeing team have been bringing workshops to young people equipping them with vital competencies such as confidence building, recognising passions, life and employability skills.

Through these interactive sessions, we push our young attendees beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to share experiences and develop new skills in a supportive environment. Here is what you may have missed this month, with helpful links.

1. Introductions and Icebreakers

The focus on confidence building will empower the young people to believe in themselves and their abilities. Through various exercises and activities, they will learn techniques to boost their self-assurance and overcome any self-doubt or insecurities. This newfound confidence will not only benefit them during the program but also in their personal and professional lives.

Building connections is another crucial aspect of this workshop. The facilitators will create opportunities for the participants to interact, share their stories, and find common ground.

By fostering a sense of camaraderie and support, the young people will feel part of a community where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. Additionally, the workshop will address mental health and wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. Participants will learn coping strategies, stress management techniques, and the significance of nurturing their mental and emotional well-being. This foundation will equip them with the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and a positive attitude.

2. Life skills and Work Readiness

This workshop is designed to push the young participants out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to share their experiences and develop essential life skills. By creating an environment that fosters open dialogue and personal growth, the facilitators will empower the attendees to explore their potential and gain valuable insights.

One of the primary focus areas of this session is employability skills. Participants will learn about the various skills and attributes that employers seek in potential candidates. From effective communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the professional world.

Work readiness is another crucial aspect that will be covered. The facilitators will provide guidance on navigating the job market, creating impressive resumes and cover letters, and developing a professional online presence. Participants will also learn about workplace etiquette, professionalism, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Interview techniques will be a key component of this workshop. Through mock interviews and feedback sessions, the young people will gain confidence in presenting themselves effectively during job interviews.

They will learn how to prepare for common interview questions, highlight their strengths, and showcase their skills and experiences in a compelling manner.Self-esteem is another vital aspect that will be addressed. The facilitators will emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and cultivating a positive self-image. Through various exercises and activities, participants will learn strategies to boost their self-esteem, overcome self-doubt, and develop a growth mindset that promotes continuous learning and personal development.

3. Personal Resilience

This session will focus on empowering the young participants to make informed decisions and develop personal resilience. By exploring case studies of care leavers and examining effective interventions, the facilitators will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for overcoming challenges and adversities.

Drugs and alcohol misuse will be a central topic of discussion. Participants will learn about the risks associated with substance abuse, the potential consequences, and the importance of making responsible choices. The facilitators will provide guidance on recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking appropriate support and resources.

Exploitation, in its various forms, will also be addressed. The workshop will raise awareness about the different types of exploitation, such as sexual, labor, or financial exploitation, and educate participants on how to identify and protect themselves from potentially harmful situations.

Developing resilience is the cornerstone of this workshop. Participants will learn strategies for building inner strength, coping with adversity, and bouncing back from setbacks. Through interactive activities and discussions, they will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of resilience in navigating life’s challenges and achieving personal growth.

Finally, the workshop will emphasize the significance of reaching out and seeking support when needed.

Participants will be provided with information on various support avenues available to them, including counseling services, helplines, and community resources. By fostering a culture of open communication and support, the facilitators will empower the young people to take proactive steps towards their well-being and personal development.

Useful Links

To find more useful links, you can visit Our Greenhouse, the online education, training and learning platform for helpful lesson plans and learning resurces.

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From the mat to a mentor

JonSimpson1 — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:45:10 +0000

Championing Mental Health

At Bluestones Medical Complex Care, we understand the importance of having real role models who can inspire and motivate the children and young people in our services. By sharing their own life experiences, the struggles they’ve overcome and lessons they’ve learned along the way, these role models can provide guidance and living proof that it’s possible to overcome mental health challenges.

One such role model is Rob Cunningham, a champion in many regards. An accomplished MMA fighter who has competed internationally, Rob now shares his passion as a care worker supporting children in our services. His unconventional path has taken him from the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland to the bright lights of Wembley Arena and we caught up with Rob to talk about how he works with young people based on his own life experiences.

Growing up, Rob was a football fanatic who didn’t discover MMA until the relatively late age of 28. “I was always a fan, but never thought I’d actually take it up as a profession,” he shares. Yet when he stepped into the gym, something clicked. Rob found a passion and drive that extended far beyond just physical fitness.

Within a few years, Rob was competing internationally – fighting in arenas across the UK as well as faraway places like South Africa and Poland. However, his journey in MMA taught him lessons that could be translated to all walks of life. “Boxing builds a strong body, but more importantly, a strong mind,” Rob explains. “It teaches principles like discipline, comradery, work ethic, and social skills that are invaluable both in and out of the ring.” It’s these same principles that Rob now aims to impart to the youth he works with at Bluestones Medical Complex Care, whether directly working with them or helping them find appropriate gyms and instructors. Having worked across sectors like sales, care for autism and learning disabilities, Rob understands the importance of mental fortitude.

Rob’s own struggles with mental health growing up, including moving across the UK at age 14, made him appreciate the impact simple things like physical activity can have. “There is no medicine like the gym!” he exclaims. “Fitness makes you feel better mentally and physically. It’s for everyone.”

With his unique combination of life experience, passion for boxing and empathetic nature, Rob is proving to be an inspirational force at Bluestones and is championing his own experiences and skill sets with the children to help them deal better with certain situations and introducing them to fitness. Rob is now setting up boxing classes for the children to teach far more than just physical techniques. “We focus on fitness for the body and mind,” he states. “The skills you learn in the ring – discipline, focus, controlling emotions, those are applicable to every aspect of life.”

By having individuals like Rob, who can open up about their personal journeys dealing with mental health issues, we aim to destigmatise these challenges while providing inspiration. His ability to translate the disciplines learned in the ring into teachings applicable to all walks of life makes him a particularly valuable mentor for the youth we care for and help develop.

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Impact and Wellbeing Newsletter – Feb 2024

JonSimpson1 — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:44:51 +0000

The month of February was a whirlwind of excitement and personal growth for our young people and staff at Bluestones Medical Complex Care. From exploring the paranormal to securing rewarding employment opportunities, our community truly embraced the spirit of trying new things.

Some of our adventurous houses decided to investigate the supernatural realm, indulging in paranormal activity experiences that left them both thrilled and perhaps a little spooked! Meanwhile, others hit major milestones by landing a job at McDonald’s and taking their first steps into the professional world.

Fitness and self-improvement were also on the agenda, with several individuals discovering a passion for the gym and the exhilarating sport of MMA.

Amidst all the exciting developments, we also have some outstanding achievements to recognise and a new Operations Manager to welcome.

Impactful Activites

Daisy House

A recent trip to Breakout in Chester proved to be an unexpected adventure for this young person. Initially hesitant, he gradually became immersed in the challenge, aided by the encouragement of his dedicated carers. As he started to get a feel for the surroundings and the strategic clues dotted about rooms, he enthusiastically contributed to helping his team “break out” forming a great bonding experience that strengthened the already blossoming positive relationships.

Physical fitness has also become a newfound passion for this young person. He has embraced attending a gym alongside his care team, driven by a desire to improve his overall health and well-being. Additionally, he has recently started MMA lessons in the local area, exploring new hobbies and developing valuable skills that promote his mental and physical wellness while boosting his self-confidence.

Daffodil House

Daffodil house have been thoroughly enjoying their visits to the ice skating rink this month and we have been following this young person’s delightful journey along with the staff’s attempt to get better on the ice.

This young person’s skating abilities have hugely improved and she has eagerly involved her care team, resulting in an hilarious bonding experience as some excel while others struggle on the ice. This dedication has earned her a cherished gift – her own pair of ice skates, fueling her passion even further. The ice rink has been a great way to offer a therapeutic escape, allowing her to skate independently, surrounded by other young skaters.

Baking has also become a latest passion for this young person, and this month she indulged in creating a cake to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We are not a stranger to the creative mind of this young person and baking is just another brilliant way for her to express emotions and create visually appealing and tasty treats through the art of confection. Not satisfied with her initial attempt, her determination led her to bake a second cake that met her high standards. This experience not only showcased her culinary skills but also highlighted her need for perfectionism, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well in all aspects of life.

Poppy House

Poppy house has reached a huge milestone to celebrate this month, with this young person being offered his first job at McDonalds!! His determination to earn a wage led him to explore job opportunities upon turning 16. His sights were set on McDonald’s, and with the support of his care team, he diligently prepared for the interview process.

This preparation proved invaluable, as he impressed the Manager during the interview, receiving extremely positive feedback and ultimately securing a position as a Crew Member – a milestone he enthusiastically embraced.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, accompanied by his care team, house manager and friends, he ventured out for a celebratory outing. At Dolchi the desert restaurant, his chosen destination, he savored pancakes and a mocktail while proudly sharing his exciting news with everyone.

Lilac House

Adventure beckoned as Lilac house embarked on an exhilarating day at Zip World Valley. The young person embraced the experience, engaging with her team throughout the various activities and rides. Her enthusiasm shone as she listened attentively to the instructors, eager to participate and operate the forest coaster. Afterward, the young person and her care team ventured to a waterfall and village, tucking into a delightful lunch and making the most of this memorable day out.

This young person has a real thirst for knowledge which led her on another captivating journey to the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Center. There, she participated in a guided tour through a section of the intricate tunnel network, learning about the remarkable Joseph Williamson and the tunnels’ rich history. With a keen interest in local history, she was enthralled by the stories and insights into Liverpool’s transportation system in the 1900s. The tour not only refreshed her existing knowledge but also expanded her understanding of this fascinating piece of heritage.

Lily House

Not for the faint hearted, Lily house ventured out to an unforgettable paranormal experience evening to face the unknown. This was not only a new and exciting activity due to the ghouls and ghosts but due to the great news that this young person had recently came off her DoL’s (which has been an important goal for this young person) has meant she could mark her first overnight stay outside of her home in this haunted house. Delving into the rich history of the building and immersing herself in hands-on paranormal activities, it was a truly thrilling and enlightening adventure.

Another great achievement for this young person was in the form of enrolling in the local RAF cadets, fueled by her aspirations to become a pilot. This opportunity offers her a valuable glimpse into the expectations and demands of her future goals. Moreover, it provides a platform for developing social skills by connecting with like-minded peers who share her interests. As she navigates her training, she will not only acquire the necessary physical and academic skills but also cultivate discipline, self-control, character, and self-confidence.

Celebrating the magic in our staff

Celebrating the magic within our team is a source of immense pride so we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sian, our Compliance Manager, for passing her Level 3 in Team Leadership/Supervision, and to Niall, our Team Leader for Resourcing and Recruitment, for his unwavering dedication over the past decade. They both deserve recognition for doing such an outstanding job, along side gaining extra qualifications and showing loyalty and passion for so many years.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the promotion of our new Operations Manager, an individual who has risen through the ranks, seizing every opportunity with open arms. This promotion is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication. You can find out more about Carl’s journey in complex care via the link below.

Together we are better

Thank you to everyone who made this past month so uplifting for our young people and staff alike. From paranormal adventures and ice skating outings to securing rewarding job opportunities and embracing new hobbies like baking and boxing, we celebrated personal growth and milestones together. We’re grateful every day for each person who lends their passion, care and magic to make Bluestones Medical Complex Care.

Here’s to another month ahead filled with progress, possibility and cherished moments!

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From volunteer to Operations Manager

JonSimpson1 — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 20:30:16 +0000

The Inspiring Career Progression

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Carl Aldred has been promoted to Operation Manger for Bluestones Medical Complex Care. Carl’s journey with us has been truly remarkable with his passion for caring for others, willingness to learn, and drive to provide the best care has fuelled an inspiring career progression with Bluestones Medical Complex Care.

Background

Carl first got a taste for working within complex care during a volunteer placement in North Africa at an orphanage caring for children with complex needs. This was whilst working and studying 9-to-5 in accountancy. From that experience, he caught the ‘bug’ of wanting to devote his career to helping people and left the accountancy world behind. He then took on a full time career within the complex care industry around 7 years ago, starting as a support worker in supported living and residential care homes. He then quickly worked his way through the ranks as a Deputy House Manager and a Crisis Team Leader.

Bluestones Medical Complex Care

Carl came to Bluestones Medical Complex Care as a House Manager and he quickly demonstrated empathy, care and strong leadership abilities. As he progressed within the company, Carl pursued further education and training to continue advancing his skills. We supported him in gaining his Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications in order for him to fulfil the positions.

Most recently, Carl served as the Mobilisation Manager. In all his roles, he ensured all young people in our care felt heard and listened to when making the move to Bluestones Medical Complex Care and that all houses had a person-centred approach to their care plans to drive change and results. Known for rolling up his sleeves to pitch in alongside his teams, Carl leads by example with knowledge, initiative and dedication.

Now, Carl brings this wealth of experience to an Operations Manager position overseeing all of our homes to optimise processes and workflows to drive efficiency and productivity across the services. He will collaborate with diverse teams to continue improving our standards of compassionate, person-centred care. Having walked in the shoes of frontline caregivers, Carl understands exactly how to bolster spirits, remove roadblocks and empower employees to succeed.

As one colleague said:

“Carl brings out excellence in everyone by embracing our shared mission of caring while also pushing us to grow. His promotion is so well-deserved.”

We couldn’t agree more! Carl represents the best of Bluestones Medical Complex Care and we can’t wait to see the new heights he’ll help our organisation reach.

We believe there is magic in everyone and we as a company make it our mission to draw out the inner magic by providing fulfilling opportunities to learn and grow within our compassionate care community.

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Transforming trauma into triumph

JonSimpson1 — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:58:37 +0000

A day in the life

Within the residential children’s industry, the commonness of mental health issues and anxiety among young individuals stands as a significant challenge. However, when care is given from a person-centred approach and innovative solutions are implemented, over time this can change the narrative. As it has done for this resilient 16-year-old who has overcome hardships, and with the support of a consistent care team to help develop healthy coping strategies, it has been nothing short of inspiring, as we look back on the proud journey she has been on.

Upon coming to Bluestones Medical Complex Care, this young person faced difficult barriers, including trauma and anxiety. Her struggles underscore the pervasive nature of mental health challenges among young individuals in residential settings, a reality that demands a collaborative effort to provide holistic support and intervention.

Over the course of the past 14 months, her journey through our progressive SEED care model has been remarkable. Although there have been challenging times, it is a testament to a consistent approach and encouragement of hope and change for the future, as we reflect on this journey. In the last month alone, her progress has been something we should all admire and take lessons and inspiration from.

Central to her journey of healing, is her bond with Thumper, her beloved pet rabbit. As a therapeutic companion, Thumper provides comfort and solace during moments of distress, serving as a tangible reminder of love and connection.

The recent enrolment in the RAF cadets stands as a clear example of her growth and determination to pursue her dreams in aviation. It has been an ongoing ambition to enrol in the cadets and now to have started on this path, that would have seemed impossible months ago, is brilliant to see.

From day 1 at the air base, seeing the aircrafts and the uniforms made her face light up in excitement and anticipation. What would have been a situation to step back in fear of unknown situations, now this young person is eager to find out more and continue learning and feels confident in herself to take on new challenges and seeing them from a positive perspective.

After meeting other young cadets who were also excited about the opportunity and then getting a taste for the disciplined drills and confident cadets showed her what she could achieve and is excited for adventures and fun with her new squad.

One of the most notable aspects of this young person’s transformation lies in her ability to engage within the community independently. Whether attending appointments or exploring new opportunities, she navigates the world with confidence and self-assurance. These small steps all add up to achieving big goals.

The discovery of independence and confidence is evident in her daily activities and accomplishments. Now she has overcome boundaries there is so much on the horizon, from making new friends, to mastering household chores with ease, to being well on her way to an independent young adult. With each stage of progress, it is important to encourage and promote positive behaviour, and recently this has proven just that with another milestone of being in full time education. We can all understand how nerve wracking attending a new school can be and this young person has gradually built up her attendance to 5 days a week, which is not only benefiting her education but also socialising skills and being able to realise her potential and new passions in life.

It is crucial to recognise the dedicated efforts of the staff team, whose support and guidance have been instrumental in her transformation. Their commitment to excellence and compassion underscores the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment in fostering positive outcomes for young individuals in residential care, just like our young person here.

As we reflect on this amazing and inspirational journey, we are reminded of the potential for growth and healing within each individual. Her story serves as a reminder of the impact of comprehensive support, and dedication to supporting constant personal development in the residential children’s industry.

* At Bluestones Medical Complex Care we ensure we have consent from the people in our care to share their stories and any images they approve of.

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Impact and Wellbeing Newsletter – Jan 2024

JonSimpson1 — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:54:51 +0000

Welcome to the January 2024 edition of the Impact and Wellbeing newsletter! We’re thrilled to kick off the new year by highlighting some of the inspiring impact activities happening across our houses. Residents participated in meaningful arts and crafts workshops, creating handmade items and bonding with others along with individual achievements.

We also welcomed a special guest entrepreneur, who served her scrumptious goodies from the Giddy Goat Cafe with assistance from staff in our own Lily’s Kitchen. This visit reminded us that when barriers are removed, people can achieve great things.

Impactful Activites

Sunflower House

Sunflower House has been attending weekly skiing lessons and one young person has particularly excelled, even surpassing staff skill levels.

This young woman challenged herself to move from the beginner slopes up to the most advanced black diamond courses. She persevered through early falls and frustrations to ultimately succeed in conquering the intimidating giant slalom.

Her grit and determination in sticking to each lesson led to immense personal accomplishment and growth. She demonstrated incredible resilience and mental fortitude in the face of difficulties on the road to victory. She’s certainly earned bragging rights for her giant progress in such a short time skiing!

Lily House

One young person recently had a heartwarming photoshoot with her beloved pet rabbit, Babi. They have shared a special bond ever since Babi arrived at her Bluestones residence. Capturing touching photos of them snuggling and playing together will create lifelong keepsakes immortalising this special human-animal friendship.

These joyful memories will be a meaningful reflection of her time thriving with compassionate support and community through Bluestones. We know both she and Babi will treasure these photographs as a symbolic representation of personal growth, nurturing relationships, and fond memories made during her time here.

Daisy House

This month, one of our young people achieved two awesome personal goals—conquering both Moel Famau mountain and indoor skydiving! He enthusiastically raced his staff members up the steep summit trail and was thrilled to be the first one to reach the top. His pride and sense of triumph were visible as he relished the gorgeous views after exerting so much effort hiking uphill.

Later, he bravely took on the extreme sport of indoor skydiving, overcoming initial apprehension to ultimately smile widely throughout the intense experience. With these thrilling adventures, this young person demonstrated amazing progression in self-confidence, resilience, willingness to try new activities, and ability to push personal limits.

Together we are better

Last week, Lilac House, Sunflower House, and Daffodil House enjoyed an epic bonding experience during Deeside Ice Arena’s fun-filled Ice Disco & Club Nights event. Gliding and dancing together across the frosty disco floor brought lots of laughter and cemented friendships between the houses.

From glow-in-the-dark foam parties to special themed dances, there was exciting entertainment for all. This lively on-ice event served as a wonderful ice-breaker activity, as residents mingled amongst dazzling lights. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together as one unified, smiling Bluestones team. The memories made whirling together to upbeat music will certainly carry on beyond that chilly night of dancing and skating delights!

Arts and Crafts Day

The recent Arts and Crafts session allowed our young people to reap educational benefits across several domains. From designing and assembling artistic keyrings, participants enhanced fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, to self-expression in a safe space for creativity with a brilliant poem being written by one young person (see below). Overcoming obstacles during the hands-on building process encouraged critical thinking and to unleash their creativity.

Sharing ideas and offering support facilitated communication and mutual understanding between the young people. Beyond individual growth, the collaborative nature of the creative project bonded participants through teamwork. Young people assisted each other, exchanged constructive feedback, celebrated achievements, and created an encouraging atmosphere.

Working together towards a common goal strengthened interpersonal connections and camaraderie. Ultimately, through a well structured day with others, this session enabled personal growth, communication and social skills along with relationship building. The creativity and connections cultivated will have lasting impacts.

Hope that blossoms poem

In Chester Town, where dreams unfold,
Bluestones stands, a haven to behold.

Founded by Trish and Darren, and Linda so true.
With values that shimmer, like morning drew.

Marvin the mascot, with a heart so wide,
Guiding its way in Chester stride.

Accountability, humility, and innovation too,
Bluestones’ essence, in the morning dew.

Bluestones, a home where hope takes flight,
In Lilac, Daisy, Poppy, Sunflower, and Lily light.

Daffodil House, the crown jewel so grand,
A sanctuary of care, across the land.

In the embrace of passion, team, and trust,
Bluestones’ heartbeat, pure and robust.

Children from all backgrounds, a diverse array,
Welcomed with warmth, in Chester they’ll stay.

Homes stand strong like pillars of grace,
Each one a chapter, in this caring space.

From Lilac’s whispers to Daffodil’s bloom,
Bluestones’ love transcends the room.

Bluestones, a home where hope takes flight,
In Lilac, Daisy, Poppy, Sunflower, and Lily light.

Daffodil House, the crown jewel so grand,
A sanctuary of care, across the land.

Through accountability’s gaze and humility embrace,
Innovation’s dance and passions grace.

Teamwork’s melody, a trust so pure,
Bluestones’ anthem, forever endure.

Children arrive, each with a story untold,
Bluestones whispers hope, a hand to hold.

In Lilac’s calm and Poppy’s cheer,
Sunflower’s warmth and Lily’s peer.

Daffodil House, where dreams find a home,
In Chester’s embrace, no child walks alone.

Values woven in every brick and bream,
Bluestones, a refuge, like a comforting dream.

Bluestones, a home where hope takes flight,
In Lilac, Daisy, Poppy, Sunflower, and Lily light.

Daffodil House, the crown jewel so grand,
A sanctuary of care, across the land.

So here’s to Bluestones, a beacon so bright,
In Chester heart, where love takes flight.

With Marvin by their side, in the evening’s hue,
Bluestones, a promise of hope anew.

Alan Sugar's Next Apprentice?

Lily’s new on-site kitchen recently became a hub of delicious activity thanks to one clever young entrepreneur! She developed food menus, then took orders and organised incoming ingredients whilst cost managing her operation. Our rising star chef smiled while preparing multiple meals for various Bluestones staff.

Despite the stress of large-scale catering, she maintained a positive attitude, even when overwhelmed, channeling any frustration into focused productivity. Her beautiful plating, prompt service, and personal thank-you cards earned rave reviews all around!

Seeing this young woman thrive brought us such joy. Where previously kitchen chaos quickly triggered negative reactions, this time she confidently managed her emotions, asked for help when needed, and shined under pressure. From designing her professional-looking menus to time management, she clearly leveled up personal and vocational skills too. We noticed a new confidence boost as well, her pride in achievements outshone a few small hiccups. What a pleasure to witness such growth firsthand!

Alan Sugar had best watch his back… she’s clearly the next Apprentice star budding in our midst!

Wellbeing

Imagine waking up from an overnight shift, heading bleary-eyed to the shower, and then realising you forgot your wash bag at home! We’ve all been there. The little frustrations can quickly pile up when you’re working long hours supporting others.

That’s why this month, the Impact & Wellbeing Team put together special his and hers pampering hampers for each house’s hardworking staff. These thoughtful baskets serve as a small but meaningful way to say thank you for all you do.

Inside, you’ll find shower saviors like shampoo, fluffy towels, deodorant and more comfort items—everything you could need for a refreshing reset after a taxing shift. Even simple self-care supplies can make a world of stress-relieving difference.

The idea stemmed from a Tulip House support worker, so an extra shout out there for this morale-lifting suggestion! Please enjoy recharging with these little luxuries. As always, we welcome more recommendations on how to better support our teams in the future as well!

Thank you to everyone who made this past month so uplifting for our young people and staff alike. From adventurous activities to hands-on training to surprise staff appreciation gestures, we shared lots of smiles together. We’re grateful every day for each person who lends their passion, care, and community spirit to make Bluestones Medical Complex Care such a special place for personal growth and human connection.

Here’s to another month ahead filled with progress, possibility, and cherished moments!

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A day in the life – Empowering growth and furry companions

JonSimpson1 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:52:11 +0000

This month we have followed one of our young people in care and have been honoured to see first hand the brilliant progress she has made!

Every Monday, this young person now sits down with staff members to carefully plan out her week. This newfound strategy has not only helped her navigate tasks efficiently but has also had a profound positive impact on her overall well-being. The power of organisation, responsibility and foresight have really given her a sense of empowerment, which is shown in her progression and all the great things she has and wants to achieve.

In a world that often measures success in large milestones, it’s the accumulation of small triumphs that truly shapes our lives and this month this young person has had many small achievements.

From conquering the heights of Mount Snowdon to exploring hidden cave systems and waterfalls in the Lake District, she has fearlessly embraced the wonders of the natural world and pushed herself further than before. We encourage all our young people to venture to the outdoors for both their physical and mental wellbeing as being in nature can boost mood and improve overall well-being. The combination of physical activity, beautiful scenery, and the release of endorphins during exercise can contribute to increased happiness and a more positive outlook.

Along with new firsts, she has joined the Youth Zone, a centre of education and exploration to embrace growth and learning. Her journey there reflects a desire to broaden horizons, fuel passions and engage in activities with other individuals.

For a young person to succeed in life we want them to learn the value of independence and by keeping her room tidy and ensuring that dishes are clean after meals she has learnt the invaluable lessons in accountability and the importance of maintaining order in one’s environment.

This simple act of caring for her personal space echoes readiness to care for animals and by demonstrating her growing sense of responsibility the staff have been encouraging our young persons dream of bonding with animals with volunteer work. She will be volunteering at a Dog Home with cleaning kennels and dog walking. The simple joy of watching a wagging tail and knowing she’s contributing to their well-being brought smiles to not only her face but to the care team and those furry companions.

We are immensely proud of this young persons achievements! Each achievement, no matter how seemingly small, represents a monumental leap forward on her unique path. With unwavering support and admiration, we encourage her progress, resilience, development and the boundless potential that lies ahead.

* At Bluestones Medical Complex Care we ensure we have consent from the people in our care to share their stories and any images they approve of.

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Our new Residential House Manager

JonSimpson1 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:47:25 +0000

Words from our new House Manager

This week we are extremely proud to announce another internal promotion for Antony Williams, now House Manager.

At Bluestones Medical Complex Care we believe in cultivating a culture of continuous growth and recognising that our most valuable asset is our people. We take pride in developing and promoting our internal talent through learning programs, qualifications and mentorship, so our staff develops both professionally and personally.

Below Anthony gives an overview at his time at Bluestones Medical Complex Care from starting in 2022 as a Support Worker to now a House Manager and his goals for the future.

“I began my journey with Bluestones in June 2022 as a support worker, and over time, I’ve made significant strides in my career. In January 2023, I took on the role of a key worker, which was a rewarding step. Shortly thereafter, I was given the opportunity to become a deputy manager, and in September 2023 I was entrusted with the task of stabilising a crisis-stricken house as an interim house manager. I’m excited to share that, as of this Tuesday, I have officially taken on the management position full time.

To prepare myself for this role, I’ve completed the mandatory training required within the company’s services. Additionally, I’m currently working on obtaining my Level 4/5 health and social qualifications with the help of Bluestones Medical Complex Care.

As I’m relatively new to this managerial position, I’m aware that there’s a lot for me to learn. I’ve started collaborating closely with other managers within the company, aiming to establish myself as a capable leader and they continue to offer great support.

For the future, my immediate goal is to be the best manager I can be for the staff and ultimately the young people within Bluestones Medical Complex Care. I’m fully committed to their well-being and professional development as the company and senior management have been to me. Looking ahead, my long-term goals are to progress into area management and higher management roles. To achieve this, I understand the importance of acquiring the necessary qualifications and skills, and I’m more than willing to invest the effort and time required to reach those heights.

I’m passionate about making a positive impact in our team and the services we provide. This journey of growth and learning excites me, and I’m ready to face the challenges and opportunities that come my way.”

By looking inward, we’ve built a team of dedicated individuals who not only excel in their roles but also contribute to the overall success of our company. We are always on the look out for like-minded, determined individuals from Support Workers to House Managers so if you would like a chance to work with us please get in touch.

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A day in the life – Unveiling passion, aspiration and vision

JonSimpson1 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:42:35 +0000

Today, we take pride in shining a spotlight on a remarkable young girl in our care at Bluestones Medical Complex Care, with extraordinary accomplishments and the inspiring path she’s paved for herself.

This young person, has defied odds and surpassed expectations, proving that within challenges lies the potential for growth. Her journey began with us amidst a backdrop of uncertainty, anxiety from past experiences in the care system. Yet, through it all, she has emerged embodying the very essence of strength.

https://bluestonesmedicalcomplexcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TG-Video.mov

A testament to her strength is her pursuit of education, a journey that was once out of reach due to having many years out of mainstream school. Now, she has developed a goal to be a Nurse and is determined to step out of her comfort zone and change her routine; from getting up early, stick to a structure, attending classes and meeting new people.

In her own words that captures the essence of her transformative journey, she reflects on the challenges she has conquered, the anxiety and stress she has left behind, and the newfound sense of stability that has become her foundation. This video not only serves as a testament to her courage but also as a source of inspiration for others navigating similar paths.

Seeing her progress, we can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement for what the future holds. This young soul, passionate, brave, and determined, has not only conquered her own mountains but has also set the stage for a cascade of opportunities that lie ahead.

* At Bluestones Medical Complex Care we ensure we have consent from the people in our care to share their stories and any images they approve of.

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