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.

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!

"Today I arrived at the café and was introduced to the staff and people I would be working with. They showed me were to hang my coat and gave me my new uniform.

I met Eddie my tutor for the day.  Eddie explained how the café was run and what was expected from me. Eddie explained the fire procedures and showed me the evacuation point. I was shown how to wash my hands in the correct manner and taught basic health and safety upon arrival to work.

Eddie showed me how to operate the dish washer which I found exciting and was very pleased with myself after putting on a dish washer cycle by myself. I was shown where the cutlery went and also 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 will be helping with domestic tasks such as the washing up and cleaning and also learning my way around the kitchen. I am very excited for next week and keen to learn more new skills."

Terry will be sending us regular blogs to update us on his progress; watch this space for the next installment!

At Heathcotes we strongly believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles and activities that are important to them.  To make a referral to any of our services, please click here, or call 01246 556 453.

Sunday March 18 marked this year's Mother’s Day (or Mothering Sunday as it is more traditionally known).  This annual celebration where families up and down the country pay tribute to the role their mums, or maternal influences, play in their lives is often traditionally marked with the giving of cards and gifts by way of giving thanks - and Natalie who lives at Heathcotes Glenfield decided to do exactly that!

With support from her keyworker Chloe, Natalie decided to get crafty and go for the personal touch of a handmade card.  Natalie and Chloe got to work with feathers and glitter, even including a picture of Natalie; the result was a truly unique and special card for Natalie to give to her mum. 

At Heathcotes we believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles, relationships and activities that are important to them.  All activities and opportunities are tailor made and include hobbies and pastimes, sporting activities, cookery, access to local community facilities, home visits, celebration of life events, spiritual need and life skills development.  To make a referral to our services click here, or call 01246 556 453.

In our effort to do our bit for this fantastic cause, Heathcotes staff across the services including Heathcotes Glenfield and Heathcotes Eversley, as well as staff from Head Office, dressed down for the occasion and came to work for the day - in pyjamas and 'onesies'! 

Any embarrassment went out of the window as our girls from Head Office embraced their new looks; not only in the office, but also on the commute to work, whilst out buying lunch and answering the door to a rather bemused-looking delivery driver!  Their efforts were kindly repaid with generous donations received from family and friends, as well as members of the public, local police.... and even the bemused (but impressed) delivery driver!

Heathcotes Head Office even set about involving Heathcotes' Director, David Harrison who tasked our HR Administrators, Vicki Ward and Beth Saunders with sourcing him a onesie.  Due to (what we shall call) a 'technical hitch' (or a distinct lack of adult male onesies for sale in Chesterfield!) 'Mission Onesie' unfortunately failed.  However, not to be defeated, Vicki and Beth employed their improvisation skills and decided to give David a Comic Relief 'make-over'.  As you can see, David is thrilled with his new look, in fact we all think it suits him so much, we are hoping he decides to keep it up:

Mick Murphy, Training Co-ordinator was so impressed, he was inspired to emulate David's new look:

Here is Director of Operations, Brendan Kelly kick starting the onesie-wearing action:

And a few more pictures from the day's fundraising that took place across the Heathcotes services:

Heathcotes would like to say a huge thank-you to everybody who got involved with the fundraising and to all who kindly donated to Heathcotes 'Onesie Friday' in aid of Red Nose Day 2013!

We are happy to report that Andrew has now seen the fruits of his labour, successfully securing a position volunteering at Hucknall charity shop, HEADWAY - a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury.

Sarah Lycett, Heathcotes Watnall Manager said, 'We are so proud of Andrew for his perseverance with his job hunt; I have no doubt that he will do really well at his placement'. 

Congratulations on this great achievement Andrew and good luck in your new role from all at Heathcotes!

At Heathcotes we believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles, relationships and activities that are  important to them; our aim is to support individuals and empower them to make informed choices.  For more information about our services, or to make a referal please click here or call 01246 556 453.

Heathcotes Glenfield decided to make Matthew's birthday extra-special by throwing him a party; there were balloons and banners, as well some tasty treats and music.  Matthew also received gifts and thoroughly enjoyed himself.  We are glad you enjoyed your special day Matthew and a very 'happy birthday from all at Heathcotes!'.

Home Manager, Veena Barot said, 'Matthew has really wanted to get a tattoo for some time; what a memorable birthday present and it's really great to see that he is so happy with the result! '.

At Heathcotes we believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles, relationships and activities that are important to them.  To make an enquiry about any of our services, please click here or call 01246 556 453.

Upon arrival at Alton Towers the gtroup entered the world of thrilling rides that lay before them.  After some deliberation over the best places to go and with Laura and Jonathan, wide-eyed with excitement, they queued up for the 'Sonic Spinball' accompanied by Abbi and Chenille who were equally as eager to ride the giant orange pinball-style rollercoaster. Between Jonathan’s running commentary of the ‘Up, up, up... AND DOWN!’ rollercoaster and Laura’s excited squeals of delight, the group left the ride and met with Lisa and Ella all in hysterics on a high from the first exhilarating ride.

After a little bit of persuasion from the staff, Ella decided that she would like to experience the 'Mutiny Bay Pirate Waltzers' so the group headed off for a walk around the stunning Alton Towers lake on a mission to show Ella the thrill of theme park rides. With Lisa, Ella and Jonathan in one waltzer and Laura, Abbi and Chenille in another, the group were ready for some serious spinning!  As the ride sped up, Jonathan leant his head back whooshing round and round while both Ella and Laura could be heard squealing with delight as the ride span faster and faster!  With a thirst for more excitement, Ella once again joined the rest of the group on the 'Runaway Mine Train' and over the whoops of excitement from other revellers, could be heard screaming ‘I love this!’; it was a pleasure to see her enjoying herself after her initial fear of the unknown.

Due to the fact that the Alton Towers 'Sky Ride' was out of use for the day, the gang left the 'Mine Train' and headed off for a picturesque walk around the park on a mission to tackle some of the more terrifying rides. Taking a detour through the newly built Sea Life Centre, both Ella and Laura thoroughly enjoyed gazing at the huge tanks and clear waters full of brightly coloured fish, small sharks and smiling string rays.

On arrival at the 'Nemesis', unfortunately Laura didn’t quite meet the height requirements, despite her insistence and determination to, but she took the initial disappointment well and happily involved herself in cheering and laughing along while Abbi and Chenille accompanied Jonathan on the huge rollercoaster.  Jonathan sat with the biggest smile on his face as the barriers came down; locking the three of them in with nowhere to go but 'Up, up, up... AND DOWN!'.  High on the buzz of riding one of Alton Towers classics, Lisa and Chenille took Jonathan for the final ride of the day on the notorious 'Air' to experience the butterflies of flying over the park!  Underestimating just how close to flying they may actually be, Lisa decided that it was best to pop her glasses in her pocket for safe keeping!  Laura and Ella sat and kept a close eye on everyone’s belongings waiting to see if they could spot Jonathan, Lisa and Chenille on 'Air'.  Though incredibly fast, Chenille’s scream of ‘Abbiiii...’ as they went passed managed to raise an impressive amount of laughter from all involved!

Exhausted from excitement and with a few hungry tummies that needed filling, the group left the theme park giddy and fulfilled after an action-packed day and headed to a nearby pub.  Here they enjoyed a feast of fish and chips and Laura’s favourite 'big big burgers'!  Lisa, Abbi, Chenille, Ella, Laura and Jonathan enjoyed a relaxed meal and drinks before returning to the car to embark on the journey home - serenaded as expected by Laura, satisfied and with fond memories of a fabulous day out!

At Heathcotes believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles, relationships and activities that are important to them.  All activities and opportunities are tailor made and include the following:

• Hobbies & pastimes e.g. fishing
• Sporting activities e.g. rugby and football
• Cookery
• Access to local community facilities
• Home visits
• Celebration of life events
• Education and vocational training
• Life skills development
• Spiritual needs
• Employment  - paid and voluntary

From simple house chores to cutting the grass or attending a football match, our programmes give real choice.  For information about Heathcotes and the services we provide, please contact  us through the website here or call us on 01246 556453.

The courses each ran for 4 weeks and  saw Kial learning new skills which he was keen to put into practice!  Kial decided to utilise his new woodwork skills and make a bird box for the home.  Kial has placed the bird box proudly in the tree in the garden and is now eagerly awaiting the arrival of Arnold's new feathered residents!  Kial has also made some shelves for the office, as well as a tool box.  Alongside learning some new practical skills, Kial thoroughly enjoyed the course and got great pleasure from making things for the home.

Kial's new decorating skills have been also been put to use over at Heathcotes Watnall, where Kial has enjoyed helping with the home's decoration projects.  Sarah Lycett, Home Manager was very pleased with his work and commented on his professional finish.

The courses have inspired Kial and supported by Heathcotes Arnold staff, he has secured an apprenticeship in bricklaying and building.  Kial is now currently looking for a work placement and will be supported by Heathcotes Arnold as he embarks on this new venture.  Well done Kial from all at Heathcotes, we wish you every success! 

Heathcotes is committed to providing a service that offers real opportunities and is a stepping stone to the future for the person using our service.  For more information or to make a referral, please contact us through the website here or call us on 01246 556453.

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At Heathcotes we believe that individuals have a fundamental right to access the roles, relationships and activities that are important to them. All activities and opportunities are tailor made; at the core of every placement within Heathcotes is the aim to work with the person using our service in developing life skills, to enable them to move on into more independent living.  For more information about our services, please contact us through the website here, telephone 01246 556 453, or email enquiries@heathcotes.net.