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• Share Mental Health in Lockdown. Young Storyhouse on Facebook Share Mental Health in Lockdown. Young Storyhouse on X (formerly Twitter) Share Mental Health in Lockdown. Young Storyhouse on Linkedin Email Mental Health in Lockdown. Young Storyhouse link

  Mental Health in Lockdown. Young Storyhouse

  over 5 years ago

  Our community has been under tight restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 for most of 2020 with more restrictions in place now in 2021. The effect of the pandemic on our mental health has been huge, especially for young people. But many of them have found new and creative ways to express their feelings.

  In 2020, Storyhouse Young Company 17-25 age group (part of Young Storyhouse) worked together on a Mental Health in Lockdown project.

  The group held weekly workshops on Zoom with the Young Storyhouse team, and then chose four specific mental health conversations they felt were... Continue reading

  Our community has been under tight restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 for most of 2020 with more restrictions in place now in 2021. The effect of the pandemic on our mental health has been huge, especially for young people. But many of them have found new and creative ways to express their feelings.

  In 2020, Storyhouse Young Company 17-25 age group (part of Young Storyhouse) worked together on a Mental Health in Lockdown project.

  The group held weekly workshops on Zoom with the Young Storyhouse team, and then chose four specific mental health conversations they felt were important for young people to have, and invited four experts to speak to them. After writing their pieces, they had a masterclass from a former member of Young Storyhouse, now a professional filmmaker Alex Howe on how to film themselves performing their spoken word pieces. Here are some of the results.
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  OT - a 'person centred' approach

  almost 6 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 X (formerly Twitter) Share Small changes, big impact on Linkedin Email Small changes, big impact link

  Small changes, big impact

  almost 6 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 Making a difference step by step on Facebook Share Making a difference step by step on X (formerly Twitter) Share Making a difference step by step on Linkedin Email Making a difference step by step link

  Making a difference step by step

  almost 6 years ago
  

  To celebrate OT week, we're looking at the work of some of our Occupational Therapists and how they have continued their work through the COVID -19 pandemic.

  Rachel is an OT in the community or ‘Patch’ team working alongside occupational therapy assessors, social workers, social care assessors and the visual impairment team. She supports people with a physical disability who need to use equipment in their home to improve their quality of life and independence. Sometimes, these can be major adaptations.

  Rachel has, for around 4 years now, worked with a young man who has had a progressive neurological disorder... Continue reading

  To celebrate OT week, we're looking at the work of some of our Occupational Therapists and how they have continued their work through the COVID -19 pandemic.

  Rachel is an OT in the community or ‘Patch’ team working alongside occupational therapy assessors, social workers, social care assessors and the visual impairment team. She supports people with a physical disability who need to use equipment in their home to improve their quality of life and independence. Sometimes, these can be major adaptations.

  Rachel has, for around 4 years now, worked with a young man who has had a progressive neurological disorder. He lives with his parents. Rachel says, “When we first worked with David* he was beginning to have problems getting in and out of the bath, and so we were able to install a level access shower so he could continue to be independent.

  “Gradually, David’s condition deteriorated to the point where he was at risk of falling when he climbed the stairs. He was still a very young man and wanted to be able to move freely around his own home and didn’t want to have a bedroom downstairs. We considered a stair lift but were concerned that this might not be the best long-term option. As David was eligible for the disabled facilities grant (and there was appropriate space) we were able to install a through-floor lift. David and his family were thrilled as this allowed him to manage the stairs independently and safely, and also gave him the safety and independence to be left for short periods of time without the need for assistance.

  “Now we’re looking at getting David a wash and dry toilet with a powered seat, again so that he can retain independence and privacy. The COVID-19 pandemic has of course made the logistics of this process a bit more challenging as our meetings with the company representative and the family have had to be via video call, but our resolve to support David and his family continues.

  “David’s story is a good example of how OT can be really effective in taking a step by step, incremental approach to supporting someone as their needs change over the years. In this case, we always had an eye on what David’s future needs might be as his condition progressed.

  “Working alongside teams from other areas of social care in the community is a fantastic way of working. We can be flexible in the way we work with people who need our help, and understanding each other’s work much better means better outcomes for those people. It means that even after 17 years working in OT I’m learning new things all the time!”

  (*names have been changed)
• Share Celebrating the work of our OTs during the COVID-19 pandemic on Facebook Share Celebrating the work of our OTs during the COVID-19 pandemic on X (formerly Twitter) Share Celebrating the work of our OTs during the COVID-19 pandemic on Linkedin Email Celebrating the work of our OTs during the COVID-19 pandemic link

  Celebrating the work of our OTs during the COVID-19 pandemic

  almost 6 years ago
  

  During OT week, we're celebrating the work of Occupational Therapists and how they've continued to change people's lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Sarah Jane is the Practice manager of the Home Assessment Team.

  This is a relatively new team, with staff of different skills and disciplines who work closely together to help patients being discharged from hospital. She says, “People think of occupational therapy as relating to jobs, but actually it’s more helpful to see it as supporting those activities which ‘occupy’ us in our daily lives ; this could be anything from getting out of bed comfortably, getting the... Continue reading

  During OT week, we're celebrating the work of Occupational Therapists and how they've continued to change people's lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Sarah Jane is the Practice manager of the Home Assessment Team.

  This is a relatively new team, with staff of different skills and disciplines who work closely together to help patients being discharged from hospital. She says, “People think of occupational therapy as relating to jobs, but actually it’s more helpful to see it as supporting those activities which ‘occupy’ us in our daily lives ; this could be anything from getting out of bed comfortably, getting the children to school on time, or walking the dog. In essence, it is what is meaningful to a person both functionally and for our wellbeing”

  The team of Occupational Therapists, social workers and social care assessors put the patient at the centre of their assessment, finding out what they want to achieve along their journey to maximise independence, and ultimately, help them get back to the function they had before being admitted to hospital. They are flexible in their approach; each assessment being tailored to what the person needs, where and when they need it.

  Key to the approach is finding out what really matters to the individual being assessed. To many of us outside of the world of social care it’s easy to assume that the most important activity to resume would be personal care or being able to have a bath again independently. However, it may be the case for a green-fingered individual that getting back out into their garden will create a sense of well-being and achievement that will aid their recovery even faster.

  There is no waiting list; everyone is seen within set time scales from when they leave hospital. For Sarah Jane, this is key to getting the best outcomes, “Seeing people at the earliest opportunity means they gain the most benefit from hands-on physical and therapeutic intervention from the outset that will hopefully lead a them to be less reliant on having to adapt their physical and social environment in the longer-term.”

  The team works closely with the reablement service and has seen some real successes: some people have gone from having assistance at home from two carers four times a day, to complete independence within six weeks. By having a team of professionals from different areas of health and social care they are able to give people the right help at the right time in the right place for them rather than stick to fixed, ‘standard’ criteria.

  Sarah Jane continued, “Cases can often move between staff on the team depending on what the patient needs and when – we have no fixed boundaries in the team or staff who say, ‘no that’s not my area’. We will always take a joint approach. It’s been so exciting to see how staff are approaching assessments differently once they have some experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.”

  By and large the team have been able to keep up with demand for their services since the COVID-19 pandemic although the need for rapid discharge from hospitals has meant patients are often very fragile and in an earlier stage of their recovery than they might previously have been. But Sarah Jane says the difficulties caused by local restrictions should make us all think twice. “Lockdown gave us all a taste of what it can be like to lose some of the liberties we take for granted. It has changed our ‘occupations’ – those hobbies, interests and daily activities that help give meaning to our lives and has given many of us a tiny insight into the traumas that people can go through when they can’t do what they used to. As a wise person once said about our profession, ‘a physiotherapist can teach you how to walk again, but an OT will teach you how to dance’.”
• Share Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp on Facebook Share Burton - supporting local business and the community & a revamp on X (formerly 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, almost 6 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 X (formerly 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, about 6 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.
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  Chester's Grandparents have got talent.

  by Pamela, about 6 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 X (formerly 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, about 6 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
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  Summer Performing Arts Activities for Children

  by Little Actors Theatre Company, over 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