The Burley Project
In mid-January I was told about a new piece of work that
we would be starting in February to support 3 young men to live in
their own shared house 24/7. I was offered the responsibility of
managing it, a very daunting task to say the least. I first met
Thomas, Ben and Mark in early February at their new house in
Burley-in-Wharfedale. Over the next month we spent some time getting
to know each other and starting to make plans for the big day when
they would move in.
Then, after a very busy month of preparation and a restless night, Thomas, Ben and Mark moved into their new home and what a home it is. It was clear from the outset that Thomas was a comedian: he takes great pleasure in playing jokes on the staff - he has been pointed in the direction of the art cupboard many times. If you need to know anything about Doctor Who, Ben is your man; his knowledge on anything related to Doctor Who is unbeatable. When it comes to Mark, he is truly gifted. I can honestly say I have not met a more intelligent person. He is definitely on my team at the next pub quiz.
Since moving, in everyone
has been learning lots of new skills. Ben has been accessing an
activity group called Purple Patch; Thomas, ever the busy man, has
been getting to grips with the finer points of ironing; and Mark is
working hard to find a job.
This has been a very interesting piece of work and also extremely rewarding for all involved and I have high hopes for the future. Thank you to all staff that have helped with the setting up and running of the Burley Project and keep up the great work.
Simon
The Framework Approach
Some of you may have heard of Bradford Council's new Framework Approach, where a number of organisations are chosen through a rigorous and intensive application process to be approved providers. The organisations on the approved providers list must operate to the highest standards and provide a good quality of support.
This list of organisations will then be closed for three years. All new work via the Learning Disability Directorate will be allocated only to those on this list. Supported Lives applied to be considered for three areas of the list:
- Domiciliary Care
- Housing Support
- Supported Living
We have just heard that we have been successful in all three applications and will be on the approved list of Framework Providers from 1 June 2011.
The Framework aims to offer a fairer way of allocating work, with each company taking turns at being offered new contracts.
If a carer or client has a specific request to be supported by an organisation (e.g. Supported Lives!) they can ask to be referred to that organisation directly.
If you require any further information please get in touch with either myself or John Drury.
Jon Wright
Who Am I?
Chazz
My name is Charanjit Kaur (I
prefer to be called Chazz) and I am an MA Social Work student from the
University of Bradford. I have just started my first 3 month placement
at Supported Lives. Everyone is really nice and have all made me feel
welcome, I am looking forward to spending my time here.
Before starting my Social Work degree, I worked in retail and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I live near Bradford so I am familiar with the area although I still tend to get lost and have to do test runs if I am going to a new place! I am looking forward to gaining new experiences and memories at Supported Lives.
Jason's Weekend In London
When I went to London I
enjoyed the Mamma Mia and Priscilla Queen of the
Desert musicals. The shows entertained me and I entertained the
audience by carrying on singing and getting too carried away. I
enjoyed going to Madame Tussaud's
Jason
More pictures of Jason's trip are available in the gallery.
Linkklub
The Linkklub Disco
happens on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month between 6:30 and
9:30. It's at:
Northcliffe Church Hall
Hall Royd
Shipley
BD18 3ED
Admission is £3
There's on-site parking and vehicle access to the entrance.
For more information on the disco and other Linkklub activities contact Jeanie on 07762 761 286 or by email: lambert216@btinternet.com. Or go to their website.
New Operations Manager
Congratulations to Amanda Corby, who has
now accepted a new position as Operations Manager of Supported
Lives.
Mandy has made a huge contribution to the development of Supported Lives over the past 7 years and I know she has lots of ideas on how to use her new role to further improve the service we provide.
Mandy is now responsible for overseeing all support packages and supervision of support workers.
Well done Mandy!
And, while I'm at it, I'll just update you on the current responsibilities of our directors:
Jon Wright - Company Finance and Company Secretary
John Drury - Business Development, Marketing and PR
Emilia Troc - Human Resources and Administration
Owen Jones - Operations Director
Owen
