Since being involved in Community Connecting and it being a big part of our work with individuals, we have worked closely with Supported Accommodation in passing on information for them to support Lorraine to participate in activities that are out of day service hours. Lorraine has accessed her local bingo that takes place on a Tuesday night at the Intex club which is in her community.

Community Connecting in this case has proven successful and we will continue to pass on information and work together.

Lorraine has been working at the Thursday coffee morning for quite a while now and has gradually built up friendships with the regulars who attend.

Lorraine was approached by Anne to see if she would like to join a service users forum where people can make their views and opinions known to others and they can discuss items that they wish to talk about

Lorraine has attended these meetings which where held in a pub in Ashton and this has been a great opportunity for Lorraine to meet other service users and members of the public and build up relationships within the community.

I have supported Pat over many Tuesdays and have consequently been involved in compiling a communication passport to aid Pat within the community.

This will enable Pat to increase her independence whilst out and about, this tool will also enable others to communicate with Pat which in turn will increase Pat’s awareness of her community and be able to access its facilities more independently.

We received information regarding a two day course relating ‘A Certificate in Basic Housing Options and Advice’, the course is in relation to individuals obtaining the relevant information with regards to moving into their own accommodation, I contacted Housing in order to ensure that the three service users identified could secure a place on the course.

I have arranged with Housing any relevant dietary requirements and also ensured that the individuals will be able to access their transport and are able to get to the destination which is in Golborne using public transport.

This course should enable individuals who have expressed an interest in living independently to obtain all the facts that they require.

John is a 55-year-old man who now needs to be mindful of healthier food options and portion control. He is a man who likes routine and all opportunities to snack between meals. These issues were identified and discussed during the process of gathering E.L.P information with staff and family.

John arrives each morning with a bag of crisps, which he eats as soon as he arrives. John then likes to buy chocolate, cakes, more crisps or pop from the garden café or local shops.

Very quickly John included this in his routine, therefore making it difficult for him to address. All staff and kitchen staff have had a consistent approach to support John with resisting unhealthy snacking between meals.

As a result John will now eat the crisps sent from home and wait until lunch before he eats again. If John visits local shops staff support him to choose a drink or fruit instead of chocolate. Staff always explain to John the reason why a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of related diseases.

From the first day of the base opening we have become friendly with our next-door neighbour. Her name is Eunice and has lived in Leigh all her life. She calls in for a drink and a chat with everyone and has given the base some gifts, most notably a Christmas tree and lots of decorations. Also she puts out the bin for us every week and is a good supporter of the base.

(above) Eunice, the next-door neighbour and supporter of the new Twist Lane base.