Newsletter – July 2026
3rd August 2026
Hello Everyone,
We’re back with another exciting edition of the Ashdown Care Newsletter, where we highlight the wonderful things happening across our services, celebrate our fantastic teams, and share stories that inspire. From heartfelt staff shout-outs to service user successes and new beginnings, we’re proud to showcase the incredible work we do together to make a difference.
In this edition, we’re introducing our new Head of Operations, Nat Parry, giving a warm send-off to Glynis Wilson at Ravenscroft, celebrating some fabulous achievements at Waverley Road, and so much more!
We hope you enjoy reading, and as always, keep up the amazing work that makes Ashdown Care a place we’re all proud to be a part of!
Meet Nat Parry – Our New Head of Operations!
Hello Ashdown Family!
I’m Nat (short for Natalie) Parry, and I’m beyond excited to be joining Ashdown Care as your new Head of Operations! Since stepping into my role in early February, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting services, meeting so many of you, and experiencing firsthand the incredible work you do every day. You all truly embody Ashdown’s values, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it!
A bit about me: I’ve spent 20 years in social care (I know, I don’t look that old, right?) and have had the privilege of working across various sectors—from substance misuse to residential care. I’m eager to bring my experience to Ashdown Care, learning from each of you while contributing to our collective growth.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be out and about visiting more sites and meeting as many of you as I can. Don’t be shy—if you see me, say hello! Or reach out anytime. I’m looking forward to working with you all!
Best wishes,
Nat
Ravenscroft Update – A Big Change!
A huge thank you to Glynis Wilson, who has managed Ravenscroft for an impressive 26 years! Glynis is now semi-retiring and will be spending a couple of days a week at head office. While we’ll miss her daily presence and guidance, we’re thrilled that she’ll still be involved and continue to share her wisdom with us.
Taking the reins is the wonderful Carolyn Palmer—big shoes to fill, but we know she’s ready for the challenge!
❤️ Denmark Street’s Valentine’s Day Adventure ❤️
Ralph had a blast on Valentine’s Day with his friends! After receiving flowers and presents from Betty, Ralph headed to Hexham for a coffee and a stroll through the shops.
🎶 St Mary’s Music Night Magic
Chris from St Mary’s had a fantastic time at the 80s music night at the Customs House in South Shields, all thanks to staff member Pearl Taylor. With 6 hours of weekly support, Chris can choose the activities that bring him joy, and he absolutely loved this one! In fact, he enjoyed it so much, he’s already bought tickets for three more events!
🏅 Waverley Road’s Superstar: Scott Mason!
Let’s hear it for Scott Mason from Waverley Road! Scott’s hard work and dedication at school have earned him two additional awards this February. His growing confidence and social development are clear as day, especially when you see his proud smile! Well done, Scott—keep up the fantastic work! 🎉👏
10 Tynevale – A Smooth Transition
We’ve received some great feedback about the transition at 10 Tynevale. One professional shared that the young person has settled in beautifully, with staff managing trigger incidents well and supporting him into regular education attendance. This smooth transition is a testament to the dedication and care provided by our team. Keep it up, everyone!
Paul
A big shout-out to Paul during his CIOC review! He mentioned how happy he is with his placement, praising the staff for being top-notch and providing him with a safe and supportive environment. He loves his bedroom and enjoys the activities staff participate in with him—especially playing football! You’re doing great, Paul—keep up the good work!
🎂 Ravenscroft Birthday Celebration
Happy Birthday to Mark at Ravenscroft! We hope you had an amazing day celebrating with all your friends.
Green Side Adventures
Isabelle’s first holiday with staff was a mystery bus tour with Caledonian buses. After a fun game of bingo on the bus, Isabelle discovered she was visiting Leeds and York! From sightseeing to bowling, and even hitting the arcades, it was a trip to remember. A special thank you to Sarah, who made Isabelle’s experience so enjoyable!
Thurstons Football Fun!
Faye had an unforgettable time at the South Shields football match! She loved it so much, she can’t wait for the next one. The power of sport!
Gary’s Section
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail – Benjamin Franklin
At Ashdown Care, our commitment to excellence is rooted in preparation. Whether it’s planning high-quality support for those we care for, preparing for team meetings, or ensuring supervisions and appraisals are meaningful, preparation is the key to success.
• Support Planning – Taking the time to think ahead ensures that every individual we support receives care that truly meets their needs. Person-centered planning isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about putting real thought into how we enable independence, manage risks, and enhance quality of life.
• Meetings That Matter – Effective meetings don’t happen by accident. Whether it’s a team discussion, a multi-agency review, or a one-to-one, preparation ensures we stay focused, make informed decisions, and drive positive change.
• Ongoing support Meetings and Appraisals – These are not just formalities; they are opportunities for growth. Managers should come prepared with feedback, guidance, and development plans, while staff should reflect on their achievements, challenges, and career aspirations. The more effort we put in, the more valuable these sessions become.
By embracing preparation in everything we do, we set ourselves—and those we support—up for success.
Let’s make every conversation, every plan, and every decision count.
#StrongerTogether #BePrepared #ExcellenceInCare
Surveys: Your Feedback Shapes Our Future!
We want to hear from you! We’ve begun sending out service user surveys to get valuable feedback, and we encourage everyone to fill them out honestly. Plus, this year we’re piloting a new staff wellbeing survey in partnership with Durham University’s In-Sync Research Project. Stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved!
Training Spotlight: Lunch & Learn Sessions
Don’t miss out on these amazing Lunch & Learn sessions hosted by RLB Safeguarding! These free monthly sessions are a great way to refresh your safeguarding knowledge and network with experts in the field. Here are the upcoming topics:
February Session
📅 11-02-2025
⏰ 12-1pm
🎯 Topic: Domestic Abuse – The Impact on Children, Adults, and Workplaces
March Sessions
📅 10-03-2025
⏰ 11-12pm
🎯 Topic: Preventing Sexual Harassment to Protect Employee Wellbeing
📅 11-03-2025
⏰ 12-1pm
🎯 Topic: Safeguarding Excellence in Case Management and Resolution
Suggestions Link: https://forms.office.com/e/AZiGxgXsM7
A new suggestions link is now available for staff and service users.
Concerns form: https://forms.office.com/e/6CVAYSt9av
Remember to like, share and subscribe to our content and look out for the next competition!
Kind regards,
Ashdown Care
3rd August 2026
3rd July 2026
31st May 2026