May I start by wishing everyone a very happy 2017 and apologise for the delayed January newsletter. The start of the year saw a challenging period, with the "issues" with our boiler and an number of cancellations. Once again we would like to apologise to all families affected by this and hope that the replaced nights make up for the disappointment of losing nights over the festive period.
On a brighter note, 2017 marks Crocus Fields' 40th birthday. We would very much like to celebrate this in style at some point throughout this year. We invite children and families to contribute ideas on how we can make this milestone such a special event.
Furthermore, towards the end of last year, a post was made regarding a potential parents group being set up. We have had 4 families get back to us expressing an interest in setting this up and Lucy Hall will be in touch within the next month or so about a possible first date.
If any other families are interested in being a part of this group we ask that you get in touch with either Peter Corkhill or Lucy Hall.
Job Advert
We are currently recruiting for a Children's Residential Social Care Worker on a part time basis (18.5 Hours per week). This is open to applications until the 27th February. If parents or carers know anyone who has experience and would be interested, we urge you to put them in touch with either Peter Corkhill or Joanne Wright.
They can apply for the post by visiting this website.
OFSTED Report
Following our full Ofsted inspection onh the 19th December, the report is now available to read via this website. If anyone has any questions about the report or how the inspection is carried out, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Phones
We believe that the frustrating a longstanding issues with our phones is finally resolved. In addition to reverting back to two main numbers, we have had amplifiers installed in both units so the phones can be heard clearly throughout the whole building.
The shift mobiles will remain for the time being so you can still text in if needed.
Just in case people were not aware, there are now two main numbers when you need to get through to Crocus Fields, these are:
Unit 1 (Smaller Unit) 0115 8761987
Unit 2 (Bigger Unit) 01158761988
Mental Health First Aiders
Congratulations must go out to Ella And Calum who have successfully completed their Mental Health First Aid (Youth) course. This is an internationally recognised training course designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in young people, and provide help on a first aid basis.
Both Calum and Ella have shown a great passion for this subject, particularly when trying to make it relevant for Crocus Fields and the young people that we work with.
Calum and Ella will both be providing on-going training and advice for the team on this subject and we hope at some point to be able to offer another parental drop is sessions to aid the understanding of families.
Mental health difficulties can often go undiagnosed when the person has a diagnosis of a learning disability or autism. We therefore recognise the importance of understanding and being able to recognise the signs or symptoms. If anyone has any questions for Calum or Ella they only have to get in touch.
The Pod (We are within touching distance!)
Following a mammoth fundraising effort by staff, young people, families and the community, I can confirm that we are now within touching distance of reaching our fundraising target of £70,000!
The charity Wooden Spoon have carried out t heir final inspection of the site and all but approved our bid for £18,000 worth of funding. This grant would take us to within hundreds of pounds of our target and mean that we can officially order the pod for Crocus Fields. This will be an exceptional resource for the local community and beyond. We will be looking at renting out the space to families, schools and others, the details of which are yet to be confirmed. Tim Symington and I visited Osbourne Technologies last week to go over what we want in the space. The visit has confirmed what a valuable asset it will be to the unit and how much our young people will ebb able to get out of it. We are hoping to have it installed and running by the end of the summer.
Once again we would like to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the last year, whether that be on obstacle courses, washing cars, completing triathlons or selling cakes at the train station. We will keep you all updated on developments.
The Year Ahead
Crocus Fields will be compiling its plan for 2017 to 2018 over the course of the next six weeks. We have previously written in the newsletter that we would love some ideas coming straight from families.
We would like to encourage you to get in touch with some ideas and let us know how you think we can continue to improve and grow as a service. It doesn't matter how big or small these ideas are, we really value your input.
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