Bright and early on Saturday 20 April, Charlotte and Abbi  arrived at Heathcotes Oadby packed and ready for their trip to Majorca with Laura and Ella.  After a busy start to the day checking bags and after missing the correct turnoff from the motorway, the girls arrived at the airport!  After check-in the girls wasted no time in taking advantage of the shopping facilities at Birmingham airport, trying on hats, palm tree sunglasses and sparkly tiaras before filling their tummies ready for take-off.  Both nervous and excited, Laura, Ella, Abbi and Charlotte boarded their flight to Majorca armed with supplies and blankets .A long four-hour journey later and the four girls arrived in stunning Cala Bona, Majorca. Tired from their travelling the girls had some pizza before heading to bed, excited for what lay ahead.

The girls awoke to a beautiful sunny morning in Majorca and following a walk into Cala Bona for supplies, they decided to check out the facilities and were met with a huge swimming pool with a bridge and small pool which was just right for Laura.  Ella wasted no time in jumping straight into the clear water, her satisfied grin not preparing Charlotte for the ice-bath that awaited!  She established that the only way to get past the initial shock was to jump in the deep end and tread water like her life depended on it!  Laura and Abi decided it would be far more fun to bask in the glorious sunshine instead!   A lovely afternoon followed consisting of relaxing, playing etch-a-sketch, completing word searches and listening to music, after which the girls returned to the apartment and dressed themselves up to walk to the harbour for dinner.  Laura’s fancied lasagne, so the girls first restaurant call of the week was for an Italian, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After a busy and tiring first day, the girls took a slow walk through the harbour back to the apartment and relaxed watching TV before heading to bed full, satisfied and in great moods.

By day two and three it was essential that the girls checked out what else the hotel had to offer. Unsurprisingly, Laura’s face lit up when we discovered a humongous pirate ship with slides and gadgets! Even Ella was happy to join Laura in the still freezing cold water for some imaginative pirate play before chilling out in the shade for a nap. Not only were the facilities highly satisfactory but all four girls had started to become friendly with the Thomson staff who regularly wandered the pool area looking for willing victims to play water polo, take part in the quiz and the 4pm dancing. The staff were joined by a rather large pooch, Thomson the dog, who made a best friend in both Laura and Ella who waited eagerly at 2pm every day for his arrival so they could have cuddles and photos. With a bit of persuasion,

 Abbi and Charlotte reluctantly agreed that is was perhaps time to start engaging in the hotel activities and by the evening of day two the four girls took part in ‘Quizioke’. Their earlier reluctance however soon became excitement and full involvement in the entertainment; singing loudly (and badly, occasionally even into the microphone), running around to take part in games and both Laura and Ella were loving the choice of music. A Heathcotes Girls rendition of, and dance to, Abba – Dancing Queen was completely necessary and warranted Laura’s trademark hair whipping!

By mid-week the four girls were thoroughly enjoying their holiday, taking routine walks to the harbour and the local shop, trying out new restaurants for dinner and taking part in the hotel entertainment. During one of their daily walks, Ella decided that she quite fancied a Chinese for dinner. Enjoying the warm evening air the girls sat and enjoyed the sea-view and a good natter.As the end of the week drew closer the girls were still enjoying the hot weather and time out to relax and catch some sun.  A very nice neighbour had offered us their lilo and both Ella and Laura were excited to get using it in the pool. Ella, still not bothered by the cool water, was having a great time relaxing on the lilo in the pool and having a laugh with the hotel reps.  Laura was still reluctant to use the big pool, but took her turn with the lilo in the small pool, splashing and laughing. By this time it had become a daily job that the girls took part in the 4pm dance class with the reps and both Ella and Laura had picked up some killer moves to take back with them to Heathcotes.

On the last day emotions were running a little high and while an eager Ella was packed and patiently waiting to spend a lazy day by the pool, Laura was less happy to leave the apartment and looked set to make a permanent move!  After a little persuasion from Charlotte and Abbi that it may be Laura’s last chance to say goodbye to her new friend, Thomson the dog, the girls were ready to be heading home. The four girls enjoyed their last quiz, final cuddles with Thomson and filling meal by the pool before it was time to make the transfer to Palma airport. After a cheeky nap on the coach and check-in, the girls made the most of their last few hours in Spain by checking out the duty free, buying sweets and toys to take home. 

Exhausted from their busy week in Majorca, the four girls returned to the UK to be met by Emma and Maninder, still full of excitement and with lots of fun stories to tell to!

For more information on the services we offer click here, or to make a referral please call our Operations Co-ordinator, Kathie Devenish on 01246 556453 or 07734 997639.

Below, Natasha shares her story and experience of the recruitment process from the candidates' perspective:

I’ve been at Glenfield in the role of support worker and latterly Acting Team Leader for just over a year now.  I have loved my time there, but when I saw that Heathcotes were opening a new home in Leicester and were looking for a Team Leader I thought I would apply, as I felt it would be really exciting to be a part of building up a home from scratch and seeing it develop.  I was so nervous waiting to hear back after sending off my application, but even more nervous once I found out I’d been invited to the assessment day and interview!  My manager was so supportive,  I don’t think I could have done it without her; that’s one of the things I love about Heathcotes – there’s always room to better yourself and progress and the managers support that.

On the day of the assessment, I was greeted by the other candidates and they were so friendly.  There were 7 of us for the team leader roles.  Before lunch we had 2 exercises during group assessment - 1 was a presentation and another was building up a support plan for a new service user around behaviours.  Brendan Kelly, Operations Director popped in to see us during lunch and said how well we’d all done, which was really nice of him.  Mick Murphy, Training Co-ordinator also nipped in.  It was a really nice day, considering it was an interview!  During lunch my nerves started to kick in more knowing after I was going to have my individual interview in front of a panel of 3. 

When Tracy Mason (Operations Manager) called me through, I felt adrenalin kick in and told myself that I can do it!  Tracy, Gary Tideswell (Registered Manager, Heathcotes New Mills) and Kathie Devenish (Operations Co-ordinator) asked me as series of questions, such as what qualities I thought a team leader should have.  Once everyone had their interviews, we were told we would find out within a week whether we were successful or not.  As the next week went on, I found myself in a reflective mood constantly when I was at work and replaying memories in my head and thinking how much I’d miss that place, staff and service users if I was successful, they are all my Heathcotes family!

The following Friday I got a call in the morning and it was Tracy.  I answered the phone whilst shaking like a leaf waiting for the news; I couldn’t believe it when she said she'd like to offer me the job… I think I screamed a little!  She said I did really well and congratulated me, I think I must of said thank you about 50 times!  I’m so looking forward to the next chapter and can’t wait to start my new job, but I’ll still never forget my time at Glenfield and the people there, especially the service users who will always have a place in my heart.  I learnt that if you want to go for something then do it, because the only person standing between you and success is yourself!

Congratulations to Natasha, Nilly and Lisa - we wish you all the very best of luck in your new roles!

Heathcotes staff worked on their training delivery skills, preparation and lesson planning, culminating in the delivery of 4 high-quality training sessions on: 'How to Make a Cup of Tea'.  Assumed to be a simple everyday task, through the training, learners acquired transferrable skills teaching others how to “brew up”, to plan and deliver more complex, skills-based social care related learning in their service.

Heathcotes Care views staff Learning & Development as a key component in ensuring that we provide high quality services.  Our commitment to training is accordingly reflected in our investment in training resources.  Heathcotes staff receive comprehensive on-going training to ensure both our management teams and support workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver the high-quality, person-centred care that we are so proud of.

Prior to his career in management, Ross also worked as an Assistant Psychologist in secure hospitals to which he attributes his continued interest in functions of behaviours which he states has served him well throughout his career since.  Ross has a keen interest in person-centred approaches and continually challenges his teams to evidence to him and the people they are supporting, how they are achieving this. 

Ross’ hobbies include spending time with his 2 children, swimming, playing cricket for his local team, visiting National Trust locations, and eating out with his wife - when they can find a babysitter!

Learning & Development/Business Services Administrator – Permanent

We are looking for a confident, articulate and assertive person to join our Business Services Team.  The ideal candidate will be an experienced administrator, IT literate, with good time management and negotiating skills.  The role is varied and challenging, and will include managing our training calendar; booking venues; booking learners on courses; issuing certificates and supporting managers.  You will also work with other key stakeholders within the business including marketing and business development.  In return we offer a competitive salary and personal development opportunities.

Closing date: 08 May 2013

Apply by emailing your CV and a supporting statement to admin@heathcotes.net or in writing to:

Human Resources, Heathcotes Group, 2 St. Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TD

For an informal chat or further guidance, please contact Mick Murphy on 07792 744043.

Emma Bugby, Heathcotes United Team Founder and Registered Manager of Heathcotes Oadby said, 'It was an absolute joy to see all the lads bonding and having such a good time and the smiles on their faces afterwards were priceless!'.

Heathcotes United's next match will see them playing against 'Jack Shaw FC' on May 06, with upcoming matches on May 13 ⁽9.20pm kick-off) against 'Booker Allstars and May 20 ⁽8.00pm kick-off) against 'Sporting Leicester FC' - good luck boys!

• Autism
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Mental Health issues
• Epilepsy
• Down’s Syndrome
• Communication and Sensory Difficulties
• Physical Disabilities.

Heathcotes Blythe Bridge is a beautifully refurbished, detached property set in the residential outskirts of Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent. Just a short walk from local shops, village pubs and other local amenities and with easy access to leisure opportunities, including Parkhall County Park and Trentham Golf Club. The home is on the outskirts of Stoke, a five-minute drive from the A50 and with easy access to Stoke-on-Trent and Derby City Centre. Local bus stops can take you into surrounding towns and villages such as Cheadle, Meir Heath and Fulford.

Heathcotes Blythe Bridge comprises of two stories, offering eight large single bedrooms and an abundance of communal space, including a large lounge and a very attractive, secluded garden; there is ample opportunity to interact with others, or to enjoy the living space in private.

This is a well established home with a lively, vibrant atmosphere and a fun outlook; service users are supported to access a wide range of activities and to exercise choice and control over every aspect of their lives. Our Registered Manager, Ann Plant, sets exacting standards in respect of quality of care and interaction with individuals using the service, and this is reflected in the confidence, inclusion and involvement of all stakeholders.

I met Eddie my tutor for the day, Eddie explained that today we were going to look further into food hygiene and he helped me note down the fridge temperatures.

Eddie showed me again where the cutlery went and also I was shown the various types of chopping boards.

I set the tables in the café and said good morning to my first customer.

Today I have been shown how the till works and have been assisting Eddie with serving the customers. I have really enjoyed using the till and learning how much items where in the café.

Today I was shown the basics of making leek and potato soup and have been shown how to chop the ingredients safely.

I am excited to go next week!!".

Heathcotes Care exists to provide high quality, person-centred residential services for adults with complex needs, learning disabilities and associated challenging behaviours, enabling them to make life choices, be socially included and take a full and active part in their community.  We are always interested in hearing from both experienced staff and people looking for a new career opportunity.

For further information contact Heathcotes on 01246 220 535.