BBC Newsletter July - Dec 2024

ReflectingonaYearofMilestones, MemoriesandMomentsthatMatter

Reflecting on the past year at Bluebird Care, fills us with pride and gratitude. We've experienced changes, growth, and heartwarming moments that have shaped our community. We've raised over £5,000 for cherished charities through team and community events, showcasing our dedication to giving back. This year also saw the joy of welcoming new life within our Bluebird Care family and the sad loss of beloved customers, each leaving a lasting impact on us.

Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we introduced a refreshed brand that honours our core values of quality and compassion. Our team expanded with new members in Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Bracknell, and we implemented the PASS rostering system for enhanced customer care. It was a banner year for achievements, with industry award nominations and team members completing qualifications in Health and Social Care.

As we look ahead, we ' re excited for new challenges, keeping our customers at the heart of all we do Thank you for being part of our journey here’s to another year of care, community, and connection

In This Issue:

Heartfelt Giving: Highlights from our fundraising efforts

Dreams Fulfilled: How a customer’s wish came true

Celebrating Excellence: A spotlight on recent awards

The Value of Live-In Care: Exploring its benefits

Honouring Our Heroes: Recognising the outstanding contributions of our care team

Making a Difference!

MaidenheadFestival

The team at Bluebird Care organised a successful fundraising event at the Maidenhead Festival to support vital cancer research. The team enjoyed meeting people from across the local community while raising money for Cancer Research UK, a cause chosen by their dedicated care assistants. Bluebird Care raised an impressive £167 for Cancer Research UK.

The festival's opening ceremony was a memorable moment, with one of Bluebird Care’s care experts, Jeanette Crawford, having the honour of ringing the festival bell alongside the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Town Crier, Chris Brown

Bluebird Care team came together to host a cake sale at Woodley Library, raising an impressive £146 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Led by Helen, Sophie and Cat, the team baked an array of delicious treats, including brownies, lemon drizzle, Nutella cookie dough, Biscoff truffles, and more all handmade with love Despite rainy weather, the event saw fantastic support, with library staff and local groups pitching in to sell and buy cakes Every penny raised will go toward helping those affected by cancer, a cause close to the team’s hearts

Helen added “Cancer touches so many lives, including the people we care for at Bluebird Care. Supporting Macmillan is our way of making a difference, however small. Every bit truly helps.”

Bluebird Care Franchise pledged to raise £50,000 for Alzheimer's Society by the end of September 2024. To help raise towards this, Bluebird Care organised a nationwide relay race involving all participating offices

To contribute to this goal Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell walked and cycled from Reading to Windsor Castle

We also signed up for the Cookham Dragon Boat Race, Where we had absolutely no rowing experience but we all had am amazing time competing against some talented teams of rowers

With the two events we managed to raise an incredible £1,820 towards Bluebird Care’s pledge

Sophia’sParalympicAdventure!

This year, we were thrilled to see our amazing customer Sophia fulfill a lifelong dream attending the Paralympics! With her supportive carer, Marisa, by her side, Sophia experienced the excitement and incredible energy of the games up close

The two enjoyed every event they attended, soaking in the inspiring atmosphere and cheering on the athletes as they showcased their talents and determination Marisa’s companionship made the trip even more memorable, and it’s safe to say they made memories to last a lifetime!

We couldn’t be prouder of Sophia for taking this fantastic journey, and we ’ re so grateful for Marisa’s dedication and support. Here’s to more adventures and unforgettable moments ahead!

CelebratingNationalCarersWeek2024

Bluebird Care team took time to recognise the incredible dedication of unpaid carers in our community.

To show our appreciation, we visited local carers to deliver heartfelt ‘thank you ’ cards and house plants. These small gestures were a way of saying thank you to people like Janet from Tilehurst, who tirelessly supports her husband Bob and son Adam.

Janet shared: “Caring for a loved one can be tough and full of worry, but it means so much to feel appreciated. The Bluebird Care team has been a huge support, not just for Bob but for me too. Their visits give me precious time to recharge, knowing Bob is in safe hands.”

Unpaid carers like Janet often balance immense responsibilities while going unnoticed This week was a chance to shine a light on their remarkable efforts and let them know they’re not alone

Thank you to all the unpaid carers in our community you inspire us every day

Raising a Cup and a Cake!

In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week, the team at Bluebird Care wanted to make a special effort to brighten the day of their customers. Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect excuse to gather with loved ones and indulge in treats while sipping on your favourite cuppa.

To do so, Bluebird Care hand-prepared and delivered over 100 boxes of afternoon tea, each filled with delicious treats and a personal touch, which included biscuits, cake, scones with butter and jam, tea, and a heartfelt letter from Bluebird Care

Connie Heales-Newell, a customer of Bluebird Care was so touched by the gesture that she penned a letter of thanks, expressing her gratitude for the thoughtful surprise

“Dear Bluebird thank you so much for your very kind gift I will so enjoy this, it is such a kind thought and I thank you so much You and your girls are so special to me ”

This month, we ’ re celebrating one of our wonderful live-in care customers, who has now enjoyed a full year with dedicated support With his carer ’ s help, he’s been making the most of each day, staying active, social, and exploring new places

Recently, he had an exciting day out at Ascot Racecourse, where he got a special behind-the-scenes tour! From visiting the famous grandstand to seeing the stables and learning about the venue ’ s history, it was an unforgettable experience. His carer has been by his side, making it easy for him to enjoy these outings and continue to live life to the fullest. We’re so happy to see him thriving, and we look forward to many more adventures together!

BENEFITSOFLIVE-INCARE:

Personalised Support: Tailored care plans for individual needs and preferences.

Familiar Environment: Enables individuals to stay in the comfort of their own home.

One-on-One Attention: Dedicated care focused solely on the customer.

Enhanced Independence: Promotes autonomy while ensuring safety and support.

Companionship: Reduces loneliness with a consistent, friendly presence.

Continuity of Care: Minimises disruptions compared to residential care homes

Cost-Effective for Couples: Shared care can be more affordable than two care home placements

Flexibility: Adjusts to changing needs over time

Peace of Mind for Families: Ensures loved ones are well cared for in their own surroundings.

Support with Daily Living: Helps with personal care, household tasks, and social activities.

Pets can stay at home too.

CelebratingExcellence

THEPALLIATIVECARE ENDOFLIFEAWARD EUNICEBIWA

TRACEYATKINS MARINAKING

THEDIGNITYINCAREAWARD SUSANNICOL ANNECHINYUKU EVERJOYCHIMUKA

2024NOMINATIONSARE...

THEDEMENTIACAREAWARD

JAKESEAMAN

JEANETTECRAWFORD

KADIJATUKOROMA

THENEWCOMERAWARD

BRIYANASOUZA

ABIGAILRAEBURN-WARD

SOPHIEAUSTIN-YOUNG

THEREGISTEREDCAREMANGER AWARD

ALEXWITTEN

CATFERGUSON

THEFRONTLINELEADERSAWARD REBECCAUNDERWOOD THEHOMECARECOORDINATOR AWARD

THEUNPAIDCARERSAWARD CHRISTINE&MADDIE

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Kadijatu Koroma, affectionately known as KK, has won the prestigious Dementia Carer Award for the South East region at the Great British Care Awards!

As a live-in carer at Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Bracknell, KK provides exceptional one-to-one care for those in need

The judges praised KK for her “exceptional dedication, compassion, and ability to deliver tailored care that makes a meaningful difference ”

They added: “Her warmth and understanding shine through in every interaction. KK’s deep understanding of dementia and her natural ability to teach and support others in the field make her a true standout.”

Congratulations, KK! Your incredible work inspires us all.

FOR COMPASSION AND DEDICATION

Angela McMillian, a devoted member of Bluebird Care Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Windsor, and Bracknell, triumphed over countless nominees to claim the illustrious Team Member of the Year Award at this year ’ s grand Bluebird Care Awards. This celebrated event witnessed over 600 hopefuls vying for the coveted title in each category, with contenders hailing from the vibrant tapestry of The South East of England.

A huge congratulations to all the carers nominated for this year ’ s Bluebird Care Awards by both colleagues and customers! Your hard work and dedication inspire us every day. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our staff who go above and beyond, making a difference in the lives of those we care for. You are the true heart of Bluebird Care!

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month! Your outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing exceptional care have truly set you apart Thank you for going above and beyond youareaninspirationtousall!Keepupthefantasticwork!

LIVE-IN CARER OF THE QUARTER

JulySeptember

OctoberDecember

A huge congratulations to our Live-In Carer of the Quarter! Your dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment to supporting our customers make an incredible difference every day Thank you for your hard work and for embodying the true spirit of Bluebird Care Well done on this well-deserved recognition!

CelebratingMilestonesatBluebirdCare

A big congratulations to all our team members who have recently passed their probation or celebrated a work anniversary! Your hard work, commitment, and passion for delivering exceptional care are truly valued Thank you for being an integral part of the Bluebird Care family we ’ re so proud to celebrate these milestones with you!

Sharing Christmas Joy With

Our Customers

Thank You for Letting Us Be A Part of Your Care Journey ��

As we wrap up this edition and say goodbye to 2024, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you our customers, their families, and our dedicated Bluebird Care team members. Every day, we ’ re inspired by the resilience, kindness, and warmth that fills our communities here in Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Bracknell

Each person we care for is at the heart of everything we do, and we ’ re honored to be part of your lives. Whether it’s a friendly chat over tea, an extra helping hand when you need it, or the comfort of knowing that we ’ re here when you need us, it’s a privilege we don’t take lightly.

Let’s continue to make moments matter, big and small. And remember, our team is always here, listening and ready to support you however we can. Thank you for your trust in us, and here’s to the community we ’ re building together one filled with compassion, respect, and a commitment to well-being.

Stay safe, stay connected, and as always, stay in touch!

Warmest regards, The Bluebird Care Team ��

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