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• Share OT - a 'person centred' approach on Facebook Share OT - a 'person centred' approach on Twitter Share OT - a 'person centred' approach on Linkedin Email OT - a 'person centred' approach link

  OT - a 'person centred' approach

  over 5 years ago
  

  Ria is an OT working mainly with children in Cheshire West and Chester. She’s based in the community ‘Patch’ team with social care professionals from different disciplines.

  
  

  Anyone can refer a child to occupational therapy, and Ria works very closely with the health paediatric OT team , school and social care colleagues. Some of the children using this service have severe physical, learning, emotional or behavioural needs whilst others might have less-complex needs. Either way, all professionals involved with the family need to take a team approach and a long-term view of supporting them and the child.

  Like other OTs... Continue reading

  Ria is an OT working mainly with children in Cheshire West and Chester. She’s based in the community ‘Patch’ team with social care professionals from different disciplines.

  
  

  Anyone can refer a child to occupational therapy, and Ria works very closely with the health paediatric OT team , school and social care colleagues. Some of the children using this service have severe physical, learning, emotional or behavioural needs whilst others might have less-complex needs. Either way, all professionals involved with the family need to take a team approach and a long-term view of supporting them and the child.

  Like other OTs Ria’s initial assessment involves the ‘person centred’ approach. Intervention may be the provision of advice and basic equipment such as handrails or toilet/bathing equipment which might improve life at home for a child. In the case of a child who has complex needs and is fully dependent on their parent or carer for all daily living activities it’s especially important to work together to plan for the child’s future and more specialised equipment may be required to support both the child and carers. It can be very difficult and overwhelming for carers of younger children contemplate, where the child will sleep and how will they use the bathroom as they get older and can no longer be carried upstairs, for example. A thorough understanding of the emotional impact of caring for a disabled child is crucial and all families are different; for some it’s very hard to think about the future or have a true understanding of the impact of their child’s disability.

  In some instances, a family is eligible for support with major adaptations. This could be a through-floor lift allowing a child who is a wheelchair user to continue to be able to get upstairs and take part in family life or it may be that ground floor facilities are the favourable solution. In some cases it is necessary to consider rehousing to a more suitable property to meet the child’s long term needs and the OT will support with a housing needs assessment report.

  Sometimes, a smaller level of support can have a very big impact. Ria says, “In one case a child on the autistic spectrum with severe, complex learning disabilities and behaviour problems and his family were all experiencing very poor, broken sleep because he was attempting to climb out of his cot bed at night and couldn’t be kept safe. Provision of a specialised bed with a soft, enclosed space allowed him to enjoy soothing sensations, keep him safe and therefore improve his rest. The better sleep had a direct positive impact on his behaviour at school, improved his interactions with other people and meant his behaviour and routine were better managed.”

  Supporting families and children to achieve what matters to them is at the heart of Ria’s OT approach.

  
  
• Share Small changes, big impact on Facebook Share Small changes, big impact on Twitter Share Small changes, big impact on Linkedin Email Small changes, big impact link

  Small changes, big impact

  over 5 years ago
  

  Paula works in the Community Access Team

  When a person is referred to OT by themselves or a professional, family member or friend this is the start of a journey that can sometimes provide support in unexpected areas of the person’s life.

  Paula says, “Our role is to think about preventing that person from becoming dependant on care so that they can continue to live a full and independent life as soon as possible, but also thinking about measures we can take to prevent that person’s health deteriorating.

  “We always look at the person first and foremost and what they... Continue reading

  Paula works in the Community Access Team

  When a person is referred to OT by themselves or a professional, family member or friend this is the start of a journey that can sometimes provide support in unexpected areas of the person’s life.

  Paula says, “Our role is to think about preventing that person from becoming dependant on care so that they can continue to live a full and independent life as soon as possible, but also thinking about measures we can take to prevent that person’s health deteriorating.

  “We always look at the person first and foremost and what they want in order to have a full life. Occupational therapy is about what ‘occupies your time’ so whilst in a traditional sense that can mean getting to the toilet, in and out of bed and the bath, we also want to know what affects that person’s well-being ; their social as well as their physical environment. Are they a parent, a carer, do they take part in sports, hobbies or social activities? Then we can work together with colleagues and partners from other services to see how else we could support them to live independently.

  “Even though people clearly need some support we like to be able to frame things positively, focusing on what they can do instead of what they can’t. For instance, instead of saying, ‘I understand you’re having problems getting to the toilet?’ we might instead ask, ‘Tell me about how you get to the bathroom.’ The professional skills required to have a conversation with someone using this ‘strengths-based approach’ recognises that people are their own expert and that we will work with them to find out exactly what they need to live a full life. It’s our job to find out what the person actually wants and needs and therefore reduce their need for more formal care.

  “This can all often be done within the space of a telephone conversation. As the person is the expert on their own situation, it’s not always necessary to carry out a home visit or assessment, the end result of which will be to confirm what the person knew themselves at the outset! And it’s often more appropriate for a person to discuss personal care over the phone than in person where they might feel less comfortable.

  “In OT we often talk about how a small change can have a big impact. Unless we think that the person is at risk without a home visit we can often find a solution the first time they call; we can order small equipment such as grab rails, hand rails, swivel stools and arrange for them to be installed quite quickly. Sometimes people can send us photographs which can help us decide on the most appropriate equipment or adaptation even more swiftly. This has been useful during the pandemic. I’ve provided advice on voice control for smart TV’s and phones for people who can’t use remote controls or keypads.

  “We provided an over-bath shower for a young woman which totally changed the course of her life. Having this equipment gave her the confidence to move forward into higher education – I’ll never forget the day she rang me from the university coffee shop.

  “A big part of our role is to provide advice and information. The new online directory Live Well Cheshire West produced by the Council and our health partners, has been a crucial tool in providing people with access to accurate, up to date, local information that’s relevant to them. Importantly, they can use this to look up information when it suits them rather than having to call our team, even though we love speaking to people! I’m passionate about finding out how a person communicates, and how we can support them to communicate even better. If a person can’t use their voice for example, something as simple as an alphabet chart or phone/tablet app can make a huge difference as well as signposting the person to more specialist equipment.

  “Thinking about prevention should also extend to carers. Especially since the pandemic carers are under increasing pressure as day services close and there is little or no respite from caring responsibilities. Even though practical needs such as shopping and prescription collection can be taken care of by the community response to local restrictions, people still often need support with their social and emotional connections – activities that are meaningful to the carer or the person they care for.

  “We often hear people say, ‘I used to be able to ….’ and in OT we aim to support them to turn that into ‘Now I’m able to….’”
• Share Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp on Facebook Share Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp on Twitter Share Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp on Linkedin Email Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp link

  Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp

  by HSS, over 5 years ago
  

  Local resident Susan has been making a difference in the village of Burton. With her innovative ideas and community spirit, including the revamp of the village's bus shelter that is no longer in use due to the discontinuation of the local bus service, local businesses and community assets are having an opportunity to thrive in the village.

  The bus shelter has had a tidy up, a lick of paint, a bench installed and colourful decoration added. It is also being used as a 'pop up shop' at weekends by businesses including fruit and veg, bakery and a local artist displaying... Continue reading

  Local resident Susan has been making a difference in the village of Burton. With her innovative ideas and community spirit, including the revamp of the village's bus shelter that is no longer in use due to the discontinuation of the local bus service, local businesses and community assets are having an opportunity to thrive in the village.

  The bus shelter has had a tidy up, a lick of paint, a bench installed and colourful decoration added. It is also being used as a 'pop up shop' at weekends by businesses including fruit and veg, bakery and a local artist displaying work. More future pop ups are planned with a variety of businesses interested.

  
  
• Share Cheshire Dance takes 150 CHALK! Activities Packs into the Community on Facebook Share Cheshire Dance takes 150 CHALK! Activities Packs into the Community on Twitter Share Cheshire Dance takes 150 CHALK! Activities Packs into the Community on Linkedin Email Cheshire Dance takes 150 CHALK! Activities Packs into the Community link

  Cheshire Dance takes 150 CHALK! Activities Packs into the Community

  by Cheshire Dance, over 5 years ago
  

  It’s an exciting week for 150 families in Lache and Frodsham who have received Cheshire Dance CHALK! Activity Packs.

  Specially designed by Dance Artist Emily from Emily O'Shea Company, these packs contain ten different activities for children and their families. All activities inspire imagination, outdoor play, drawing, writing… and, of course, dancing!

  Cheshire Dance is delighted to have worked with Emily as a commissioner of these special packs, which have been funded by The Westminster Foundation and Cheshire West and Chester Council through the COVID-19 Community Response fund.

  Emily will also be encouraging everyone to send in images and... Continue reading

  It’s an exciting week for 150 families in Lache and Frodsham who have received Cheshire Dance CHALK! Activity Packs.

  Specially designed by Dance Artist Emily from Emily O'Shea Company, these packs contain ten different activities for children and their families. All activities inspire imagination, outdoor play, drawing, writing… and, of course, dancing!

  Cheshire Dance is delighted to have worked with Emily as a commissioner of these special packs, which have been funded by The Westminster Foundation and Cheshire West and Chester Council through the COVID-19 Community Response fund.

  Emily will also be encouraging everyone to send in images and videos of those exploring the activities at home, which will be transformed into a special CHALK! Film to celebrate the creativity of families during this unique summer period.

  For those of you not in receipt of the packs, you can find a downloadable version of CHALK! on Emily’s website: https://emilyosheacompany.com/get-involved/projects/chalk.

  Please donate what you can towards the project via this link - and don’t forget to submit your videos for the film project.

  
  

  For more information on Cheshire Dance, please visit this link or follow the team on Facebook.
• Share Chester's Grandparents have got talent. on Facebook Share Chester's Grandparents have got talent. on Twitter Share Chester's Grandparents have got talent. on Linkedin Email Chester's Grandparents have got talent. link

  Chester's Grandparents have got talent.

  by Pamela, over 5 years ago
  

  Throughout the current health crisis Apollo Care Chester have been carrying out a number voluntary services for the local community. This has enabled us to get more involved with the community whilst offering support and has also given us a profound awareness of how difficult things have been during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for the elderly and the local charities that support them.

  This prompted us to look at how we could do something to raise the spirits of our elderly communities and also raise funds and awareness for the Hospice of The Good Shepherd. So we came up with... Continue reading

  Throughout the current health crisis Apollo Care Chester have been carrying out a number voluntary services for the local community. This has enabled us to get more involved with the community whilst offering support and has also given us a profound awareness of how difficult things have been during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for the elderly and the local charities that support them.

  This prompted us to look at how we could do something to raise the spirits of our elderly communities and also raise funds and awareness for the Hospice of The Good Shepherd. So we came up with the idea to host a talent show for the elderly, called “Chester’s Grandparents Have Got Talent”.

  This is a virtual talent show in which we ask people to send their entries to us of themselves or their Grandparents (or suchlike) of their talents, whether it may be playing the spoons, or crooning along to one of their favourite Frank Sinatra songs, then simply send it to us with an entry fee of £2.00, that will be paid directly to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

  We will then send the entries to our three distinguished judges, namely Matt Baker, music composer and director, Gavin Matthews from Dee Radio and the Lord Mayor of Chester… we decided not to ask Simon Cowell!

  We also have three great prizes for our winners – 1st £75.00 2nd Champagne & Chocolate Hamper 3rd Gardener’s Gift Basket, kindly donated by Hotel Chocolat, Grosvenor Garden Centre and Apollo Care Chester.

  The aim is to put some positivity back into people’s lives and keep our communities connected whilst helping an amazing cause, so we would love to get as many people as possible involved.

  If you would like to help raise spirits as well as help this wonderful charity raise funds and awareness then take a look at the link below.

  https://www.facebook.com/112879026915377/posts/171554331047846/
• Share Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative on Facebook Share Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative on Twitter Share Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative on Linkedin Email Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative link

  Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative

  by Kelsall Food Bank, over 5 years ago
  

  Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative

  A local mum and teacher, Vicky Charlton, has set up the Kelsall Food Bank in direct response to the Covid 19 crisis.

  At the beginning of the crisis Vicky joined a team of volunteers that were organised and deployed to help those members of Kelsall who are self-isolating or who are struggling for whatever reason during this difficult time. On her travels, and armed with a bundle of leaflets, she set out to visit 3 streets in Kelsall. This trip was to change everything! Through chatting to one local resident it was clear... Continue reading

  Kelsall Food Bank's Free School Meals Initiative

  A local mum and teacher, Vicky Charlton, has set up the Kelsall Food Bank in direct response to the Covid 19 crisis.

  At the beginning of the crisis Vicky joined a team of volunteers that were organised and deployed to help those members of Kelsall who are self-isolating or who are struggling for whatever reason during this difficult time. On her travels, and armed with a bundle of leaflets, she set out to visit 3 streets in Kelsall. This trip was to change everything! Through chatting to one local resident it was clear that they were not going to eat that week unless they were supported. And from that conversation the Kelsall Food Bank was born!

  The Food Bank has gone from strength to strength and support was given to seven families in the village throughout the crisis. Local members of the community supported with their time, donations of food or money and the best bit - deliveries! "Seeing smiling faces every Saturday is my treat of the week!" said Vicky.

  The support doesn't just stop with the local residents as this mum has managed to secure a grant from Cheshire Police, as well as drumming up support from the local shops.

  More recently, and in direct response to footballer Marcus Rashford's letter to MPs, local families were gifted with a “one off” food parcel which contained a food voucher too. The Free School Meals Initiative’s aim was to support local children who are on Free School Meals. The food bank was inundated with support from the local community and had donations flooding in from: The Spar; The Chocolate Shop; CO-OP Kelsall, CO-OP Tarvin, CO-OP Tarporley, Delamere Stores, Christleton Library, Christleton High School, 41 Club, Tesco Helsby, Tarporley Baptist and Methodist Chapel, residents of Kelsall, Tarporley and the local areas. In total 104 food parcels were delivered to local schools and homes including: Kelsall, Tarporley, Tarvin, Utkinton, Guilden Sutton, Christleton, Huxley, Kingsley, Delamere Primary Schools and Cloughwood, The Bridge and Tarporley High Schools.

  The Kelsall Food Bank is run by the community for the community and aims to spring back into action if the need arises again.

  1 comment
• Share Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children on Facebook Share Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children on Twitter Share Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children on Linkedin Email Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children link

  Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children

  by Little Actors Theatre Company, almost 6 years ago
  

  
  

  FREE - Summer Performing Arts Provision for Children (5-13)

  Little Actors Theatre, a registered charity based in Neston, will be opening their venue in Brook Street for summer performing arts activities for children. There will be strict adherence to COVID 19 regulations and guidance and numbers will be limited to ensure safe social distancing. Led by professional actors Mike Lockley and Fern Evans, who facilitated online workshops during lockdown.

  Funded by Edesential CIC, Little Actors will be offering a 4 week programme of performing arts activities. Running for 4 weeks from 20th July children can explore drama, physical theatre, performance... Continue reading

  
  

  FREE - Summer Performing Arts Provision for Children (5-13)

  Little Actors Theatre, a registered charity based in Neston, will be opening their venue in Brook Street for summer performing arts activities for children. There will be strict adherence to COVID 19 regulations and guidance and numbers will be limited to ensure safe social distancing. Led by professional actors Mike Lockley and Fern Evans, who facilitated online workshops during lockdown.

  Funded by Edesential CIC, Little Actors will be offering a 4 week programme of performing arts activities. Running for 4 weeks from 20th July children can explore drama, physical theatre, performance, drama games, improvisation, screen and audio techniques. Plus there will be time for some crafts.

  Lunch is provided. As numbers will be restricted to ensure safe social distancing in the venue so children eligible for free school means, low income or with SEN and/or other additional needs will be prioritised.

  With COVID-19 guidance changing regularly, we may have to adapt the offering either in the venue or to online.

  Ages 5-13

  Monday - Thursday 10am - 2pm

  Monday 20th July through to Thursday 13th August (4 weeks)

  People can register for some or all of the provision.

  Venue - 26-30 Brook Street, Neston CH64 9XLApply here: https://forms.gle/Y7dZGKxZj9k5JQP48

  Application Form - Summer 2020Please complete and return to Little Actors at mail@littleactorstheatre.com. Someone will be in touch ASAPforms.gle

  Volunteers would be most welcome to help with craft preparation and/or support the delivery of the activities.

  Details from mail@littleactorstheatre.com or 0151 336 4302

  
  
• Share Evie and Susannah Stanton’s Rainbows- fund raising for the NHS on Facebook Share Evie and Susannah Stanton’s Rainbows- fund raising for the NHS on Twitter Share Evie and Susannah Stanton’s Rainbows- fund raising for the NHS on Linkedin Email Evie and Susannah Stanton’s Rainbows- fund raising for the NHS link

  Evie and Susannah Stanton’s Rainbows- fund raising for the NHS

  by Zanna2, almost 6 years ago

  As an employee of CWAC myself I wanted to bring the community together in anyway I could when lockdown first started. My daughter and I decided we wanted to do something to show the NHS workers and Carers in care homes how much the public appreciated them. We started making little rainbows out of Coaster size wooden off cuts, nails and loom bands and sold them for £1 each from an honesty table at the bottom of my drive to raise money. Sadly the table was stolen after a few days but that didn’t stop us, Evie’s grandad made a... Continue reading

  As an employee of CWAC myself I wanted to bring the community together in anyway I could when lockdown first started. My daughter and I decided we wanted to do something to show the NHS workers and Carers in care homes how much the public appreciated them. We started making little rainbows out of Coaster size wooden off cuts, nails and loom bands and sold them for £1 each from an honesty table at the bottom of my drive to raise money. Sadly the table was stolen after a few days but that didn’t stop us, Evie’s grandad made a new table and even chained it to a tree! Over a few days we raised a few hundred pounds, working every hour of the day until the early hours of the morning to meet the high demands for orders for rainbows all over my the country!! The demand for the rainbows got so big it turned into a 24/7 job so local schools Horn’s Mill, Alvanley and Manley Federated School and Homestead Private Day nursery staff and children all got involved and helped to make the rainbows. We supplied the wood and materials and they all worked tirelessly to make bulk orders. In 17 days we raised an absolutely incredible £2000 and distributed it personally (between £50 and £100) between 38 different NHS workers and carers in care homes. This story has been covered by helsby to hand magazine, Cheshire live, Frodsham life and soon to be in Pick me Up Magazine, the amount of positivity it has brought makes me so proud to have been a part of it and to have watched and encouraged my young daughter to help others that are so selfless and brave. The full story, photos and list of workers that received money can be followed on my personal twitter account ‘Susannah Stanton’.
• Share Activity Packs From The Boaty Theatre Company on Facebook Share Activity Packs From The Boaty Theatre Company on Twitter Share Activity Packs From The Boaty Theatre Company on Linkedin Email Activity Packs From The Boaty Theatre Company link

  Activity Packs From The Boaty Theatre Company

  by Boaty T, almost 6 years ago
  

  The Boaty Theatre Company are a small charity based in Ellesmere Port. We have been performing in and around Ellesmere Port for the last 10 years or so, starting our journey at the National Waterways Museum, hence our name!!

  At the beginning of 2020 we performed 3 sell-out nights at the Lowry in Salford, a massive achievement for our cast, crew and director Laura Harris. With the profit we made from our time at the Lowry, we invested in our dream of creating an Arts-based community hub in the centre of town and so opened 'The Boat Shed' on Whitby... Continue reading

  The Boaty Theatre Company are a small charity based in Ellesmere Port. We have been performing in and around Ellesmere Port for the last 10 years or so, starting our journey at the National Waterways Museum, hence our name!!

  At the beginning of 2020 we performed 3 sell-out nights at the Lowry in Salford, a massive achievement for our cast, crew and director Laura Harris. With the profit we made from our time at the Lowry, we invested in our dream of creating an Arts-based community hub in the centre of town and so opened 'The Boat Shed' on Whitby Road. Just five days after officially opening our doors to welcome people in, with three shows scheduled and an art exhibition ready for viewing, we had to close our doors due to the Covid-19 crisis.

  We quickly adapted to helping our community in the best way we know how. We moved all our rehearsals online and kept our social groups going virtually so we could make sure every one of our regular beneficiaries were safe and well.

  We were awarded funding from Cheshire Communities Foundation and Cheshire West and Chester to provide 100 activity bags to families struggling with the cost of homeschooling, these were distributed through local schools to ensure they got to the children that needed them most. Due to some savvy shopping around, we were able to extend our 100 bags to 400 bags! Which we were super happy to deliver.

  Thank you to our funders and our team of three happy sorters for helping us to put these packs together and get them to those that need them. We have received some feedback that has made us smile!

  We plan to extend this project now by providing a summer program, funded by Edsential we will be providing 4 hours of virtual workshops every weekday throughout the summer holidays ranging from drama and writing to yoga! We are providing the materials needed to participate and we are offering a free packed lunch to 30 children on free school meals thanks to funding from ASDA Ellesmere Port.
• Share Royal Recognition for Norley Village Store on Facebook Share Royal Recognition for Norley Village Store on Twitter Share Royal Recognition for Norley Village Store on Linkedin Email Royal Recognition for Norley Village Store link

  Royal Recognition for Norley Village Store

  by Museums@CW&C , almost 6 years ago
  

  Cheshire West Museums would like to extend their congratulations to all the volunteers of the Norley Village Store who have received a letter written on behalf of her majesty the Queen in recognition of their efforts. Volunteers, that include our Weaver Hall colleague Liz, have worked tirelessly to keep the shelves stocked and delivering orders to the vulnerable in the village. To read the full article on the Northwich Guardian click the link below:

  https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/18488895.norley-village-store-volunteers-receive-letter-behalf-queen/

  Cheshire West Museums would like to extend their congratulations to all the volunteers of the Norley Village Store who have received a letter written on behalf of her majesty the Queen in recognition of their efforts. Volunteers, that include our Weaver Hall colleague Liz, have worked tirelessly to keep the shelves stocked and delivering orders to the vulnerable in the village. To read the full article on the Northwich Guardian click the link below:

  https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/18488895.norley-village-store-volunteers-receive-letter-behalf-queen/