Hi there everyone.
Every found yourself with your hand in the air "volunteering" for something before you've really thought it through? Well, yet again I did. somehow John and Jon pooled together their powers of persuasion, and before I knew it I heard myself saying "Yes. I'll be in charge of a newsletter". So here I am, in front of my PC, wondering - what am I gonna write!?
But then I sat and thought about it. Here we all are at the beginning of a new venture, a new business, a new challenge. I think were all feeling a little bit apprehensive about what we've "let ourselves in for". So I thought I'd just be totally honest, come clean and ask you all for HELP!!!
Seriously though, we thought it a good idea (well really, they did - I just went along with it with an idiotic smile on my face) to have a regular newsletter which keeps clients, workers and families informed of what's going on in the business, dates for your diary, events etc. and perhaps appropriate personal things too. I'm a great believer in sharing: why reinvent wheels if you don't have to, and why not use other peoples ideas if you can get away with claiming all the credit for yourself! So I would be really grateful for any suggestions, ideas, bits of information, photographs, disability issues etc. that might be of interest or of use to staff that we can put in the newsletter. If you know of a new initiative which may be suitable for our clients, especially any educational programme on offer, or have ideas of your own (however bizarre, we might be able to water them down) please do let me know either direct or otherwise.
As for the name of the newsletter, no prize for guessing who came up with The Bugle and Trumpet, and it wasn't me!
As this is our first newsletter I thought I's start with a brief welcome note from the "powers that be" (Jon and John, of course) but then I thought "Nah! I'm in charge" so I'll start with a brief introduction of myself!
Introducing The "Editor"
Hi there, I'm Lydia Sugden, Team Support Worker for Supported Lives . Together with Sally Benn, I will be assisting John and Jon in pooling together all our excellent individual skills to provide a community service which will knock their socks off!
I was brought up in Keighley, recently moved away to Wales to set up a Guest House but moved back because I miss Yorkshire so much, especially the "Yorkshire folk" (the Foot and Mouth epidemic didn't help either!). So I found myself back in my home town looking for a worthwhile way to earn a crust of bread. I became a part-time personal assistant to Jackie Beard who some of you have met at interview and induction day. Jackie has severe cerebral palsy but that doesn't stop them getting the most out of her life, like a trip to Amsterdam last month - I can't keep up with her! Then along came John and Jon ... and here I am.
Welcome ... From John and Jon
Welcome aboard!
Thank you all for joining us in our new venture Supported Lives . While we are frantically setting up our client and staff bases, operating systems, juggling with shopping lists and financial limitations, we are very much aware that without the support and help of our staff we could well sink! So thank you all for your patience and support so far, And please do bear with us a while longer!
In the pipe-line ... We are hoping to set up a walking group, probably on Fridays for all those who like the great outdoors, and the possibility of using a minibus if the demand is there ... watch this space for more details. In the meantime let us know what you think about this. Also we are going to have a Christmas/end of year party and concert on the 10th December at 8pm (until 11pm) at Carlisle Business Centre and we hope that as many of you as possible will be able to make it. Please ring the office before 3rd December to let us know to let us know if you can attend and how many (bring your partner, client, gran if you want!) so we have an idea of numbers. Soft drinks and buffet will be provided, and those who would like something stronger, please feel free to bring your own. We will be having a concert featuring anyone connected with Supported Lives , followed by a disco. So dig out your glad rags and dancing shoes and start practising now!
We were asked by Lydia (sorry, "The Editor") to provide brief "personal profiles" each so here goes.
The "Two Johns"
Introducing Jon Wright
I'm Jon (without an H - short for Jonathan but let's never mention that again) and I'm part of the "two Johns" who set up Supported Lives .
In my previous jobs I have: managed a charity providing day services and community support in Ripon; been Emergency Duty Social Worker in Calderdale; have an Approved Social Worker Qualification; managed a Bradford based Barnardo's project for seven years; been an Intake Team worker and also managed a day centre and a residential establishment. Of course, having a wide range of experience in every field of social care does not mean I am any good at anything!
That being said, I set up Supported Lives because I want to DO something to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I want Supported Lives (and that means YOU!) to provide the services that everyone, from the Client and Cares to the Care Managers, recognise as being of the highest quality, with the keenest staff and offering the most innovative and flexible ways of working. I think that already, with the team we have put together, we are well on the way to achieving that!
I thank you for your trust in joining us.
Jon
... And John Drury
Hi, I'm the other John (the one with the H) and here is a little bit about my background.
After leaving school I joined the L'Arche community working in France, India and Liverpool for four years, with people with learning disabilities. After that I had a short time at a Teacher Training College where I left "by mutual consent"! I then worked as deputy of a short stay home in London for four years just round the corner from the Beatles Abbey Road studio!
After travelling for six months in North America, I returned to England and worked for about eight years in the London Borough of Brent where I qualified as a social worker. After marrying, I then moved "up north" where I worked as a social worker in the Little Horton office for two years. I then returned to working in the area of learning disabilities when I got a job as a social worker with Barnardo's in Keighley. Then I met Jon Wright and we became good friends.
Thirteen years went by before I decided to have another change. I became a freelance trainer and consultant in disability and sexuality issues which I still continue with on a part-time basis.
Getting together with Jon to establish Supported Lives has been a very exciting venture so far and I have met some great people including clients and families, and workers. I hope you will join me in wishing Supported Lives a fulfilling future in the service of people in the Bradford District.
Cheers! John
Event: Finding Their Feet
Monday 11th October, 11.30 a.m. at Theatre in the Mill, Bradford
Finding Their Feet is a thirty minute play which explores issues and concerns around the key moment of transition from school to an adult future fo a young person with learning disability.
If you think this is relevant for your client or are interested yourself, please see Sally for free tickets.
DIARY DATES
| Date | Time | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11th October | 10.30 a.m. | Theatre in the Mill | Finding Their Feet |
| 25th October | 6 - 8 p.m. | Carlisle Rd. | Staff Support Meeting |
| 10th December | 8 - 11 p.m. | Carlisle Rd. | Christmas Party and Concert |
| 15th December | 5.15 for 5.30 | Clarke's Restaurant | Staff meal |
The Editor's Disclaimer
Although most of what appears in this Newsletter has been verified as true and factual as far as is possible, I cannot vouch for the correctness of the term "Concert" which appears in Diary Dates. I have only John D's word for this and as I suspect he is planning to perform himself that evening, the following warning would be well heeded: Bring your ear muffs and definitely something stronger to drink!
